More and more athletes have been tapping into THC/CBD products to try to enhance their performance, feel less pain while training or competing, or aid their recovery from workouts, which includes improving their sleep.

The use of THC鈥攖he primary psychoactive compound from the cannabis plant鈥攆or recreational purposes is currently legal in 24 states (medical use is legal in 39 states), with some states only allowing hemp-derived forms of THC. A by the University of Colorado at Boulder found little evidence of performance-enhancing effects of THC for athletes, but significant evidence that participants had greater enjoyment during and after their workouts.

To find out for myself how THC affects workouts, for the past couple of months, I鈥檝e been testing a range of hemp-derived THC/CBD mints called AthleTHC that are meant to support athletes of all kinds.

AthleTHC hit the scene in December听 2024. Two Brazilian Jiu Jitsu athletes鈥攁 power lifter and an ex-Navy Seal鈥攚ho鈥檇 found success with their Kill Cliff CBD products, created three formulas of THC-based mints. Each one is blended with non-psychoactive CBD, CBG, CBC, and/or THCV, which are all derivatives from the cannabis plant with different effects.

Here鈥檚 how , Rebound, Flow, and Power, have worked for me over the past months.

Rebound: THC (2mg), CBD, CBC

I鈥檝e taken the Rebound formula mostly in the evenings after snowboarding or running, or on evenings when other people might have a beer after work or wine with dinner. It makes me feel relaxed, content, and less easily annoyed. I sleep better. I say amusing (to me, anyway) things while watching TV. If I have a nagging pain of any sort, it takes the edge off. I either feel my pain less, or think I feel my pain less. Or don鈥檛 care as much that I have pain. However, whenever I pop one, I鈥檓 maybe a little鈥攚hat was I going to say?鈥� inconsequentially forgetful.

WHY: Two milligrams of THC is considered a micro-dose, but since individual tolerances vary, it may be a regular or even mega-dose. THC is straight-up weed (hence, my feelings of amusement post-mint). is known to relax, reduce pain caused by inflammation, lower anxiety, and treat sleep and even seizure disorders. Studies suggest that the addition of CBD to this mint, and the other two (as well as to any other edible with THC), either of THC or . In my anecdotal studies, I鈥檝e found CBD to generally mellow out THC. Like CBD, is non-psychoactive. It鈥檚 been studied for its therapeutic potential as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anticonvulsant, anti-depressant, and pain-blocker.

Flow: THC (2mg), CBD, CBG

I鈥檝e tested the Flow formula a few times while snowboarding. (It is called 鈥淔low,鈥� after all.) I鈥檝e also used it once while running (from home; I did not drive). I鈥檝e found it, indeed, makes my activity feel flowy鈥攕mooth snowboarding turns (in my head or in reality, tbd), and focused foot placement on rocky trails (I didn鈥檛 trip and felt in flow). It makes putting away laundry less tedious. It makes puttering around doing yardwork a happy and effective activity instead of a chore. It makes sitting down to work on things I find boring feel pleasant. This one also helps me sleep. The Flow mint might be my favorite of the three.

WHY: The formulation of the Rebound mint and the Flow mint are similar鈥攂oth have THC and CBD鈥攂ut the addition of CBG rather than CBC creates a different effect鈥hough it鈥檚 possible that this is in my head. Like CBD, is non-psychotic. Current studies reveal that CBG has therapeutic effects of reducing inflammation, protecting the central nervous system,听 managing pain, helping metabolic syndrome, and even aiding cancer treatment. It can also be used as an antibacterial. CBG has been shown to work like acetaminophen by inhibiting the same enzyme.

Power: THC (2mg), CBD, THCV

The Power formula has scared me. For one thing, the thought of 鈥淧ower鈥� edibles of any sort leads me to believe that听 I鈥檒l go into a weightlifting rage and pull a muscle. Or I鈥檒l run too intensely up my local hill and yell at the top of my lungs from the summit. Even the color is intimidating: while the Rebound mint is white with a cool mint flavor, and the Flow mint is green and spearmint, Power is cinnamon red. Red means rage.

But, in the pursuit of science and journalism, I did it. I popped one and headed out my door for an afternoon run. I may have thought a downed yard waste bag was a lion for a millisecond. I also may have seen faces carved into trees that weren鈥檛 there, and considered adding two miles to the end of my run for fun until my nagging calf brought me back to reality.

According the AthleTHC, the Power mint is 鈥渕eant to increase energy and support focus鈥� and provide a 鈥漨ore stimulating experience.鈥� Did the THC enhance my performance? I鈥檓 not sure; I ran pretty slowly. Did it hinder it? No. I found myself a little dizzy before I headed out the door. While on the run, I felt okay, albeit, a little crazy.

WHY: I am not sure why I felt slightly hallucinogenic on my run, as the third ingredient in this mix, , lacks the psychoactive properties of THC. Along with decreasing appetite, THCV is known to increase metabolism, which increases energy. Maybe that鈥檚 why I felt a touch crazy. It鈥檚 possible that it was the THC, I hadn鈥檛 eaten much, and I knew I had THC in my system and so my brain was open to things it wouldn鈥檛 be otherwise. THC has been known to elevate heart rates; that鈥檚 why it鈥檚 no longer a banned substance in . I have not gauged my heart rate after ingesting a POWER mint. Perhaps I need more research.

