Key Takeaways
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Working out high can potentially help your focus, energy, and wind-down.
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Pair the right edible with your exercise goals.
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Keep some precautions in mind when exercising with edibles.
When you think of edibles, most people think of chilling out or blissing out, but hemp-derived THC edibles can also pair with working out — for the right person with the right exercise goals, and with the right type of edible, of course. From preworkout to wind-down stretches, a little gummy just might be the accessory you need to elevate your exercise moment.
So can you work out high? Absolutely. Here’s how it might come in handy, and how to explore adding it into your fitness routine safely and effectively.
The Perks of Edibles and Exercise
Every edible hits each individual human a little differently — those differing effects come down to tolerance, body size, genetics, and even whether or not you’ve eaten recently. And while the physical effects of a gummy can definitely boost your workout routine, we think a good gummy has the most potential to elevate your exercise in terms of how it makes you feel. Motivation is mental, after all!
And of course, different edibles foster different vibes and different headspaces, some of which can pair perfectly with getting physical.
Find Motivation and Focus
One of the perks you may experience when taking an edible before your workout is an increased sense of focus, which can potentially help you lock in during your exercise sesh. Many gummy fans find that the right edible helps them clear out mental clutter and better navigate distractions, which may help you power through those sets calmly and consistently.
Likewise, the right gummy can help you get into the headspace to practice body scanning while you exercise. And the act of mentally focusing on your body and honing in on how it feels in the moment (rather than letting your mind wander to your inbox or reliving something embarrassing you did in seventh grade), can really boost the effectiveness of your workout.
Try before yoga, pilates, or your next mindfully slow weightlifting session: Camino Sours Orchard Peach ‘Balance’ leverages a blend of THC and CBD that can complement experiences where you want to feel evened out, hyper-focused, and centered.
Up the Vibes
While rest, hydration, and a good warmup are essential to the physical component of exercise, the right edible might just elevate your mental state with a pop of positive energy. Certain gummies, as well as terpenes and varieties of hemp-derived THC, can support an experience where you want to feel uplifted and blissed out without making you want to melt into the couch. If you struggle with a little mid-workout brain fuzz, the right edible may be just the thing to perk you up.
According to a study about the effects of working out high in Sports Medicine, “The bottom-line finding is that cannabis before exercise seems to increase positive mood and enjoyment during exercise, whether you use THC or CBD.”
Try before your next HIIT class, run, or dance cardio session: With zingy THCV, Camino Sours Tropical Burst ‘Energy’ might help you see your sets through with an energized mind and spirit.
Wind Down and Reward
Alongside a good post-workout stretch, every routine needs a healthy comedown, whether that’s a moment of meditation, shaking it out, a respite in the sauna, or a low-impact walk. The right gummy can help you come to your center after a blood-pumping exercise sesh, too.
Likewise, a little treat at the end of your workout can help you lock in healthy routines and rituals, too. And we all know that consistency is key when it comes to exercise.
Try after your next workout: A lower-dose gummy, Camino Freshly Squeezed ‘Recover’ helps put you in a calming headspace without making you want to tuck right into bed.
Tips for Working Out High
Can you work out high? Yes, and it can be helpful for some people, but it also comes with a few do’s and don’ts. Keep these guidelines in mind when popping a gummy before your cardio or strength training.
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While everyone’s different, we’d recommend a lower dosage for workouts, with a ballpark dosage of around 2 to 5mg. Say it with us: start low, and go slow.
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Hydration is always important when it comes to physical activity; it’s extra important when dry mouth can be a factor.
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Avoid working out high if you’re unfamiliar with the routine or equipment, spotting a weightlifting partner, or engaging with weights or machines heavy enough to be a danger. Generally speaking, working out high is best when it’s part of a familiar, comfortable routine that you’re already used to executing.
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Stick with edibles that you’ve already tried before and are comfortable with. Intense physical activity is not the time to try a new or unfamiliar type of experience. Give those edibles a few low-stakes test drives first.
Frequently Asked Questions about Working out On Edibles
You’re not the only one curious about edibles and exercise. These are some of the internet’s most commonly asked questions about working out high, answered.
What does working out high feel like?
That all depends on the formulation of the gummy, as well as you as an individual. Generally speaking, a more energetic or balanced edible can make you feel anything from motivated to somewhat euphoric during exercise, while a more chilled-out gummy might support an experience that feels focused, centered, and, well, balanced.
How high is too high when working out?
It’s up to you to set your limits, and it’s super important to do so. Always assess your mental and physical state before working out high, and err on the side of caution. Before you begin your workout and after you take your edible, ask yourself some questions…
Do you feel uncomfortably high? Are you having trouble focusing? Do you think it’d be dangerous to drive a car, lift something heavy, or operate machinery? Would you say your judgment is impaired? If the answer is “yes” (or even “maybe”) to any of these, it’s best to save your work out for when you’ve come down.
Is it bad to work out after smoking?
Broadly speaking, while working out high could be helpful to your headspace, smoking is an overall detriment to exercise, and a big one, too. Inhaling smoke can affect your heart, lungs, and oxygen-powered muscles, all of which can negatively impact your workout. Smoking can also lead to lowered endurance, poorer physical performance, and an increased risk of injury in the short term.
Long story short: avoid the smoke. We recommend exploring edibles and exercise instead.
Dan is a freelance writer, small business owner, and full-time creative living in Dallas, TX. In 15 years of writing, he’s been fortunate to collaborate with companies and publishers like Cannabis and Tech Today, Healthfully, Salon.com, ArtBase, The Seattle Times, USA Today, SF Gate, and many more.
Sources
University of Colorado Boulder - Study: Cannabis Can Make Workouts More Fun, But It’s No Performance-enhancer
Cleveland Clinic - Smoking and Physical Activity
