6 Things You Should Probably Know Before You Smoke Weed On Your Way To The Gym

You've probably heard of a runner's high. Those endorphins never fail to make you feel ecstatic enough to bust through the end of a long run. But what about, well, other kinds of highs? I mean, can I work out high and feel some of those same, awesome, euphoric effects? Or is it a total recipe for disaster?

Well, it sort of depends on the person, but the research isn't exactly a hard "no" against the whole idea. In fact, according to The Wall Street Journal, a handful of ultramarathon runners have admitted to indulging in a quality bowl prior to pounding the pavement.

Now, this doesn't mean your should turn your HIIT circuits into "take-a-hit-circuits," but if you do decide to roll a joint before hitting the weight room, there are a few things you should know beforehand.

Here are six things you should definitely take note of if you're planning on lighting up before leg day.

1. You Might Become A Lot More Focused

As The Wall Street Journal research showed, many long-distance runners have admitted to consuming cannabis before their race.

This is because the drug actually takes away the tedious nature of their trek, and lets them stay in a steady, focused zone.

Is weed actually just nature's pre-workout? I mean, maybe.

2. Your Metabolism Will Get a Boost

Apparently, a lot of the main compounds found in marijuana may help boost your metabolism, and may even work to lower your cholesterol levels.

So, are munchies a myth, or...?

3. Exercise Can Intensify Your High

According to a study published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence, engaging in exercise can actually increase the potency of the marijuana and intensify your high.

Researchers from the University of Sydney asked 15 cannabis smokers to complete 35 minutes of exercise on a stationary bike, and subsequently found higher levels of THC in their blood after they did the workout.

Talk about a literal runner's high, amirite?

4. You May Have A Speedier Muscle Recovery Time

If you take a few puffs before planks, you can thank the CBD, a major cannabinoid found in marijuana, for helping you avoid sore muscles the next day.

That good ol' CBD has many therapeutic effects for a winded body, including decreased inflammation and pain, as well as that juicy, faster recovery time.

5. You Should Definitely Know How Weed Affects You Beforehand

Before you partake in a stoned sweat sesh, make sure you know your own personal tolerance for marijuana.

It's unclear exactly why, but according to experts, pot can have a widely diverse array of effects on people's behavior.

Bottom line: Don't turn SoulCycle into BowlCycle if it's your first time smoking weed, or you know you don't normally have a great response to the stuff.

6. And Be Sure You Don't Have A Heart Condition Or Do Anything Too Intense

It's probably not the best idea to try an intense new workout class while under the influence. This is because marijuana increases your heart rate by 20 to 100 percent shortly after taking a couple of hits.

These effects can last up to three hours, so if you have a pre-existing heart condition, you could be at risk for a heart attack.

At the end of the day, whether it's a runner's high or a literal high, safety always comes first.

Always listen to your body, and know what precautions to take if you're thinking of mixing ganja with your gains.