Before Soreness Sets In From Squats and Pull-Ups, I Reach For These CBD Products
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Sore muscles might just be one of my favorite things about doing CrossFit. The "day after squats" awkwardness when walking down stairs and the "I can't raise my arm to brush my hair" tightness after doing pull-ups let me know I'm working hard, pushing myself, and getting stronger. But when I'm so sore I can't work out or I have trouble sleeping, then the soreness has gone too far. I've recently found relief with CBD, and these are my favorite products.
Medterra CBD Cooling Cream
"Liquid magic" is what I call this Medterra CBD Cooling Cream (250 mg for $50). It's ultrasmooth, creamy, and rubs in easily, making it perfect for larger areas, like my shoulders and back. The menthol provides a rapid cooling feeling — it feels amazing!
Charlotte's Web CBD Oil
Easy to take and very effective, I keep a bottle of this Charlotte's Web Original Formula CBD Oil ($75) on hand. If I'm wound up and feeling anxious or am particularly sore, I take half a dropper around dinnertime once or twice a week (a dropper holds about 43 mg of CBD). I found it helps me feel calm and sleep well, and sleep is really important since I get up at 4:45 a.m. for CrossFit.
Dr. Kerklaan Natural Pain Stick
For hands-free application, I'm a fan of this Dr. Kerklaan Natural Pain Stick ($68). Made with eucalyptus and peppermint, I love the subtly cooling sensation. It's clear and glides on smooth and easy, so it's perfect for big areas, and my hands stay clean thanks to the product design.
Elixicure CBD Lotion With Lavender
CBD meets soothing lavender in this soft and silky Elixicure Pain Relief Cream ($35). Made with menthol and a lavender scent, I keep this on my nightstand to rub my sore feet and shoulders.
CBD Muscle Cream
I like to use this Extract Labs Muscle Cream (1.6 ounces for $70) on smaller areas since it's more like a salve than a cream. It contains menthol, arnica, lavender, and rosemary and is perfect to keep in my gym bag for sore hands, knees, or elbows.