SBT-GRVL’s Gravel Recovery Plan
It is common knowledge that you should take in proper recovery foods within 30 minutes of finishing a workout. Sometimes, that seems easier said than done! Life happens and thankfully GU makes it easy to mix up a recovery smoothie and be on your way! We take recovery just as seriously as a good workout! Check it out HERE
Apply Chamois Butt’r after riding to maintain soft and healthy skin. Restorative ingredients contain natural antiseptic properties to soothe already chafed skin. Improve your recovery with Chamois Butt’r warming Embrocation creams, Skin Wash (“shower in a bottle”), and Kit Wash (remove sweat and grime from tech clothing without harsh chemicals that can damage clothing). Made without parabens, phthalates, gluten, artificial fragrances, or GMOs since 1993. Find the full line of skincare products HERE
Training for a Gravel Race or even just delving into the world of gravel riding means that you will be spending a good amount of time (depending on your goal distance) on your bike. One of the biggest keys to logging quality miles is your ability to recover. iKOR is a highly protective anti-oxidant and effective anti-inflammatory that will help protect your body from the stresses of training and help you to maintain that positive gravel-loving attitude! Look for more information on their products HERE
How to best introduce iKOR CBD into your daily route along with your
Pre and Post workout Routine
A lot of athletes are reaching for iKOR CBD as part of their pre and post workout as well as for daily maintenance.
Is there any science and research to support why people and athletes specifically are reaching for CBD?
Yes, there’s actually a surprising amount!
In fact, research indicates hemp-based CBD may offer a wide range of potential health benefits.
For athletes who want to stay in top shape, hemp-based CBD has a lot to offer.
Why Hemp Extract?
Did you know CBD interacts with a biological system in our bodies, called The Endocannabinoid System, or ECS for short. The ECS is present in all vertebrate species. What makes this system so significant is that it impacts almost every major function in the human body including:
- Sleep
- Pain
- Anxiety
- Memory
- Appetite
- And much more.
But here’s where things get really interesting:
Cannabidiol (CBD) interacts with the ECS, producing a wide range of effects.
It is for this reason that hemp-based CBD is so game-changing.
Our bodies possess a unique system to process cannabinoids like CBD. This unique interaction helps explain why CBD may alleviate conditions like anxiety, inflammation, along with sleep disorders to name a few.
Granted, we still have a lot to learn about the ECS, we do know that consuming hemp-based CBD may have a positive impact on our health and lives.
Is Taking Hemp CBD Safe?
A lot of athletes are concerned about whether or not taking hemp CBD is safe, and rightfully so.
We all have to be mindful of what we’re putting into our bodies, not to mention the legalities of products.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) have removed CBD from its list of controlled substances. Therefore, professional athletes will not jeopardize their careers by consuming hemp CBD.
Not all Cannabidiol (CBD) is created equally though.
You want to pay attention to the type of CBD products you are purchasing. Are you getting cannabis-derived CBD or hemp derived CBD? The cannabis CBD may contain Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), this is still prohibited by WADA/USADA while hemp CBD is exempt as it does not contain THC.
If you are an athlete who needs to stay clean, choose a hemp-derived CBD.
Another point to consider in choosing a CBD isolate versus a full spectrum CBD extract. A CBD isolate does not offer the same potential health benefits as full spectrum CBD does.
One of the reasons is due to the entourage effect.
Essentially, the entourage effect is the idea that the compounds in hemp work synergistically. Compounds like CBD along with phytocannabinoids and terpenes work together, and are thereby, more effective. You can easily make a comparison to riding in a peloton vs. being in a breakaway. Working as a group is more effective vs. being alone for miles at the front.
So if you’re reaching for a CBD extract, reach for one that is full-spectrum (whole plant).
Our ultra refined full spectrum oil contains no synthetic cannabinoids. Each 5mg dose (1mg per pump) delivers pure hemp extract.
We’ve given you some insight into what CBD is and what to look for. Now we’ll give you a few ideas on how to incorporate it into your daily routine.
3 Ways to integrate Hemp CBD Into Your Routine
There are a lot of potential benefits of adding hemp CBD to your training routine and your daily life.
The only question is, what’s the best approach to take it?
CBD can be consumed at any point during the day and still be effective. Given that there are no sedative qualities, you don’t need to worry about feeling sleepy.
1. Consuming iKOR CBD Sublingually (under the tongue)
For maximum benefit, we recommend consuming iKOR CBD in the morning and at night. We suggest leaving your bottle of iKOR near your toothbrush. This way you’re visually reminded to take your dose vs. forgetting to take it if the bottle is hidden away in the medicine or cupboard. Simply place 5 pumps (5mg) of extract under your tongue for the effects to start taking hold. A dose of highly bioavailable (rapidly absorbing) organic hemp oil can help protect your body against the stresses of training and the DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) we’re used to as athletes.
- CBD Infused Pre-workout Shake
You can easily add CBD to your favorite pre-workout shake/smoothie. Simply add 1 dose (5 pumps of iKOR) to your favorite combination of ingredients. Here is a quick and delicious recipe for inspirations
Berries and Greens CBD Shake
- 1 Handfull of baby spinach
- ½ Heart of romaine lettuce (cut)
- 1 Banana
- 1 Tablespoon of almond butter
- ½ Teaspoon of cinnamon
- ½ Cup of water
- 1 dose (5 pumps) of iKOR
- Ice Cubes (as desired)
Mix ingredients in your blender until smooth or to your desired texture. This simple recipe is a great boost before a tough workout.
- iKOR CBD + Hemp Protein for Post-Workout Recovery
As athletes, we know that the 30-60 minutes following a hard training session or race is critical to refueling and recovering. What you put into your body during this time has a huge impact on your recovery and gains. Of course, you want to make the right choices to fuel your body. Taking a serving or two if iKOR CBD after your workout can be a powerful way to boost anti-inflammatory reactions.
Another way to help you rebuild is by enjoying a CBD and Hemp Protein Smooth/Shake. Nutritious and delicious, what more can you ask for, besides a bowl of ice cream or the vice of your choice. Here is a simple and quick recipe for you to use at home:
CBD Hemp Protein Shake
- 1 Banana
- 1 Cup mixed berries
- ½ Cup Oats
- 1 Cup Yogurt (or nondairy alternative)
- 1 Cup of almond milk
- 1 Cup Hemp Protein Powder
- 2 Doses (10mg) of iKOR CBD
The process is similar to the other shake recipe above. Mix ingredients and blend until your desired texture is achieved. Serve in a glass or drink right from the blender with a straw. Your call.
Where To Find High-Quality Hemp Based CBD Online
These are just a few of the many ways you can start incorporating CBD extract into your fitness routine. For other ideas and insights, you can get more info here.
If you are interested in trying CBD, you can browse our online selection of CBD products here. We know that it’s a big step for some to purchase CBD. At iKOR Labs, we believe first and foremost in taking care of our customers. If you try our product and find that it just isn’t for you we offer a money back guarantee. As an added bonus we’re offering all SBT GRVL riders 20%. Use code SBTG20 at checkout.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent any disease.
Looking for more information? Here are some related articles…https://blog.athlinks.com/2018/09/25/what-is-cbd/