THC for Athletes: Promising, but More Testing Needed

I appreciated that AthleTHC mints come in little tins that make them inconspicuous and easy to carry, although the cover says 鈥淎thleTHC鈥�. But then again, do we need to hide the name of products like these, in the wellness category and aimed at athletes? People drink beer. People do all sorts of things鈥攃razier than microdosing marijuana鈥攖hat are socially and legally accepted.

With more and more THC/CBD products on the market, maybe micro-dosing for athletics (or, any reason) will become more normalized. But like drinking alcohol and other normalized habits of adults, THC usage comes with .

One downside I听 experienced: Twice after weekends of testing, I鈥檝e found Monday and Tuesday to be particularly annoying. Life stresses tend to get to me more than usual. According to , 鈥渨ithdrawal鈥� symptoms can include everything from irritability to changes in mood. I don鈥檛 think my experiment got me to the point of addiction, but I can easily imagine how taking something that makes you feel good can become addictive: You want to feel good again.

That said, I found that microdosing mints, used responsibly, appear to have the ability to help athletes recover with relaxation and improved sleep, find flow in activities, and improve mood. It might even enhance power lifting or high-intensity workouts (if hallucinations don鈥檛 get in the way). All things in moderation, and like any substance that鈥檚 only legal to those over 21, I鈥檓 keeping these things hidden from the developing brains of my children while sharing with my adult friends.

In conclusion, while significant data has been collected in this study, findings are somewhat inconclusive and could benefit from future testing.

The post I Tested THC Formulated for Athletes. Here鈥檚 What I Experienced. appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Goldwin Inspiration Calf Sleeves ($49)

Goldwin鈥檚 Lycra compression sleeves help increase circulation and reduce muscle soreness for faster recovery, and they won鈥檛 slip down your calves when you鈥檙e walking or running.

Yoga Design Lab Cork Mat ($65 and up)

Made from natural rubber and cork, this yoga mat is grippy even when sweaty. The symmetrical mandala design creates visual markers to help with body alignment.

Momentous Collagen Peptides Drink Mix ($55)

Momentous sources its collagen from grass-fed cows and adds vitamin C for better absorption. The mix dissolves easily and adds no noticeable flavor.

Orgain Sport Protein Powder ($45)

Recover from hard workouts with 30 grams of protein blended from peas, brown rice, and chia seeds. Bonus: Orgain鈥檚 powder mixes beautifully for a smooth texture and taste.

Roll Recovery R4 Deep Tissue Body Roller ($50)

The R4 has a center groove to relieve tension in the IT band, Achilles, neck, and muscles near the spine, while the scooped sides target larger groups, like the quads and glutes.

Ned Sleep Blend CBD Oil ($96)

Say goodbye to counting sheep. This powerful full-spectrum hemp oil is made with about 29 milligrams CBD per serving, plus other sleep inducing botanicals like valerian, skullcap, and chamomile. Take one dropper before bed and you鈥檒l be out like a light.

Avocado Molded Latex Pillow ($99)

Unlike foam and feather pillows, this eco-friendly model boasts a natural-latex core that won鈥檛 go flat over time. It鈥檚 firm and supportive, plus it has internal channels that promote airflow.

Rhino Skin Solutions Repair Cream ($11)

This lotion is made with natural oils, willow bark, and menthol and is both soothing and moisturizing to help raw skin heal faster. It鈥檚 intended for rock climbers, but you can also use it to alleviate chafing or dry skin.

Addaday BioZoom Edge with Bluetooth Percussion Massager ($150)

No need to empty your wallet for a solid massage gun. This one uses Bluetooth to connect with the free user-friendly app, which has recovery and warm-up routines designed by experts. It even offers plans you can personalize with your own metrics.

The post The Best Recovery Tools of 2021 appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Spring arrived听last month, and we鈥攁long with the rest of the Northern Hemisphere鈥檚 population鈥攁re feeling extra thankful this year for the beginning of the warm season. 国产吃瓜黑料 editors started getting out more in March, camping, road-tripping, and skiing. Here鈥檚 what we used to make it happen.

Drifted Canyon Ripstop Pants ($108)

I鈥檝e been gardening, hiking, and camping in these听 蹿谤辞尘听 for about a month. The new company鈥檚 founder, Puja Seth, polled hundreds of women in the outdoors on what they were looking for in their gear;听fit, quality, and sustainability all stood out in the听answers. Using that feedback, she launched the brand听in January, and now it sells about ten different shirts, shorts, and pants.听The Canyon Ripstop, which I鈥檓 testing, is听lightweight听but durable, thanks to the 100 percent polyester that听I鈥檝e never snagged on rocks or branches. With two deep front pockets鈥攐ne with a bungee cord sewn in that I hook my keys to鈥攁nd two zippered pockets in the back, there are plenty of places to stash lip balm, your phone, and even snacks. I have the cream color, which makes me a little nervous, but so far dirt and grass stains have washed away. Time will tell if this听holds true with more aggressive substances, like wine or blood. 鈥擜bigail Wise, digital managing director

SureCall Fusion2Go Max Cell Signal Booster ($500)

