Cannabis and Exercise – Three Strains to Improve Your Exercise Routine

Cannabis and exercise? Yep, you read that right. Cannabis can help improve your exercise routine. It can even make those boring minutes fun and enjoyable!

But before you go and grab a joint, there are some things that you need to know, of course. First of all, not all cannabis strains can provide this effect. You have numerous strains to choose from, and choosing the right strain can make or break the experience.

Second, not all types of exercises are suitable for cannabis use. So don’t expect that just because you smoked a joint before you hit the gym, your fitness routine will be better than ever.

Third, not all people can benefit from using cannabis with their exercise routine. This is important to know since there are some risks involved in working out high.

Cannabis and Exercise – MJ Strains to Try

There are a lot of cannabis strains to choose from. Fortunately for you though, you won’t have to go through a list of Sativa and Sativa-dominant strains. We have already created that list for you. Below are the top three strains that can improve your exercise routine.

• Sour Cheese

Sour Cheese is a Sativa-dominant strain at 60% Sativa and 40% Indica. This strain is famous for its balanced mental and physical high. It will energize you and improve your focus. However, it won’t make you feel too relaxed or lethargic at the end of your fitness routine. It will also elevate your mood and make your boring exercise routine fun.

Sour Cheese has a high level of THC ranging between 18% and 24%. It’s a cross between Strawberry Diesel as well as Cheese.

• Harlequin

Harlequin is another strain that is Sativa dominant at 75% Sativa and 25% Indica. Like Sour Cheese, Harlequin is also known for its potent analgesic effects. It’s also a popular strain for muscle spasms, pain, and soreness. Harlequin offers a potent body high that’s not only energizing but pleasurable as well. At the right dosage, Harlequin can make your exercise routine more than just a boring activity that you need to complete.

Harlequin has a low to average THC level ranging between 7% and 15% and a high CBD level of 10%. It is a cross between Thai landrace and Swiss landrace with Colombian Gold.

• Jack Herer

An all-time favorite strain, Jack Herer is a 100%, pure Sativa that originated in California. Its euphoric effect is potent, and so is its energizing effect. Jack Herer can give you the right amount of energy boost to get your exercise routine started. It also uplifts your mood and makes those boring hour and a half a pleasurable routine.

Jack Herer’s genetic makeup can be traced back to three famous parent strains. You have Northern Lights #5, Shiva Skunk, as well as Haze. It has a THC level of about 23%.

Types of Exercise Routines

As mentioned earlier, not all types of exercises can benefit with cannabis use. It affects your judgment and reflexes, so this isn’t for exercises that need quick decision-making skills, agility, and speed. Never use cannabis with activities like:

• Stair running.
• Sprints and jumps.
• Street cycling.
• Rock climbing.
• HIIT (high-intensity interval training) programs.

Exercising with cannabis is better suited for fitness routines with repetitive motions. Some of these include:

• Treadmill and elliptical machines.
• Strength training.
• Yoga.
• Dancing and Zumba exercises.
• Low-impact cardio workouts.

Of note, cannabis use before an exercise program can diminish performance. But cannabis’ uplifting and energizing effect can make it fun, more enjoyable, and deeply pleasurable. It will keep you focused and even more motivated to finish your fitness program. It can also reduce muscle pain and soreness caused by exercising.

When Not to Use Cannabis with Exercise

Again, not everyone can benefit from using cannabis with their fitness routines. In fact, some people should never mix the two. These include individuals with cardiac and lung problems. Exercising with cannabis is also not recommended for people with THC intolerance. Athletes with high adrenaline and lower resting heart rate should also never mix the two. Cannabis can speed up your heart rate. It can also cause a drop in your blood pressure and blood glucose level. Exercising while stoned can result in lightheadedness.

Individuals who participate in fast-paced sports like racing and skydiving should also refrain from using cannabis when they’re training. This affects their reflexes and decision-making process.

If you want to try smoking or vaping cannabis before your exercise program, you should start low and go slow. Always assess how your body reacts to cannabis and exercise.