Is It Easier to Workout High?
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Some people believe that working out high is the best way to get results. We take a look at the science behind this claim to see if there is any merit to it.
Benefits of Working Out High
Working out while high has been gaining in popularity lately as it can provide several potential benefits. Cannabis can increase your focus and motivation, thus making exercise more enjoyable. It can also boost your creativity and help you find new ways to work out. Additionally, it can redirect pain receptors and thus reduce the sensation of physical pain. Therefore, let’s take a closer look at the potential benefits of working out high.
Improved Focus and Concentration
One of the major benefits of exercising while high is improved focus and concentration. Studies have shown that THC in particular can help the brain better process complex information, creating a heightened awareness and improved attention span. This makes it easier to concentrate on the workout itself, allowing you to push yourself further and increase your performance levels. Additionally, marijuana can help reduce anxiety and paranoia commonly associated with strenuous physical activity. This increased relaxation can be beneficial for those who experience difficulty when trying to complete an intense or challenging exercise routine.
Increased Endurance and Stamina
When you combine the psychological effects of marijuana with the physical effects of exercise, it can create a sort of virtuous cycle. Individuals who exericise while high report feeling more relaxed and less stressed about the workout, allowing them to push further for longer. This is a result of endocannbinoids like THC and CBD which interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body to regulate inflammation, allow for greater oxygen uptake, reduce stress levels, and even speed up wound healing. All of this results in an increased ability to push your body more than before without feeling tired or straining yourself. Furthermore, cannabis’ stimulating mental effects are said to improve focus on whatever activity you’re engaged in; giving athletes an edge on their competition while also helping them stay grounded in their physical movements. Studies have even shown that athletes who work out while high experience delayed fatigue more quickly than those who don’t; giving them greater performance capabilities with fewer negative consequences.
Reduced Pain Perception
One of the potential benefits of working out while high is a reduction in pain perception and discomfort. For those who experience chronic body pain, marijuana can reduce aches and pains enough to help them stay active. According to a 2017 study published by Frontiers in Public Health, cannabis use can reduce pain intensity during activity as well as increase tolerance of physical activity. This could be beneficial to those suffering from chronic pain who want to stay active without having to take their discomfort levels into consideration. Additionally, marijuana has been known to reduce anxiety which can make a big difference in more challenging workouts. These effects on mood and comfort may help athletes push past mental blocks that would otherwise keep them from succeeding.
Risks of Working Out High
Working out while high can increase the risk of injury, as it can impair your reflex time and reaction time. You may have a harder time focusing on your form, which could result in incorrect technique and lead to injury. Additionally, your coordination may be off, making it harder to do the exercises correctly. It is also important to note that working out while high could lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure, which can be dangerous. Let’s look at the risks more closely.
Increased Risk of Injury
It is important to note that the effects of marijuana on the body when working out are still largely unknown. Since cannabis is known to reduce coordination and reaction speed, individuals may be more likely to suffer from injuries while high. It is also important to remember that an intense workout can lead to dehydration which cannabis use can also worsen. Therefore, it is essential to drink plenty of water before and after a rigorous workout sesh if you choose to use marijuana. Additionally, working out high could increase the risk of overtraining or destroying muscles since individuals may not realize when they need a rest day due to their altered mental state. Overall, it is best for individuals who choose to work out under the influence of cannabis remain aware and proceed cautiously in order to minimize the potential risks involved.
Impaired Motor Skills and Balance
Working out high can lead to impaired motor skills and balance, which could result in serious injury. Working out under the influence of marijuana can reduce the body’s ability to coordinate movements and strategies. This is especially true with activities that require focus or involve a high potential for physical risk. The effects of marijuana use on coordination and balance can increase the chance of harm while performing certain exercises such as bench pressing, deadlifts, running, swimming or riding a bike. Additionally, users whose coordination and perception are altered may end up using incorrect form when exercising or even make unsafe choices such as exercising without sufficient warm-up stretches.
Increased Heart Rate and Blood Pressure
Working out while under the influence of cannabis can lead to a number of risks and uncomfortable side effects. One of the primary risks associated with working out high is an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. This increase can put additional strain on your heart, as well as other parts of your body, and can raise your risk for dehydration, headaches, and fatigue. Additionally, an increased heart rate can make it difficult to accurately gauge the amount of physical exertion required while working out. It is therefore important to be mindful before engaging in any physical activity while high.
Tips for Working Out High
Working out while high can have its pros and cons. For some people, it can help to overcome physical and mental barriers, while for others it can be distracting and impairing. It’s important to know what to expect when choosing to work out while high and be aware of the potential risks that come with it. Let’s explore some tips and strategies to help you make the most out of your workout while high.
Start Low and Go Slow
When you decide to work out while high, it is important to start low with a dosage and go slow when incorporating cannabis into exercise. To ensure that your experience is as positive as possible, remember this basic rule – start low, and go slow. This means that if you’re just starting out, begin with a low dose of cannabis and take the time to properly assess how it affects you before increasing the amount.
Depending on the dosage, cannabis can affect your cognitive function, potentially leading to physical challenges during your workout such as dizziness or feeling off-balance; thus, it is important to start off with small amounts in order to gauge how it will affect you before engaging in physical exercise. It is also vital to recognize signs like sensations of fatigue or disorientation while working out and be sure to stop the activity if they occur. Starting low can minimize any potential risks associated with exercising while under the influence.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated before and during your workout is always important, but especially if you are working out high. Marijuana can cause dehydration, so make sure you drink as much water as possible before and during your workout. Drinking lots of water will not only help prevent cramps and most joint pains, but also help flush any unwanted toxins from your body. Sports drinks or coconut water can also be helpful for replenishing electrolytes or energy levels if needed. Additionally, it’s important to make sure that you stay hydrated throughout the day to help regulate the effects of marijuana in your system – drinking plenty of liquids can support a balanced high!