I spent a week working while on the road in California last month, which entailed sending听email听from different campsites and parking lots听and tuning听in to video meetings from camp tables, with the Sierra in my background. While my phone鈥檚 Wi-Fi hot spot helped me connect with听my colleagues, it was that made my remote working experience truly productive. Because听Wi-Fi hot spots require听strong cell听service to operate efficiently, the Fusion2Go ensured I had full bars of LTE connection throughout my entire trip. This car-mounted device uses two antennas to amplify your signal to reach remote towers, and it鈥檚 powered with a car adapter, but I simply plugged it into an external battery when my car was off. I was able to make crystal-clear phone calls and join video meetings without interruptions. Best of all,听it works with all North American carriers. I highly recommend this setup for anyone who needs a reliable internet connection while on the go. 鈥擩eremy Rellosa, reviews editor

Middle Kingdom Unique Cup ($14 and Up)

Durable听isn鈥檛 the first word that comes to mind when you first look at听this from . But it鈥檚 the feature that has most impressed me while using it. The cup has survived multiple tumbles on the counter and clashes in the sink without so much as a crack. It鈥檚 also multipurpose: I鈥檝e used it to sip all manner of beverages, from coffee in the morning to a gin martini in the evening, and听thanks to an interior glaze that resists stains and residues, the flavor of the former never interferes with the latter. While I own听the largest of three sizes offered, I can鈥檛 wait to get my hands on the small- and medium-size cups, which conveniently (and very cutely) nest inside each other for easy storage. 鈥擪elsey Lindsey, senior editor

Hagl枚fs Roc Down Hooded Jacket ($278)

I live in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where things warm up pretty quickly once March hits. That means all my down jackets were packed away by听mid-month鈥攅xcept for . The Roc Down got to stay out because it鈥檚 the perfect piece for spring transitions. Filled with a thin layer of DWR-coated 800-fill down, it creates听just the right amount of warmth for backcountry ski starts or early-morning trips into the office. Once the sun听comes听out, the jacket packs听down听to fit in my commuter and ski bags. It will stay out of storage all summer, because the down provides enough immediate warmth for car camping once the light fades 蹿谤辞尘听the horizon and it鈥檚 time to start a fire. 鈥擩akob Schiller, contributing writer

Dynafit Radical Pro Ski Boot ($800)

For years听I insisted on skiing in the stiffest backcountry boots I could find, because that made me feel cool. If the boots didn鈥檛 have a 130 flex, they didn鈥檛 make it onto my feet. Then I came back to earth鈥攎ost of the backcountry skiing I do is pretty mellow, so听130 was overkill. That鈥檚 why I was excited to get my hands on a pair of the in March. These newly launched boots have a more forgiving and realistic 120 flex and are built听to be all-around backcountry kicks. Features I鈥檝e come to love during several trips last听month include a giant 60 degrees of motion, a very generous and comfy-out-of-the-box 103-millimeter last, and the Hoji lock system, which听allows me to change the boot mode from skinning to skiing听with the flick of just one lever. 鈥擩.S.

POC Aim Sunglasses ($220)

Who in their right mind would buy giant, ridiculous-looking听sunglasses that cost upward of听$200? It鈥檚 a good question听and one I asked myself frequently until I tried . During some longer road rides recently, I was very glad to have the Aim听over my eyes鈥攊ts听humongous, curved lenses cut the wind completely, keeping听my eyes fresh even if I鈥檓 in the saddle for five or six hours. These sunglasses听also have a giant field of view so I can easily see cars and riders around me. POC partnered with Zeiss on the lenses for a result that鈥檚 ultra clear and crisp, whether you鈥檙e eyeing听debris on the road or听the beautiful vista in front of you. Rubber grippers on the nose and temples kept the glasses on when I was sweating like a pig, and this style听fits well under POC and other helmets alike. 鈥擩.S.

Olight Perun2 Flashlight ($90)

The custom Land Cruiser I built for my wife has one glaring flaw: there鈥檚 no light source covering the rear tailgate. I was in the middle of sketching out a custom-wired solution, complete with a one-off 3D printed mount,听when I came across a photo of on Instagram. With a right-angle lens and a magnetic base, it looked like it鈥檇 be able to stick pretty much anywhere on her liftgate, providing light from the perfect angle for any job. And听producing up to 2,500 lumens, it鈥檇 definitely be bright enough. In action, I couldn鈥檛 be happier with it. It鈥檚 easy to switch through the various power modes, and the 4,000-milliampere-hour听battery pack gives it an extraordinarily long run time (175 minutes on high, and nearly two weeks on low), so听we鈥檒l only need to recharge it once a year or so. The rest of the time it can just hang out in the back of her truck, ready to provide any light we need, whenever and wherever we need it鈥攏o weekend-long wiring project necessary. 鈥擶es Siler, contributing editor

Thera Cane Massager ($40) and Joshua Tree Skin Care CBD + Arnica + Menthol听Warming Balm ($60)

Thera Cane鈥檚 magical was one of the first things I bought when I moved out on my own after听long hours of college studying flared up an old shoulder injury. Eight years later, it鈥檚 still one of my prized possessions. Nothing else is as effective at loosening the knots in my neck, shoulders, and lower back after a long day of backpacking or (more likely) staring at my computer. Its bars and knobs are perfectly placed to leverage the sturdy plastic against kinks in all parts of my back and legs鈥攏o masseuse necessary. Pair it with Joshua Tree Skin Care鈥檚 for a hit of full-spectrum, hemp-based pain relief. It鈥檚 pricey, yes, but this stuff was as good as gold on achy post-sledding muscles. 鈥擬aren Larsen, associate editor

HeadPeace Original Headband ($14)

For cool-weather runs, HeadPeace鈥檚 lightweight rayon and spandex offer just enough protection to keep the wind off my ears without causing me to overheat. I have extra-slippery hair and a sloping head shape that rarely allows me to wear headbands, but this one听stays in place no matter what. The clever trifold design allows you to adjust the band for more or less coverage and a secure fit, without any grippy rubber tugging听your hair follicles. Plus, the brand is women owned, and its听ethically made bands come in a rainbow of colors and patterns to match any style. 鈥擬.L.

