How to Stay Motivated to Exercise

-The Secret System-

Do you ever wonder why your friends love going to the gym so much? Do you ever wonder why people always talk about how good a “pump” feels or the “runner high” they get after running a few more miles than you could ever imagine? Well, the answer lies within a secret system in your body that has been left out of most medical textbooks… What is this mystery system? It’s called the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and it may as well be the most important system in your entire body. 

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS):

Now when you hear the word “cannabinoid” you may think of a certain plant that has been outlawed and recently has started to become more accepted and legalized. I’m talking, of course, about cannabis. Your body’s ECS was discovered by experiments conducted to determine the pathway that THC undergoes to produce that well-known euphoric feeling. Through these experiments, a completely new system was discovered that acts as a switchboard to control all of the other systems throughout your body. 

Your body’s ECS is made up of endocannabinoids (ECBs), endocannabinoid receptors (ECBRs), and enzymes that make and break down these endocannabinoids. Some examples of these ECBs are molecules called AEA and 2AG. These ECBs act as keys that are produced on a need basis to essentially “unlock” or activate or deactivate receptors to maintain homeostasis, which is a term used to describe the normal functioning of your body. 

Imagine your ECS as your apartment building, with a noisy neighbor across the hall. By asking them to quiet down, you’re acting like an endocannabinoid, helping maintain peace and balance. This is crucial when your cells signal stress, pain, or inflammation—just like keeping your noisy neighbor in check. However, once an ECB fulfills its role, it is immediately broken down by degrading enzymes like FAAH or MAGL.

These ECBs are in a race against these degrading enzymes, trying to reach the receptor target before FAAH or MAGL reaches them. If FAAH or MAGL reaches the ECBs before they reach the receptors, then homeostasis can fail to be upheld, and your body can be in complete disarray. A dysfunctional ECS has been linked to many diseases, illnesses, and poor athletic performance and recovery.

Endocannabinoids:

• Anandamide (AEA): Often referred to as the “bliss molecule” due to its role in promoting a sense of happiness and well-being.
• 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2AG): Plays a crucial role in regulating immune functions and inflammation.

Key Endocannabinoid Receptors and Their Roles in Exercise

1. CB1 Receptors
   • Location: Primarily in the brain and central nervous system.
   • Role in Exercise: CB1 receptors are activated by endocannabinoids like anandamide during exercise, contributing to mood enhancement, anxiety reduction, and pain modulation. This activation is a key factor in the phenomenon known as the “runner’s high”.
   • Effects: Improved mental well-being and reduced perception of pain.
2. CB2 Receptors
   • Location: Mostly in peripheral tissues, particularly the immune system.
   • Role in Exercise: CB2 receptors help manage inflammation and pain. During physical activity, their activation by endocannabinoids aids in reducing muscle soreness and promoting recovery.
   • Effects: Reduced inflammation and quicker recovery times.
3. TRPV1 Receptors
   • Location: Found in sensory neurons.
   • Role in Exercise: TRPV1 receptors, also known as capsaicin receptors, are activated by anandamide and other stimuli. They play a role in pain modulation and thermoregulation during exercise.
   • Effects: Enhanced pain tolerance and regulation of body temperature.
4. GPR55 Receptors
   • Location: Various tissues, including bones.
   • Role in Exercise: GPR55 receptors are involved in bone health and inflammation regulation. Their activation can influence bone density and inflammatory responses, contributing to overall musculoskeletal health.
   • Effects: Maintenance of bone density and reduced inflammation.

Enzymes that break down Endocannabinoids:

1. Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH): Responsible for breaking down anandamide (AEA).
2. Monoacylglycerol Lipase (MAGL): Responsible for breaking down 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG).

The Interaction of Endocannabinoids and Exercise

Exercise has been shown to increase the levels of endocannabinoids such as anandamide and 2-AG in the bloodstream. This elevation is associated with the positive effects of exercise, including improved mood, reduced anxiety, and enhanced pain tolerance. The “runner’s high” is particularly linked to the increased activity of CB1 receptors in the brain.

Phytocannabinoids and Exercise: The Role of CBD

Phytocannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD) found in cannabis and hemp, interact with the ECS and can modulate its activity. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce psychoactive effects but offers various health benefits.

• Modulating CB1 and CB2 Receptor Activity: CBD inhibits the enzymes that break down endocannabinoids, leading to higher levels of these natural compounds in your body and enhanced activation of receptors.
• Interaction with TRPV1 Receptors: CBD activates TRPV1 receptors, stimulating its pain-relieving properties.
• Influence on GPR55 Receptors: CBD may regulate GPR55 receptor activity, which promotes bone health and reduces inflammation.

Benefits of CBD for Exercise and Overall Health

1. Pain and Inflammation Reduction: CBD’s interaction with TRPV1 and CB2 receptors helps reduce pain and inflammation, making it beneficial for recovery and muscle soreness.
2. Enhanced Recovery: By modulating ECS activity, CBD can support faster recovery post-exercise.
3. Bone Health: CBD’s influence on GPR55 receptors may improve bone density and overall skeletal health.
4. Anxiety and Stress Relief: CBD can help reduce exercise-induced anxiety and improve mental well-being.
5. Improved Sleep Quality: Adequate rest is crucial for recovery, and CBD has been shown to improve sleep patterns.

Using CBD in Exercise Regimens

• Guidelines for Incorporating CBD: Start with a low dose and gradually increase based on individual response. Consult with a healthcare provider to ensure safety.
• Forms of CBD: Oils, edibles, and topical applications can be used depending on preference and specific needs.
• Dosage Considerations: Individual variability is significant, so personalized dosing is essential.
• Legal and Safety Considerations: Ensure CBD products are legal in your region and sourced from reputable manufacturers.

Conclusion

The endocannabinoid system plays a pivotal role in how our bodies respond to exercise, influencing mood, pain, inflammation, and recovery. By understanding and modulating this system, particularly through the use of phytocannabinoids like CBD, we can enhance our exercise experience and overall health. Exploring the ECS offers a holistic approach to achieving better physical and mental well-being.

References

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