by Micah McKamie
Over the last 20 years, workout supplements have come and gone. Companies produced products like Creatin, Plasma Jet, Hydroxycut, etc. without regard for the safety of the consumer. Within the FDA it is known that a product could stay on the shelves for years before it can legally be taken down, regardless of known safety issues, due to needing substantial evidence to spur the recall.
During those 20 years, I managed to navigate the proverbial minefield of fitness supplements and came out unscathed. However, I do not discount the need for energy, sustainment, and recovery aids, especially as I get older. What I have come here to share with you, is that you do not have to conform to unhealthy diets, expensive workout supplements, or even buy a gym membership. I have found that you can still see the healthy results that you desire just from using the right strains, products, and regimes. Let me show you.
In 2016 a buddy of mine approached me concerned for my safety with the amount of, as well as the types of medications that the VA had prescribed me. That day, he handed me a syringe of RSO hoping that it would at least get me off Ambien. The next morning, I threw away the prescription “sleep aid” and ultimately eliminated all my prescriptions within six months.
Once I decided to go on this terpene journey, I realized that this wonderful little plant is capable of so much more than just getting me stoned or assisting with anxiety. This plant had the ability to control my energy and in turn, to turn it off and on as needed! I was pumped. Finally, a pre-workout that I want to buy, a sleep aid that I am not worried about making me sleep-walk, and a recovery aid that I did not have to worry about shutting down my kidneys. The idea changed the game for me.
Just like ‘wake and bake’ can send you into your day creatively locked in and full of energy, a noon-er joint can get you past the after-lunch lull, or a 4:20 pm smoke will make easing into your evening a little easier, cannabis could unlock pre-workout energy, help sustain pain management during a run or workout, and assist in your body’s ability to recover quickly and efficiently. Over the last year there have been some major players as far as strains that have maximum effects when training with terps:
Jack Herer
Jack Herer has quickly become one of my favorite pre-workouts on my days off. The reason I say “my days off” is because anytime I take it, it is not wise for me to be constrained. I need space to run, jump, do push-ups, throw medicine balls, lug atlas stones around, or whatever other physical activity I can come up with. It creates a massive amount of energy that will allow you to finish any, maybe even all the workouts.
Most workouts that I look forward to with Jack are HIIT or CrossFit workouts. Due to your high energy and intense focus, you will need to be attached to something that has some detail and speed to it. Sprints, box jumps, battle ropes, as well as anyone of “The Girls” would do nicely, but let’s be honest, if you are using Jack Herer, you will do them all. In the end, you are looking for something that is really going to push you to your max.
Cali-O
Cali – O has taken over my weekday workouts due to its ability to supply energy and a clear-headed, upbeat high. This strain can keep you focused on your workout, so you don’t skip anything in the short amount of time you have, as well as help you concentrate on your form. Once the workout is over, I tend to go a little deeper into this strain for a relaxed body high that will allow for proper recovery, but still have energy for the day.
On these days I try to focus on just getting a quick, decisive workout in before work. I like to get my resistance band training or TRX in on these days. This will allow you to activate several major muscle groups at once and maximize your workout for the time. Standing on the band to do curls, doing overhead pulldowns, tricep extensions, or using them to create resistance for my push-ups are just a few of the thousands of workout options with these bands.
Harlequin
Harlequin, when you can find it, is amazing for the more amateur weed workout enthusiasts. Due to its tendency to lean more towards 1:1 or 3:1 THC to CBD, this strain leaves you feeling weightless and pain-free. This cross between Thai and Swiss Landraces with Colombian Gold offers an analgesic effect, as well as relief from muscle spasms, pain, soreness, and inflammation. The energizing effects and potent body high will turn any boring workout routine into a race against yourself. Due to the higher CBD found in this strain, the psychoactive effects are limited, and you won’t get the confusing high that early users might find with higher THC strains.
I love to have a nice, slow run with Harlequin. Something about the uplifting body high, coupled with running on a trail or next to Lake Hefner that really makes the entire process exquisite. The wind blowing through my hair, the mist from the water cooling me down. I always take a “camelback” with me on my runs, so I have a place to keep my stash. Sometimes I will find a place to enjoy a moment and smoke a little before I continue you on my way.
Rick Simpson Oil
Finally, I finish my days with RSO. Rick Simpson oil has been known for years as a possible cure for skin cancer and tons of other ailments, however, I have found the benefits to be more substantial to ingest it as a sleep and recovery aid. RSO is a full spectrum solvent derived full-plant compound that has an array of amazing effects. When purchasing RSO I always check the labs for levels of Ocimene, Humulene, and Camphene. This trinity of terpenes, I have found, works best for me and my body. Ocimene is a wonderful antidepressant that will keep you feeling uplifted, Humulene a solid appetite suppressant, and Camphene has been known to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well as reduce pain and inflammation. Ocimene has also been known to treat symptoms of diabetes by inhibiting the proliferation of key enzymes, thus controlling blood glucose levels that can cause binge eating.
I know this seems like a lot of information. However, what it all comes down to is what makes you feel good. These are just suggestions on where to start. As we all know, each strain affects each person a little differently, so take all of this as a guideline, a spark for you to light your fire. So, get out there!!! Find a Sativa strain, get to moving, and start “Training Through Terps.”