Goal Zero Flip 24 Power Bank ($30)

When I go into the backcountry nowadays, my phone is my map. I rely on CalTopo听or听Gaia GPS to create routes before heading out and then use them on my device to orient myself and make sure I鈥檓 on course. For years听I relied on a crappy portable battery that I got for free with a magazine subscription to recharge my phone on wilderness trips. At this point, it only gives me about a 25 percent charge, so my girlfriend听very thoughtfully gifted听me as a stocking stuffer at Christmas. It鈥檚 packable鈥攁bout the size of a candy bar鈥攕uper sturdy, and holds the equivalent of two full charges for my iPhone 7. Last weekend听I went to Wolf Creek, Colorado, for a level-one avalanche-safety course, part of which required creating a tour plan on CalTopo and using it to help navigate terrain in the field. It was my first chance to use the Flip 24 in the backcountry, and it literally stayed in my pocket powering my phone all weekend. I never dipped below an 80 percent charge. 鈥擫uke Whelan, senior editor

DPS Alchemist Wailer 112 RP Skis ($1,299)

Lately I鈥檝e been psyched to pull out听my , lightweight, fat, playful skis that float听like a dream in powder听but handle听sun crust, wind buff, refrozen debris, and slushy corn with ease, too. They鈥檝e become my daily driver in the backcountry, because despite the width, they鈥檙e nimble and super responsive, carving stable, surfy turns regardless of the conditions (or how worked my legs are). I鈥檝e taken them up Oregon鈥檚 Mount听Hood in the middle of summer, down Alaskan spines in the dead of winter, and on more morning powder laps at our local ski hill than I can count. I鈥檝e even skied them in-bounds on powder days when my 102-millimeter-underfoot daily drivers weren鈥檛 gonna cut it. I also love that they perfectly match my听. 鈥擜bigail Barronian, associate editor

Artilect Boulder Crew Base Layer and Leggings ($95 Each)

Artilect is a newcomer to the technical-apparel scene, launching in December out of Boulder, Colorado. So far听the company sells just two merino base layers and two merino leggings听but eventually plans to offer an integrated system that includes a hard shell, down hoodie, fleece, and other items. I鈥檝e been testing the brand鈥檚 Boulder Crew 听for ski touring and resort skiing. These are the brand鈥檚 lightest-weight pieces. The thin merino-blend fabric is akin to some summer-weight shirts听but insulates impressively well鈥攐n a par with some heavier merino garments in my closet. It also dries quickly, even during sweaty uphill tours when I probably should have shed layers. The wide elastic waistband on the leggings is comfortable and snug without being constrictive, and the slim cut fits nicely under ski socks and doesn鈥檛 bunch in my boots. I鈥檝e worn both pieces for several听consecutive days of uphill skiing without washing, and without any resulting stink. Artilect will start selling to consumers this听fall through听retailers like Evo and REI. 鈥擥loria Liu, features editor

Miraflora CBD Soft Gels ($33)

I wish I could heed the expert warnings admonishing me to turn off my computer screen early for a better night鈥檚 sleep, but life circumstances have me writing this at 10 P.M. Like many people right now, my partner and I are both juggling full-time work with inconsistent pandemic childcare, and the only reliable time I can catch up on work is when my daughter is asleep. So I鈥檝e been taking for the past month about 30 minutes before I plan to clock out. It has done wonders to help me fall听asleep and stay听asleep听through the night. Plus, I never feel groggy in the morning or unable to check in on my three-year-old if she has a nightmare. 鈥擩oe Jackson, Gear Guy

The post The Gear Our Editors Loved in March appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

This year,听国产吃瓜黑料 launched a new Health column, Well Spent, where our staffers and writers gush听over their favorite wellness products. And gush they did. From a听favorite coffee to听a cure-all听CBD balm, we鈥檝e rounded up the lot to give you听an easy gift guide for your wellness-focused loved ones.

Sachi Organics Rejuvenation Pillow ($96)听

Filled with wool and buckwheat hulls, helped audience development director Jenny Earnest ease her unexplainable neck pain. It鈥檚 fully customizable as well: just remove some of the stuffing听to make the pillow softer. Another bonus for hot sleepers: 鈥淭he buckwheat hulls provide better ventilation than other materials, meaning no head sweats鈥攅ven in the dead of summer,鈥� she wrote.听

Lazarus Naturals CBD Balm ($16)听

This would make a great stocking stuffer for hard-charging athletes. Associate editor Abbie Barronian used it throughout last year鈥檚 ski season to quell aches and pains. 鈥淔or the first time since 2017, I didn鈥檛 have to pause my ski season to let the inflammation in my ankles subside. I鈥檓 convinced the balm had something to do with it, along with dedicated icing, stretching, mobility work, and ski boots modified to fit my weird feet,鈥� she wrote. The Portland Rose balm is 鈥渇ragrant without being overbearing,鈥� helping mask the aftermath of epic days on the slopes.听

