Posted by Cheryl Cryer on May 12th 2023
CBD for Roller Derby Athletes
Roller derby is a physically demanding sport that requires strength, endurance, and agility. As a roller derby athlete, you may experience muscle soreness, joint pain, and other physical discomforts as a result of your intense training and competition. Athletes may also experience difficulty with mental focus due to stress or performance anxiety. With the risks of traditional medications like pain killers and anti-anxiety medications that can have negative side effects, many athletes are turning to CBD as a natural alternative.
Here's what you need to know
In short, CBD, or Cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound found in the hemp (cannabis) plant that has been shown to have numerous health benefits, especially around pain relief, reducing inflammation and calming stressful or anxious feelings.
It interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for regulating various bodily functions such as pain, inflammation, and mood. By interacting with these receptors, CBD can help reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle tension.
Benefits
As an athlete, you may experience various physical discomforts due to the intense nature of the sport. CBD can help alleviate these symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
Pain relief: CBD can help alleviate muscle soreness, joint pain, and other types of pain associated with roller derby training and competition
Anti-inflammatory: CBD has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and inflammation in the body
Anxiety relief: Roller derby can be a stressful and anxiety-inducing sport, and CBD can help alleviate anxiety and help with focus, especially when combined with CBG
Better sleep: CBD can help improve the quality of your sleep, which is crucial for muscle recovery and overall well-being, especially when combined with THC
MURDA playing for Black Disapora. Fav Product: 4XL Pain Relief Stick
Aireale "Murda" Jones is a top performing roller derby athlete (and park skater) who plays on several high level teams including team Black Diaspora. She is sponsored by several skate brands like Chaya Skates, Triple 8, 187 and Brainfreeze Skatewax, and of course CryBaby Wellness.
From Murda "CBD has done amazing things for me as an athlete. On long tournament weekends the 4XL Pain Relief Stick assists with reducing inflammation for a quicker recovery. My knees are forever thankful for that. I’m an athlete that struggles with anxiety. The CBD gummies have been such an essential part in reducing my performance anxiety."
How to use
If you're interested in using CBD to improve your roller derby performance and recovery, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Choose high-quality products: Not all CBD products are created equal, so it's important to choose high-quality products that are safe and effective. Look for products that are more than third-party tested for purity and potency. Look for USDA Organic and other certifications like from the US Hemp Authority. Ask about extraction methods, natural is best. And confirm all cananbidoids are non synthetic and naturally occuring in the plant.
Start with a low dose: If you're new to CBD, it's best to start with a low dose and gradually increase as needed. Your ideal dosage will depend on factors such as your weight, metabolism, and the severity of your symptoms.
Consider different delivery methods: CBD is available in various forms, including oils, gummies, topicals, and bath products. Consider which delivery method is most appropriate for your needs. For example, mild knee pain may only require a mild topical. Oil drops or Gummies are preferred for sleep and stress.
Consult with your healthcare provider: While CBD is generally considered safe, it's important to consult with your healthcare provider before using it if you're taking any medications or have underlying health conditions.
Punk N. Drublic playing for Magic City. Fav Product: 4XL Pain Relief Stick
Heather Lyles (aka Punk N. Drublic) plays for two high-level teams, Jacksonville and Magic City, both in Florida. She also teaches skate lessons from beginners to advanced (check out her Patreon). Find her leading trail skates, working one-on-one with new skaters and also competing in Strongman Competitions.
From Punk "Incorporating CBD into my athletic recovery has been a game changer. I’m competing in strongman events while juggling my derby ambitions on two different leagues. Therefore, I need to train and recover quickly to handle it all.
The 4XL Pain Relief Stick is a lifesaver for acute pain like when I take a skate to the shin. Ouch! The CBD Bath Soaks are perfect for total-body care after a game. If your practice ends late at night like mine, the 1000mg Full Spectrum CBD Oil Drops will help you get over the post-practice adrenaline rush to get a solid night’s sleep."
CBD is a natural remedy that can offer numerous benefits for roller derby athletes - or anyone undergoing rigorous training. Whether you're looking to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, or improve your overall well-being, CBD may be a useful addition to your training and recovery regimen.
Remember that it is very important to choose high-quality products. Start with a low dose and consult with your healthcare provider to ensure that you're using CBD safely and effectively.
By incorporating CBD into your roller derby routine, you may be able to enhance your performance and recover more quickly from the physical demands of the sport.