CBD for Cycling Recovery - Products & Tips
Dedicated cyclists often seek ways to maximize their performance while decreasing recovery time and cumbersome symptoms. After all, long cycling sessions are commonly followed by fatigue, pain, and muscle tightness, all of which can also lead to lingering soreness and joint pain.
One solution to that can help cyclists recover quicker and more effectively is CBD.
It works by reducing inflammation, enabling your body to more effectively repair your muscles. What’s more, CBD can help cyclists mitigate pain and alleviate muscle tightness, amongst other benefits.
In this article, we’ll explore how CBD can benefit pre- and post-cycling routines, methods of application, and specific products that can help cyclists feel their best.
How CBD Can Help Post-Cycling Recovery
CBD helps loosen tight muscles
Tight and achy muscles are the most common aftermath after a long ride. CBD works to combat these post-cycling symptoms by relaxing muscles and acting as an anti-inflammatory, assisting with muscle repair and renewal. Best yet, cyclists can apply CBD prior to beginning the ride to lessen the onset of pain in the first place.
How does CBD work to help keep muscles loose? It helps inhibit the release of neurotransmitters known to induce rigidity and spasms. To read more about how CBD interacts with the body to relieve tension, read our guide to CBD as a muscle relaxant.
CBD alleviates tired joints
One of the most common reasons people use CBD is to soothe aching joints. For localized relief, cyclists can apply CBD cream to their knees before and after training to help decrease inflammation and swelling, lessening the effects of tired joints.
CBD keeps inflammation at bay
As the body's automatic response to injury, inflammation is a natural occurrence during cycling recovery for muscle repair. Inflammation can help heal wounds and strain, but in excess can cause permanent damage, not to mention pain.
Studies show that CBD is effective in reducing inflammation by interacting with the skin’s endocannabinoid receptors which inhibit pain signals. Without the side effects of over-the-counter pain and inflammation meds, CBD is a safe and natural alternative especially when combined with other soothing ingredients like lidocaine or menthol.
CBD can ease the pain of cycling-related injuries
Nothing detracts from the pleasure of cycling quite like pain. It can come in many forms for cyclists, from strained neck muscles to overused ankles. CBD can lessen the sting of minor injuries by interacting with endocannabinoid receptors in your brain, impacting how we perceive pain.
Bonus - CBD Can Help Cyclists With Sleep and Mental Focus
Relaxing your brain also helps to relax your body. During strenuous cycling training, sleep can often suffer, and getting enough shut-eye is an integral part of performing at your best, as well as aiding in recovery. If you are not able to take a break from cycling to allow inflammation and soreness to pass, CBD is an excellent option to assist in relaxing your body to attain enough sleep. Once the brain and body are both relaxed, your sleep will likely improve.
CBD naturally works with the body’s endocannabinoid system, assisting in metabolism, memory, and other vital functions. Studies show that CBD increases the blood flow to the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory processing, reaction time, and mental focus. Adding CBD to your pre-cycling routine can be the added benefit you have been missing for more concentration on the road.
CBD Products for Cyclists’ Recovery
Mini Pain Relief Roller - Infused with potent pain-relieving ingredients like arnica, CBD, menthol, and lidocaine, this topical roll-on can be taken on the go for any cycling journey.
Ultra-Relief Pain Rub - A quality CBD rub can provide relief from inflammation, pain, and joint soreness. We combine 1,500 mg of full-spectrum CBD paired with soothing lidocaine, menthol, and arnica for a comprehensive solution. Rub it on your feet, neck, calves . . .
Super Soothing Pain Serum Cream with CBD & Lidocaine - With near-instant pain relief, this CBD-enriched cream acts as an analgesic enhanced by fast-acting menthol and lidocaine.
Cryo Massage Roller - Support your muscle recovery pre- and post-workout with this must-have cryo tool which reduces inflammation and lactic acid buildup. Increase your cryo massage benefits by adding CBD pain cream or spray to localized areas such as calves, knees, or your back to get an extra punch of pain relief.
Stress Ball Bath Bomb - End your long day of cycling with a relaxing with bath bombs made with potent full-spectrum CBD, essential oils, and natural plant-based ingredients. With a selection of bath bombs including lavender, eucalyptus, and sandalwood oils, your post-riding recovery will be more comfortable and efficient.
By Emily Wegener
With a unique background as an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Masters Degree in Teaching and experience in Psychology, Emily spends much of her time researching and trying out new holistic healing modalities.