Laird Instafuel Instant Coffee ($27 for 16 Ounces)听

Reviews editor and self-proclaimed coffee snob Jeremy Rellosa was won over by smooth profile, semisweet taste, and nutritional makeup. 鈥淲ith 13 grams of carbohydrates per serving, it keeps me satiated until lunchtime when paired with a light breakfast,鈥� he wrote. It鈥檚 perfect for the always-on-the-go athlete.听

Howard Leight Women Earplugs ($8 for 14)听

For fitful sleepers, I recommend听, which are specifically designed to fit smaller ear canals. With a noise-reduction rating of 30 decibels, I鈥檝e听never gone a night without them for more than ten years.听鈥淢ade with softer materials than other brands, they were actually comfortable, and they rarely fell out, thanks to their compact size,鈥� I wrote in my review.听

ProsourceFit Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set ($24)

After trying chiropractic care, acupuncture, yoga, and physical therapy to help treat her mild scoliosis, associate managing editor Aleta Burchyski bought on a recommendation from a friend. It has helped her mobility and eased her discomfort, thanks to 7,992 spikes that provide a听鈥渟ensation best described as fiery, with a smattering of yikes,鈥� soon followed by 鈥渁 gentle buzzing warmth as blood flow increases,鈥� she wrote.听

The post The Wellness Products That Our Editors Loved in 2020 appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Maapilim Hand Sanitizer ($10)

The best sanitizer is the one you鈥檒l actually want to use. Maapilim鈥檚 gel has the requisite for effective de-germing and includes , but the star of the show is the unisex fragrance. A dime-size blob leaves skin beautifully scented with sunny bergamot and heady jasmine grounded by earthy cedar. When your friends ask about your expensive cologne, whip out the tube and share鈥攃lean hands for everyone.

Sachajuan Intensive Hair Oil ($53)

Gnarly tangles and crispy ends are no match for Sachajuan鈥檚 lightweight treatment: argan oil that , to help prevent breakage, and that can result in split ends. Plus it smells subtly powder clean, which mitigates the funk from a long day of getting after it.

Moon Juice Plump Jelly ($58)

Hyaluronic acid is a moisture powerhouse. This little molecule and absorbs beautifully into skin to provide serious hydration. Moon Juice鈥檚听formulation听goes a step further with , which quells irritation from goggles and wind and has antioxidants to . Apply two pumps to clean, damp skin and your parched mug will be as good as new in no time.

Herbivore Lapis Blue Tansy听Face Oil ($72)

Cold, sun, and wind wreak havoc on sensitive skin. 国产吃瓜黑料 of prescription options, the best remedy we鈥檝e found is blue tansy: this vivid flower from the same family as chamomile听is rich in , a soothing extract with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties,听for intense soothing relief. Herbivore鈥檚 Lapis oil blends it with and oils, which won鈥檛 leave you greasy and are packed with fatty acids that .

Tatcha the Kissu Lip Mask ($28)

Peeling lips got you down? Slather on Tatcha鈥檚 lip mask before bed and you鈥檒l wake up to a flake-free kisser. Instead of petroleum or thick waxes, the pale pink balm uses and to repair skin鈥檚 moisture barrier, melting onto skin like honey and smoothing into cracks for effective healing. And should you decide to wear it to apr猫s, the scentless and tasteless formula won鈥檛 interfere with your IPA.

Natureofthings Fortifying Magnesium Soak听($36)

When your legs are feeling the burn, a plain hot bath is good but an hour with these salts is better. Magnesium chloride can , while 60 milligrams of broad-spectrum CBD is purported to 鈥攃ritical for the body鈥檚 . French green clay tackles the body acne that can rear its ugly head after a long, sweaty weekend on the mountain.

The post The Best Grooming Gear of 2021 appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

The world of wellness products is vast and confusing. In our new series, Well Spent,听国产吃瓜黑料听staffers听recommend the hidden gems that they鈥�re unabashedly obsessed with.

As a desk jockey with big–mountain dreams, I鈥檓 overly familiar with aches and pains. I slouch at a computer all week and then听spend my weekends slogging up skin tracks, going over the bars of my mountain bike, or climbing with stronger-than-me friends. I鈥檝e had overuse injuries in just about every joint, and I currently have a bruise on my left butt cheek that鈥檚 been there since October.听

But please听don鈥檛 tell me I need to stretch. Or try dry needling or听herbal medicine. I鈥檝e experimented with it all. The few remedies that I repeatedly turn to are basic, tried-and-true approaches. I ice, take hot baths, foam-roll, and sleep a lot. I drink plenty of water, eat well and often, and do a lot of yoga.听I鈥檓 also completely obsessed with CBD balm.听

I first discovered the stuff听this winter听when, for the third year in a row, an excruciating and as yet undiagnosed pain came back above my ankles. After downing听a troubling amount of ibuprofen, trying听five different pairs of ski boots, and consulting听with over a dozen boot fitters听and several orthopedic surgeons, I started rubbing my ankles down with .

