Does Kratom Have Potential Benefits for Working Out?

If you’ve been on the hunt for something to boost your workouts, you may have heard murmurs about kratom.

The alkaloids in kratom, particularly mitragynine and 7-hydroxmitragynine, interact with receptors in the brain and body to produce a wide range of potential effects. Certain strains and lower doses can potentially produce non-jittery focus and energy, whereas other strains and dosages may produce relaxation and sedation.

So how can this relate to workouts? And are there any potential benefits to be had to your workouts when using kratom before the gym? Let’s explore this topic more in-depth.

What Is Kratom and How Does It Work?

Kratom is a botanical that is derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree. These trees are found in Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

The natives of these regions, particularly the laborers, have been using kratom for centuries primarily to boost energy and mood. Today, the use of kratom has spread to other parts of the world.

Like many botanicals, kratom contains alkaloids, and it is these compounds that are responsible for its effects. There are over 45 alkaloids, but the most active ones are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Altogether, the alkaloids in kratom interact with receptors in the brain and body to produce varying effects that may be dependent on dosage, strain and vein color.

When you take kratom at low doses, typically between 1-3 grams, the effects can include a subtle boost in energy, motivation and focus. These mental effects are a reason some consider kratom to be a workout aid.

However, when you take kratom at higher doses, typically from 4-6 grams, it may potentially produce relaxing and sedating effects. Since the effects from higher doses and certain strains can make you potentially feel more relaxed and tired, they may not be a great workout aid.

Kratom vs. Pre-Workout Supplements

Pre-workout supplements aim to boost energy levels and performance. However, they can differ in their mechanism of action. Most conventional pre-workouts usually contain ingredients like caffeine, beta-alanine, and nitric oxide boosters.

At lower doses, your kratom may potentially enhance focus, energy, and motivation without the same potential of stimulation seen in some pre-workout supplements. When compared to best-selling pre-workout drinks with high amounts of caffeine, the effects from kratom may be more potentially gradual, offering a smoother energy boost.

However, one caveat with kratom, is it has a tendency to cause habit formation if used excessively and for long periods of time. It should also not be mixed with anything including supplements, which may increase its risk of side effects and interactions.

Both supplements have their potential benefits, and some fitness enthusiasts have attested to benefits they get from kratom during their workouts.

Since kratom has potential benefits for motivation and focus, there might be a mental edge in the “mind over matter” methodology that applies to the gym. However, our advice is to avoid using kratom for the gym as anything you come to rely on to fuel you mentally can also become a crutch.

What are the Best Potential Strains of Kratom for Working Out?

Now that you know the pros and cons and how kratom might potentially help mentally during workouts, we will take at the different potential effects of the various vein color types and strains.

Kratom comes in different vein color types, which can have varied potential effects.

• White Veins: They are harvested when the leaves are the least mature. Most white vein strains provide potential boosts in energy, mood, and focus.
• Green Veins: Green veins are harvested when the leaves are slightly more mature than white veins. The potential effects from green veins include a balance of energy, motivation and mental clarity
• Red Veins: The leaves of red-veined kratom are the most mature, and they potentially produce soothing and relaxing effects.

White vein kratom is the most energizing of the three vein types and potentially boost focus and mood. Green vein kratom generally provides more balanced energy effects and red veins are most well-known for their potential relaxing effects.

How to Take Kratom for Maximum Pre-Workout Benefits

To get maximum potential benefits using kratom before workouts, you need to know two things: your dosage and when to take kratom before exercise. For dosage guidelines, starting small is the recommendation when new or kratom or starting any new strain.

You can start with 2-3 grams and adjust based on the effects you notice, but never go above 6 grams and never mix kratom with anything including workout supplements.

30 to 40 minutes before exercise is the best time to take kratom because it takes roughly 20 minutes to start feeling the potential effects.

You can take powder or capsules but you should be responsible with your dosage and know the risks of kratom before use. Lack of responsibility may lead to habit formation and an increased risk of side effects.

Factors to Consider Before Using Kratom

Whatever potential benefit you aim to achieve from kratom, your first priority should be understanding the potential benefits and risks. Also, make sure you research your vendor as there are a lot of subpar kratom products on the market.

Reputable vendors like us, carry out third-party testing and practice GMP production processes.

You should also be sure that kratom is legal in your area before using it as some states and cities have banned it. Lastly, if you are on medications or have a health condition, make sure to discuss kratom with your doctor prior to use.

Remember that kratom works differently in individuals, and you may have to experiment with different strains to find the one that works best for you.

CONTENT DISCLAIMER: The content on this page is strictly for entertainment purposes only. The content below has not been medically reviewed and is not intended to offer advice for use or intended use. For more information about kratom and its potential dangers, please visit the fda.gov site.