CBD for Post Workout

Post workout routine can be crucial for staying on track with a new fitness routine

The last month and a half I've embarked on a bit of a fitness journey. I wasn't thinking of it that way when I joined the local Crossfit gym (shout out Crossfit Honesale!), but I've come to realize that I'm learning a lot about myself through more regular structured exercise and the goal orientated approach. While I didn't have super defined goals coming into the gym, I thought it would be a good social outlet and I wanted to get stronger especially in my upper body. I had hurt myself a few times lifting things around the farm and recurring back and sciatic pain had become a theme for me in the last couple years. Turning forty a couple of years ago has made me question a lot of things, my exercise routine (or lack there of) was a one that seemed like low hanging fruit. Within a few weeks I was feeling stronger even though it has been humbling. I feel proud of myself, as I've risen to the challenges, and while conditioning and form is super important, I've realized that a lot of it is about mindset. For instance, climbing a rope or running longer distances, were things I said in my head I couldn't do, until I did them.

The only downside to all this exercise is how sore I've been the next day(s). A lot of the time I'm hobbling around the house because my quads or groin muscles are so tender. Its kind of comical and I know I'm making progress, but its also annoying and painful to be sore pretty much all the time in between classes. So I've been focusing some energy on my recovery between classes. Not surprisingly I've found that CBD has been really helpful in combatting soreness and relaxing tight muscles. Worker Balm and Warming Balm are my go to salves for muscle soreness especially if the pain is in a specific area like my shoulders or calves, I can just rub it into my skin and get some relief pretty quickly. However, for full body relief after a more taxing workout or a long run I like to take a hot bath with epsom salt and a squirt of CBD body oil or just drop in a CBD bath bomb for the ultimate post workout recovery. Stretching and drinking lots of water is super crucial too. I often take CBD extract along with magnesium, folic minerals and amino acid supplements post workout as well to help ward off inflammation and soreness as well. I've learned that recovery and alleviating soreness with CBD has been key to keeping me motivated to show up for class and to keep challenging myself.

I can already see some physical results since I started at the gym 8 weeks ago. I have more muscle tone and my stamina has increased a lot. But to my surprise the mental changes have been the greater difference. I feel happier and more motivated. The idea of competing against yourself, challenging yourself to do better, go a little further than you thought you could, is empowering and has the possibility to spread into other parts of my life. While I was running with friends the other day I said I think my new motto is "I'm better than I think I am." I've realized I've had a pretty limited idea of what I'm capable of and Crossfit has reminded me that I am way more capable than I thought I was and also that little by little with hard work we can all get stronger and go further.