It鈥檚 potent鈥攈alf a teaspoon has 50 milligrams of CBD, and I regularly use more than that. For the first听time听since 2017, I didn鈥檛 have to pause听my ski season听to let the inflammation in my ankles subside. I鈥檓 convinced the balm had something to do with it, along听with dedicated icing, stretching, mobility work, and ski boots modified to fit my weird feet. I applied it every night before bed听and also kept a tub in my car to rub on听after a long day on the mountain. When an ongoing hip problem flared up, or my instep was bruised from seven straight days in touring boots, I smeared it in those areas, too. (Another bonus: It smells fantastic. The Portland Rose听balm听is听fragrant without being overbearing听and was a welcome change during a January hut trip with 14 people in close quarters. And one time, some guy in the Taos听Ski Valley听parking lot complimented the scent from 15听feet away, which was the first time anyone has ever noticed a pleasant smell coming from the trunk of my car midwinter.)

Now, as I enjoy warm, dry-weather sports, I鈥檓 rubbing the balm on fresh bruises, achy joints, and knots in my shoulders. I even put it on sunburns. If I鈥檓 dealing with a chronic condition, I apply the balm daily听and increase听my usage whenever things start to get sore.听

Still, I don鈥檛 know how or why it works. While there are countless anecdotes like mine, the research on topical CBD鈥檚 efficacy is听inconclusive. There are some promising studies that indicate听it may have real pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory benefits, though there are plenty of experts who would chalk it all up to a placebo effect. But honestly, given my own experience with it, placebo鈥檚 good enough for me.听

I do have one听theory as to why CBD听works听so well for me, though.听A tai chi instructor once told me听that she had听students experiencing听joint pain practice 鈥渒nee love鈥� throughout her class. They would听take听a few seconds to simply rub their knees vigorously with their hands, one after the other. Maybe it got the blood flowing or reminded their brain听to fire up听nerve endings. Maybe it was just a nice gesture that put听their mind in the right place. At the听risk of sounding a little woo-woo, I think of applying CBD balm in a similar way: it鈥檚 a sweet little ritual, where I can take a moment to acknowledge and pay attention to the parts of my body suffering for the cause. The cause, of course, being long days at the crag with friends, fast singletrack descents, and the weightless feeling of a powder turn.听

The post The CBD Balm That Saved My Ski Season appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

X-Treme Organics Paw Balm ($36)

X-Treme Organics鈥� blend of butters, oils, and waxes听 heals scratches, protects your dog鈥檚 pads from burns and other hazards, and should last all day so you don鈥檛 have to reapply.

Bocce鈥檚 Bakery PB & Banana Supplemental Calming Chews, 2mg CBD ($16)

CBD can be a boon for pups that need help relaxing in the car. Both the two and five milligram ($29) dosage options are THC-free and contain additional soothing -ingredients like chamomile and peanut butter.

Klymit Moon Dog Bed (starting at $60)

The inflatable, spacious Moon comes in two sizes to fit dogs up to 100 pounds. The laminated polyester can withstand sharp claws, and it packs down to the size of a bread loaf.

Yeti Boomer 4 Dog Bowl ($40)

The Boomer won鈥檛 dent or break, and food-grade stainless steel makes it easy to clean. After months of use, this bowl looks and functions like it did the day we got it.

Ruffwear Highlands Sleeping Bag (starting at $100)

Now available in a large size for big dogs鈥攁nd as cushy as ever鈥攖he Highlands is lightweight and packs down small enough to stash in your bag. Water-resistant fabric makes it easy to wash.

Fido Pro Airlift Emergency Carrier (starting at $70)

In the event of backcountry canine emergency, you鈥檒l be thankful for the Airlift鈥檚 lightweight, easy-to-use design鈥攋ust spread it out and lift your pup into it. We were able to carry a 65-pound dog a -quarter-mile without any issues.

Herzog Silicone Leash (starting at $39)

Finally, a reasonably priced leash that鈥檚 durable, eco-friendly, and stylish, with three colors to choose from. Made from PVC-free recyclable silicone and a sturdy canvas handle, Herzog鈥檚 stain-resistant tether will keep your dog right where you need him.

United By Blue Dog Waste Bag Dispenser Pouch ($22)

This take on the rubber poop-bag dispenser looks like a miniature backpack, and can hold听treats, keys, and a cellphone to keep hands free for ear scratches.

Kurgo RSG Dog County Harness (from $63)

We love gear that can pull double duty, and the County harness delivers: it quickly transforms into a backpack with attachable add-ons like a dog first-aid kit ($33), hydration flask ($27), and a dog treat bag ($22).

The post The Best Dog Gear of 2020 appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Superfeet Me3D Aftersport Recovery Sandals ($100)

After scanning your feet at one of its 40 U.S. Fitstations, Superfeet customizes these slides to your individual foot shape and pressure pattern. Its specially blended foam will make you feel like you鈥檙e walking on clouds, even if your workout was less than heavenly.

iKor Labs Recovery Shot ($6)

This two-ounce booster is loaded with natural anti-inflammatories and antioxidants, including tart cherry and turmeric. Knock it back after a hard workout to help alleviate muscle soreness.

Brazyn Morph Bravo Foam Roller ($68)

The Morph collapses down to less than two inches flat, so it鈥檚 easy to stow in a suitcase or pack. The smooth foam surface helps with myo-fascial release without stirring up inflammation.

Momentous Sleep Nighttime Recovery Supplement ($65 for 60)

With just three ingredients鈥�500 milligrams of Magtein (magnesium L-threonate), 3 milligrams of melatonin, and wild jujube-seed extract鈥攖his supplement will help you fall into a deep sleep so you鈥檒l be ready for race day.

