Runners Using CBD Experience Less Anxiety and Effort

In recent years, CBD, or cannabidiol, has become one of the most popular dietary supplements, particularly among athletes like runners. Its potential health benefits, such as reducing inflammation, alleviating pain, and aiding sleep, have attracted the attention of many people seeking natural ways to support their bodies.

However, new research suggests that CBD may offer even more benefits, especially for runners. According to the latest findings, taking CBD before a run can not only reduce anxiety levels but also decrease the subjective feeling of effort during running.

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Study on the Impact of CBD on Runners

A recent study involved 12 adult participants who were randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group received 300 mg of CBD, while the other took a placebo in the form of grape seed oil. After a 2-hour break, participants were asked to run 2 miles (3.21 kilometers) on a treadmill as quickly as possible. During and after the run, their vital signs were monitored, and surveys were conducted to assess anxiety levels and other subjective feelings.

The results of the study were quite interesting. Participants who took CBD reported significantly greater feelings of calm and relaxation compared to the placebo group. Moreover, they experienced an 8% lower perception of effort halfway through the run. This finding is particularly important for athletes who often have to cope with the pressure and stress associated with competitions. CBD could prove to be a useful tool in combating these challenges, allowing runners to focus better and achieve better results.

Importance of the Study’s Findings

How might these results impact athletic practice? First and foremost, runners may start considering taking CBD before competitions to reduce stress levels and better control their emotions. A lower perception of effort could also influence their endurance and ability to maintain high running intensity for longer periods. Although the 3.1% difference in completion time in favor of the CBD group was not statistically significant, the lower effort perceived by the runners could be significant in the long run, especially during prolonged training sessions or marathons.

Reducing the subjective perception of effort is crucial for athletes because it allows them to manage their energy better during competitions. Less stress and fatigue can translate into better concentration and more effective use of strength. This could lead to better performance and lower the risk of overtraining, which is a common problem among professional runners.

Context of Findings in Light of Previous Research

These findings fit into the broader context of research on the effects of cannabinoids on physical activity. Stereotypes often link cannabis use with laziness or lack of motivation, but numerous studies in recent years have shown that the reality is quite different. For example, a study published in 2021 found that people who regularly use cannabis are more physically active than their non-using peers. Further studies have confirmed that using cannabis before or after exercise can enhance the experience of working out, increasing the “runner’s high” and reducing pain during exertion.

These discoveries challenge stereotypes about cannabis and CBD use, showing that cannabinoids can have a positive impact on health and physical performance. For athletes, such as runners, CBD could become a valuable addition to their training routine, helping not only with stress management but also in improving the overall quality of training.

Future of Research on CBD and Runners

While the study results are promising, this is just the beginning. The full text of the study is set to be published on September 1, and its author, Elyssa Bell, is already working on publishing the findings in a prestigious scientific journal. As indicated by one of the project’s advisors, Professor Laura K. Stewart from the University of Northern Colorado, the results of this study are very exciting and could open the door to further research on the impact of CBD on athletes.

In the future, it would be worthwhile to investigate other potential benefits of using CBD in a sports context. It is possible that higher doses of CBD or regular use could bring even more significant benefits. Additionally, studies on a larger group of participants could provide more comprehensive data that could help better understand how CBD affects athletic performance and overall health.

Runners and CBD Conclusions

The study on the impact of CBD on runners provides new, fascinating information about the potential benefits of taking cannabidiol before competitions. Lower anxiety levels and reduced perception of effort could significantly impact athletes’ results, helping them achieve better outcomes. Although this is just the beginning of research, we can already speak of promising results that could revolutionize the approach to supplementation in sports. CBD has the potential to become an indispensable element of runners’ and other athletes’ diets, helping them achieve better and better results.

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(Featured image by Andre Morgan via Pexels)

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