Although there is much evidence suggesting you can lose weight with cannabis, it can also be used to gain weight. One of the most common fitness goals heard by personal trainers, besides losing weight, is gaining lean muscle mass. In order to build muscle, you need fuel, and some people find it more difficult than others to eat the needed amount of calories to gain and maintain muscle. Cannabis can help you gain weight by interacting with several areas of your body. THC affects both the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain. The CB1 receptor is responsible for the systematic function of several parts... Read More

When it comes to cannabis products there is a lot to discuss. Options and availability are growing across the world and the number of canna-curious and new users are increasing rapidly. With so many different products it can be overwhelming to understand which product may be best for you. For millions of years, people and animals have been equipped with their own endocannabinoid system that regulates countless functions for overall health and wellness within the body. We have been designed to receive essential cannabinoids for centuries. This is why supplying our bodies with the essential compounds... Read More

Despite being known for causing an increase in appetite, or “the munchies,” there is evidence suggesting you can lose weight with weed. A study in 2013 showed that obesity rates are much lower in cannabis consumers when compared to those who don’t consume cannabis. The study also concluded the results being present after they adjusted for age and sex. This isn’t a definitive conclusion, and more research needs to be conducted, but the results look promising. When we get into why weed can help you lose weight we need to look at a specific cannabinoid. The main cannabinoid being reported... Read More

Chances are you have a furry member of your family. All mammals have an ednocannabinoid system to help maintain balance within the body and optimize proper functions.  Your furry friend can provide perks to your overall health and wellness too. This is probably one of the reasons 68 percent of all households in 2017 within the United States own pets.  Playing with animals, especially puppies, has been shown to increase levels of serotonin and dopamine, which are the hormones that make you feel good. When the hormones are released, it helps reduce stress levels and can help improve memory and... Read More

I am a sponsored trail runner and personal trainer and I incorporate cannabis in my daily training routine.  Specifically, I consume either flower, concentrates or edibles before hitting the gym, trails or yoga sessions.  I also apply topicals to achy joints, such as my knees and shoulders and consume hemp foods throughout the day. Cannabis is a powerful anti inflammatory, and when consumed before a training session, allows me to focus mentally. This helps me maintain longer training sessions. My husband, Antonio DeRose, also uses cannabis as a part of his daily health and fitness routine. We’ve... Read More

The knee is one of the largest and most complex joints in the body and it endures stress on a daily basis. Our knees absorb force equal to 3.5 times our body weight just walking down stairs. For a person weighing 120lbs, that equates to 420 pounds of force! If you exercise, you probably put more stress on your knees, and this can have consequences such joint wear and tear, injury, or osteoarthritis. Overuse will slowly but surely lead to knee injuries. Opt for a range of activities and alternate workouts. If you run, for example, alternate with cycling or swimming to use different muscle groups. ... Read More

A recent article in the journal The Conversation, asked the question “Is walking enough exercise?”  Four out of five experts said yes. The one expert who said no, qualified his response by saying that walking is better than no exercise at all. He goes on to point out that, ideally, strength training and higher intensity exercise is ideal for good health. While strength training and higher intensity exercise along with moderate exercise is the ideal situation for many, the National Runners’ Health Study found that moderate-intensity walking and vigorous-intensity running resulted in similar... Read More

As a young adult, I taught multiple fitness classes and played recreational soccer.  At that time in my life that much physical activity was not only desired, it was a great way to expend my abundant energy.  As I’ve aged, I’ve noticed shifts in my physical activity levels and preferences. You may have noticed that, as you age, your interests have shifted as well. Changes in your activity level and interests are normal. As we age, there are some activities that become more difficult or risky.  For example, if you were a wrestler in your youth, you are not likely able to tolerate the physical... Read More

The Colorado Buffaloes lost quite a few seniors from last year’s basketball squad, but that never seems to affect coach Tad Boyle.  Boyle’s team is off to another good start at 7-2 despite a lopsided loss to the 13th ranked Xavier Musketeers 96-69 last Saturday.  Colorado rarely has the benefit of McDonald’s All-Americans or in-state Blue Chippers, but the strategy of four-year players, defense, and depth has led Boyle to a 149-95 record as the head coach, as well as an astounding 101-19 record at home.  This year’s team is led by 6’6 senior guard, George King, and freshman point guard,... Read More

Dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins are neurotransmitters that regulate our happiness.  A neurotransmitter is a messenger of neurologic information from one cell to another.  Being in a positive mental state has significant impact on our motivation, productivity, and wellbeing. Did you know you can intentionally cause neurotransmitters to flow? Let’s take a look at each one and how you can activate them to make yourself happy. Dopamine motivates us to take action toward goals, desires, and needs, and gives a surge of reinforcing pleasure when achieving them. Procrastination, self-doubt,... Read More