Rawlogy Cork Massage Balls ($12 and up)

Time to retire the lacrosse ball. Made from 100 percent renewable cork, these spheres are firm, surprisingly durable, and extremely lightweight. Take them on the road, or use at home to relieve muscle tension.

Recoup Cryosleeve ($90)

Sure, you can wrap some ice in a towel. Or you can get this compression sleeve, which stays put and keeps cold for up to an hour.听

Armaid Massage Device ($79 and up)

Recently revamped, the Armaid is simple to use and comes with a lifetime warranty. It鈥檚 the best tool we鈥檝e seen for relieving forearm tension and wrist and elbow injuries.

Tailwind Nutrition Rebuild Protein Powder ($39)

Each serving of this plant-based drink has 10 grams of protein, 43 grams of carbohydrates, and electrolytes to help you refuel and recover. Bonus: 80 milligrams of caffeine provides a little extra pick-me-up.

Joshua Tree CBD Recovery Salve ($60)

Our favorite after-climbing treatment uses arnica, menthol, clove, and full-spectrum hemp extract to soothe aches, reduce inflammation, and minimize bruising.

The post The Best Recovery Tools of 2020 appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

If you鈥檙e an active person, surely you鈥檝e heard听these听messages听before: Stretch, it鈥檚 good for you.听And do mobility exercises.听Recovery is the key to health and training progress.

The thing is, they鈥檙e听true. And recovery, especially,听is essential to peak performance and should be treated with the same attention we give to physical training. 鈥淚f you don鈥檛 recover properly, you diminish the work capacity you can take on in your next workout,鈥� explains Steve House, a professional climber and coauthor of and Training for the Uphill Athlete. In other words,听if you want to lift more weight, run faster or longer, or increase the intensity of your Zoom HIIT class without getting injured, you鈥檒l need to help your body recover properly in between training sessions. With听many of us spending more time than ever at home, now is听the perfect opportunity to establish good recovery habits.

The array of specialized tools and methods available to help you do this is dizzying, from foam rollers, massage balls听and guns, and听salt or ice baths to听websites, apps, and even lotions. How do you tell the gimmicky from the truly helpful? You ask the pro athletes putting their bodies to the test every day.

Amanda Hankison, snowboarder

Theragun G3 ($399)

After Hankison, a big-mountain snowboarder and filmmaker, broke her leg, she wanted to get back on the slopes as quickly as possible. She maxed out her insurance鈥檚 physical-therapy offerings, then started searching for ways to continue her recovery at home. 鈥淎 few friends had Theraguns, and I always wanted one听but couldn’t justify the cost,鈥� she says. Recovery success stories from fellow athletes convinced her.

Now Hankison uses the brand鈥檚 all the time. Its electric motor produces a 40-pound force that pumps 40 times a second, helping release tension in sore muscles and any area that tends to stiffen around previously broken bones or sprained joints. 鈥淲hen I鈥檓 super tired and foam-rolling seems daunting, I can just chill on the couch and use the Theragun,鈥� she says. 鈥淪ounds lazy, I know, but it鈥檚 really effective on hard-to-reach spots like the iliacus muscle,鈥澨齱hich is听deep in the hip.

Karsten Delap, climber

Teeter FitSpine X1 Inversion Table ($330)

Ever since his days playing college baseball, Delap has dealt with lower-back pain resulting 蹿谤辞尘听compressed L4 and L5 vertebrae. Now听a professional climber and the owner of the North Carolina鈥揵ased Fox Mountain Guides, carrying heavy packs听exacerbates that pain. Looking for relief a few years ago, he turned to the听, a听device that decompresses the spine by gently flipping you upside down by the ankles,听allowing gravity to elongate and stretch the body.

鈥淚 look at [recovery] products as a way to sustain training and push limits听but also to keep going through big bouts of work while guiding in the mountains,鈥� Delap says. The table can be customized with acupressure nodes and a lumbar bridge, depending on users鈥� needs, and it can help with general muscular tension, herniated discs, sciatica, and other spinal ailments.

Sunny Stroeer, endurance athlete

Gaia Yoga Subscription ($99 per year)

Most days, Stroeer, an ultrarunner and a mountain , wakes up in a sleeping bag. When she鈥檚 home in Kenab, Utah, however, the 34-year-old likes to start her day with a morning meditation and yoga session. 鈥淣o matter what I鈥檓 looking for鈥攎editation, basic stretches, or a specific flow and mobility focus鈥擨鈥檓 usually able to find it on ,鈥� she says of the wellness website and app.

Stroeer has used the platform to keep both her body and mind limber in between expeditions for the past two years. It offers more than a thousand yoga, meditation, breath-work, Pilates, and body-weight cardio videos, ranging from a five-minute Care for Tired Shins听class to 90-minute full-body vinyasa flows. Members can filter the options by body part, duration, and sport.

Chlo茅 Dygert, cyclist

NormaTec Full Body Recovery System Pulse Pro 2.0 ($2,895)

In the final months leading up to the 2016 Olympics, world champion U.S. track cyclist Dygert was logging dozens of hours in the saddle each week. To maintain her giant workload, she started using听, a compression massage device that boosts blood flow. (Dygert is now听sponsored by the company.) Users slide their arms, legs, or hips into sleeves that inflate, squeeze, and pulse in a series of patterns designed to reduce lactate buildup, minimizing fatigue and increasing mobility.

