Have you ever wondered what happens if you smoke marijuana before the gym? Keep scrolling to know more about it....CONTINUE READING
With the increasing legalization of marijuana not only in the United States but across the globe and the curiosity surrounding its impact on weight, body fat percentage, muscle mass, and exercise outcomes, it’s important to provide an unbiased, science-based review of marijuana and its potential effects on muscle building and fat loss goals. It’s worth noting that marijuana was originally criminalized not due to proven harmful effects but as a means to suppress specific minority groups and hinder competition between the wood and hemp industries. Hemp, the plant from which marijuana grows, posed a significant threat as it could be used as a lighter, stronger, and more cost-effective alternative to wood for various applications.
Over time, marijuana has transitioned from being heavily demonized to being recognised for its medical applications. It is now commonly used to alleviate nausea, pain, and appetite loss in cancer patients. Research has also shown the potential for marijuana to inhibit tumour growth, such as in pancreatic cancer cells. Marijuana contains THC, the primary compound responsible for the high and increased appetite, often referred to as the “Munchies.” Another significant cannabinoid is CBD, which shows promise in treating epilepsy and other neurological disorders, as well as reducing inflammation.
While marijuana does offer medical benefits, many healthcare professionals and researchers still express concerns about its potential health risks. For instance, smoking three to four cannabis cigarettes per day has been associated with similar respiratory risks as smoking over 20 tobacco cigarettes daily. However, studies on the comparative harm of marijuana and tobacco present conflicting results, with some suggesting that marijuana may even improve lung strength and capacity. This contentious issue requires further research and experimentation under less restricted conditions.
The information for this article was mainly taken from Max Posternak’s expertise. Max Posternak
is the founder of Gravity Transformation
, a website focused on giving tips and training guidance for people looking to improve their fitness and lose weight. His YouTube channel
has over 5 million subscribers.
Despite ongoing debates, it is undeniable that some athletes use marijuana and believe it provides performance-enhancing effects. A study on French student-athletes revealed that a significant percentage had used cannabis more than ten times within a month. Athletes often claim that marijuana enhances focus and concentration, while also inducing relaxation and potentially aiding in recovery.
It is believed that marijuana’s vasodilator properties, which widen arteries and improve blood flow, may contribute to reducing soreness. Additionally, runners commonly associate smoking marijuana before a run with an enhanced “runner’s high,” a euphoric feeling experienced during exercise. While the release of endorphins was traditionally associated with this phenomenon, recent research suggests that endocannabinoids may play a more significant role, possibly explaining why marijuana amplifies the effect.
Athletes also assert that marijuana helps them get in the zone and manage discomfort during workouts due to its pain-reducing effects. However, scientific consensus regarding the physiological mechanisms underlying improved focus, concentration, and relaxation attributed to marijuana is yet to be established.
However, according to Posternak, there are a few negative side effects one can expect from smoking marijuana before doing sports or going to the gym.
Research on cyclists found that smoking a cigarette with a low level of THC reduces maximum power output significantly compared to those that did not smoke that. On top of that, marijuana can distort perception, coordination and cognition which impairs performance and can increase the risk of injuries when using heavy weights.
When it comes to building muscle, there are a few pros and cons of smoking weed before working out, even though there are no direct studies to get scientific-backed data from.
Marijuana can impair the production of testosterone by up to 56%, while other studies say there are no significant changes during and after as compared to the smoking baseline levels.
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Overall, the negative effects on building muscle when smoking marijuana are dose-dependent and quickly reversible. So if you smoke a lot and regularly, you might have more problems than someone who does it once in a while.
Smoking marijuana increases your appetite, which means you eat more food that is necessary to build muscle (to be in a caloric surplus). This is useful for those who struggle to eat enough calories for their daily intake – just eat the right macros.
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Posternak also talks about how marijuana can affect reduce bodyweight. Click the video below for all the information you need.
In summary, the effects of marijuana on muscle building, fat loss, and exercise outcomes remain a complex and debated subject. Further scientific investigation is required to provide comprehensive answers. It is crucial for individuals to stay informed, consider their specific circumstances, and consult with healthcare professionals when making decisions regarding marijuana use in relation to their fitness goals.