Don’t Push Yourself Too Hard
When working out high, it’s important to take it easy and avoid pushing yourself too hard. This can lead to increased risk of injury, both from the physical exertion itself and from impaired coordination. Start with shorter bouts of exercise that are less intense and observe how your body reacts before taking on more challenging activities. It’s best to focus on low-impact or gentle exercises rather than intense weight training or vigorous cardio exercises. You can still work up a sweat while high; just remember to listen to your body and slow down if you feel discomfort or exhaustion. Additionally, stay properly hydrated throughout your workout by drinking a steady supply of electrolytes and water. By taking these simple precautions, you can reduce the risks associated with working out while under the influence of marijuana and make sure that your health remains a top priority as you pursue a fitness routine.
Common Workouts to Do High
Working out while high can be a unique and rewarding experience. With the right doses of cannabis, it can actually give you a helpful edge in terms of your performance. However, it’s important to know what types of workouts are most suited for you when you’re high because not every exercise is as easy or safe to do when you’re stoned. Let’s take a look at some common workouts to do high.
Yoga
For those looking to experience a more mindful, peaceful and tranquil workout, yoga can be an ideal way to take advantage of being high. Generally yoga involves poses, stretches and movements that are meant to build strength and increase flexibility over time. When it comes to working out high, the experience is slightly different as cannabis has been known to remove distractions from one’s practice, allowing you to focus on your breath and feel more present in your movements. If a heated room is available for hot yoga classes the cannabis-induced relaxation can carry into a flow-like state that can help improve body awareness and mental clarity. In addition to these spiritual components there are physical advantages when it comes to adding cannabis into your practice: some strains can enhance flexibility between poses allowing for an extended range of motion, which helps ramp up a yoga workout even further. There are many types of possible styles when it comes to practicing with cannabis, so experiment with different poses offered in whatever type of yoga classes appeal most (Vinyasa flow, Hatha etc.) before exploring new terrain.
Running
Running is a great exercise for improving physical fitness. It’s low-impact, which makes it easier on your joints than jogging or sprinting, and with practice you can improve your speed, endurance, and overall distance. While high, some people may be more likely to experience a runner’s high — the feeling of euphoria that comes after running long distances. Running is anaerobic exercise so you don’t need any special equipment and can do it virtually anywhere. When starting out, it’s important to pay attention to your breathing and maintain a steady pace while you build up endurance. Once you get the hang of it though you may find yourself really enjoying that post workout feeling even more than usual when using cannabis.
Weightlifting
Weightlifting is an effective exercise specifically designed to build muscle and strength. While it’s possible to do a wide variety of weightlifting workouts while high, certain types of exercises can be especially beneficial. For example, back squats, which involve squatting with the weight held across your shoulders and the back of your head, can help boost strength and power levels. Similarly, deadlifts require a person to lift heavy objects from the ground in order to target their legs as well as their upper body.
If you choose to engage in weightlifting while high, it’s important that you ensure you are focusing on proper form at all times. Pay close attention to correct posture when lifting weights because incorrect form can lead to injury. Additionally, make sure that you rest and hydrate throughout your workout session so that you don’t get fatigued too quickly or become dehydrated during your exercise routine.
Final Considerations
Working out high can certainly be beneficial in some ways, but it’s important to first consider the potential risks. For instance, smoking marijuana can damage the lungs, and it can affect the way your muscles recover after exercise. It’s also important to consider how it might affect your workout motivation and performance. Let’s discuss the final considerations to keep in mind before deciding if it’s right for you.
Listen to Your Body
When deciding whether or not to work out while under the influence of marijuana, it is important to consider many different factors. Everyone is different and so your body might react differently than someone else’s. Ultimately, it is a decision you will have to make with careful consideration.
It is important to listen to your body when making these decisions. If you feel comfortable and in control while under the influence, then it could be okay for you to work out. However, if you feel disoriented or too relaxed, then exercising might not be the best decision for you at that time. It may be better for you to simply rest and enjoy the effects until they have worn off completely before starting your workout routine again.
It’s also a good idea to start slowly with lower intensity exercises when first combining marijuana use with exercise in order to gauge how your body reacts. Monitor your heart rate and other indicators regularly, so that if things take an unexpected turn, you can adjust accordingly or choose to stop altogether if needed. Other precautions like staying hydrated and refraining from strenuous activities like running should also be considered when debating an active lifestyle while high on weed.
Don’t Mix with Other Drugs
It’s important to keep in mind that marijuana can be combined with other drugs, including alcohol and prescription medications. While the effects of this combination may not be seen immediately, they can lead to long-term health risks over time. For example, combining marijuana and alcohol can cause dehydration and increase the risk of cardiovascular problems or liver damage. Additionally, taking a prescription medication while smoking or ingesting cannabis could produce negative side effects like caffeine jitters or drowsiness, as well as a harmful impact on cognitive abilities such as memory and concentration. For this reason, it’s always best to avoid mixing marijuana with any other drugs unless advised otherwise by your doctor or healthcare provider.
Stop Immediately if You Feel Unwell
It is important to keep in mind that cannabis can have different effects on different people, so you should make sure to pay attention to your own body when working out high. If you feel unwell or overly anxious during or after exercise while using cannabis, it is recommended that you stop immediately. Overdoing it with any type of exercise can cause strain on the body, and when combined with cannabis, the risk of injury increases. As everybody reacts differently to cannabis, it might cause one person discomfort but could prove beneficial for another. Therefore, if you’re considering working out high, start slow and listen to your body so that you don’t overdo it and injure yourself.
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