Dygert travels with it everywhere. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a tool that I trust and have used at every big event I鈥檝e competed at since,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 generally use them right after a long training day to flush the legs out. Then on race day, or the day of a big workout, I will flush the legs a few hours prior.鈥�

Emily Harrington, climber

JL Essencials Remedy Relief CBD Balm ($69)

Though Harrington, a professional climber, now resides in California, she grew up in Boulder, Colorado, where her aunt still lives and runs听the skin-care company JL Essencials, which makes organic, plant-based salves, oils, and serums. Harrington applies the mixtures to alleviate everything from sore muscles to worn skin.

Her favorite product is the balm, which blends full-spectrum CBD hemp extracts听and arnica, an herb that鈥檚 part of the sunflower family, to soothe aches. Cayenne pepper and peppermint oils stimulate circulation. Altogether, Harrington says, 鈥渋t鈥檚 warm and tingly鈥� and provides quick, relaxing relief.

Steve House, alpinist

MobilityWOD Supernova 80-Millimeter听($39)

House recommends using a small, hard ball like those in the series to roll out tight and sore muscles. 鈥淟ike deep-tissue massage, rolling is often uncomfortable, especially when the targeted area is seriously afflicted,鈥� he听says. 鈥淲hile you鈥檒l feel relief after just a few minutes, don鈥檛 expect a quick fix. You should plan for routine maintenance.鈥�

He budgets five听to twenty听minutes a day for rolling. 鈥淚f you鈥檝e got a knot, then even a couple of minutes on that spot will help. A useful guide is to roll until you feel a change in the tissue, and stop when you are no longer making a change. You should feel some warmth, a relief or release of tension, and a decrease in pain after rolling,鈥� he says. 鈥淒o not roll on bruised tissue or injured areas.鈥�

The post Pro Athletes Share Their Favorite Recovery Tools appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Nowadays, it seems you can stock your whole pantry with CBD goods鈥攖here are cannabidiol edibles, tinctures, coffee, and cocktails. But one of the most rapidly expanding categories of CBD-infused products is canned beverages, with a market that鈥檚 forecast to grow from $2 million in sales in 2018 to more than $11 million by 2025.

Many of these beverages contain natural fruit flavors and 20 to 25 milligrams of CBD, one of the primary active ingredients in cannabis. CBD has been hailed for its anti-inflammatory and benefits, and many CBD beverage brands say the body absorbs CBD faster and more efficiently when it鈥檚 in liquid form. But Tory R. Spindle, a postdoctoral research fellow at Johns Hopkins, says further studies are needed to back up these claims, noting there has been little controlled research into CBD鈥檚 effects on humans. He adds that cannabinoids鈥攖he chemicals found in cannabis鈥攁re usually insoluble in water, and he鈥檚 skeptical that the amount of CBD in a canned beverage is enough to derive any positive effects. (In a recent study he helped conduct, Spindle says subjects didn鈥檛 see a difference between a placebo and a 100-milligram dose of CBD.) This past fall, the National Institutes of Health that it will launch a study on CBD鈥檚 pain management properties.

In other words, the jury is still out on the science behind the benefits of CBD. But if you decide to give it a try, here are six new canned drinks to check out.

Wyld Fruit-Infused Sparkling Water (12 cans for $48)

鈥檚 CBD sparkling water is available in four varieties: blackberry, blood orange, raspberry, and lemon. The naturally flavored drinks contain 25 milligrams of CBD and are unsweetened, with just a hint of sour.

Vybes CBD Beverage (12 bottles for $96)

One of the more unconventional-tasting brands of the bunch, 鈥檚 uncarbonated CBD drink comes in five fruit, spice, and herb flavors: Honeycrisp apple basil, burning mandarin, strawberry lavender, peach ginger, and blueberry mint. We liked the slightly sweet notes鈥攅ach was similar to drinking water that had been muddled with fresh fruit and spices. They鈥檙e organic and contain 25 milligrams of CBD each.

Weller CBD Sparkling Water (12 cans for $60)

We dug all three flavors of 鈥檚 fizzy CBD beverages. They had a Jolly Rancher鈥搇ike taste that provoked instant nostalgia. The black cherry, watermelon, or tangerine drinks are sweeter than some of the others on this list, but they鈥檙e made with natural flavors and ingredients. Each contains 25 milligrams of CBD.

Day One Sparkling CBD Water (6 cans for $39.50)

Every can of has 20 milligrams of CBD. For now, it鈥檚 available in just one flavor, lemon鈥攇rapefruit and lime are on the way鈥攚hich was crisp and fresh with a bit of bracing tartness.

Cirrus Sparkling CBD Water (4 cans for $20)

Founded by the owners of Second Self Beer Co., drinks contain 10 milligrams of CBD and come in five flavors, including Kata (ginger and turmeric) and Waikiki (papaya and lychee). While the beverages are pretty hemp forward, the interesting herbal notes help balance out their fruitiness.

Cann Social Tonic (6 cans for $27)

鈥檚 Social Tonic is the only CBD drink we tested that also includes THC. Each can contain 2 milligrams of THC and 4 milligrams of CBD. The three flavors鈥攍emon lavender, blood orange cardamom, and grapefruit rosemary鈥攈ave just a touch of sweetness from the addition of agave, which is counteracted by an appealing skunky undercurrent on the palate. Note: This is considered a microdose of THC, so you may feel a slight buzz after drinking a can.

The post Canned Drinks Are the Newest Products for the CBD Crowd appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.