Working Out High: Risks, Physiological Effects, and Safety Concerns

Is it safe to work out high?

Working out while "high" on cannabis or other psychoactive substances is generally not safe and carries significant risks due to impaired judgment, coordination, and altered physiological responses.

Understanding "High": A Physiological Perspective

When discussing "working out high," the primary substance in question is typically cannabis, which contains psychoactive compounds like Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, influencing a wide range of physiological processes including mood, perception, memory, and motor control. The effects can vary significantly based on the strain, dosage, individual tolerance, and method of consumption, but common immediate effects include altered perception of time, space, and sensation, impaired coordination, and changes in heart rate and blood pressure.

The Immediate Risks: Why It's Not Recommended

Engaging in physical activity, especially strenuous exercise, requires a high degree of focus, coordination, and an accurate perception of one's body and environment. Introducing psychoactive substances compromises these critical elements, leading to several immediate dangers:

• Impaired Judgment and Coordination: The most significant risk. Being "high" can severely diminish your ability to judge distances, assess risks (e.g., how much weight to lift, the speed of a treadmill), and execute movements with precision. This significantly increases the likelihood of accidents.
• Altered Perception of Effort and Pain: Cannabis can dull pain perception and alter the sensation of exertion. This might lead individuals to push beyond their safe limits, ignore crucial warning signs from their body (like joint pain or muscle strain), and risk overexertion, rhabdomyolysis, or severe injury without realizing it until it's too late.
• Cardiovascular Effects: THC is known to cause an acute increase in heart rate (tachycardia) and can affect blood pressure, sometimes causing a drop (orthostatic hypotension) upon standing. For individuals with underlying cardiovascular conditions, or even healthy individuals engaging in intense exercise, this added strain on the heart can be dangerous, potentially leading to arrhythmias or other cardiac events.
• Respiratory Compromise: Smoking cannabis can irritate the respiratory system, potentially impacting lung function and oxygen uptake during aerobic exercise. This can lead to shortness of breath or reduced endurance.
• Decreased Reaction Time: Many exercises, particularly those involving dynamic movements, require quick reflexes. Being high can slow reaction time, making it harder to catch a falling weight, adjust to an unstable surface, or avoid collisions in a gym setting.
• Balance and Stability Issues: The psychoactive effects can disrupt proprioception (the sense of body position) and vestibular function, leading to impaired balance. This is particularly hazardous during exercises requiring stability, such as squats, lunges, or any movement on uneven surfaces.
• Cognitive Impairment: Following complex exercise routines, remembering proper form cues, or even operating gym equipment safely can become challenging, leading to inefficient workouts and increased risk.

Specific Exercise Modalities and Associated Dangers

The risks are amplified depending on the type of exercise:

• Weightlifting: The dangers here are immense. Impaired judgment can lead to lifting excessive weight, poor form, dropping weights, or failing to safely rack a barbell. A spotter's effectiveness is also compromised if either person is high.
• Cardiovascular Training: On a treadmill, elliptical, or bicycle, impaired coordination and balance increase the risk of falls. The cardiovascular strain mentioned earlier is also a major concern, potentially leading to overexertion or cardiac incidents.
• Complex Movements, Gymnastics, or Skill-Based Sports: Activities requiring intricate movements, precise timing, and rapid decision-making become incredibly dangerous. This includes sports like basketball, martial arts, or even advanced calisthenics.
• Yoga or Pilates: While seemingly low-impact, these activities demand acute body awareness, balance, and focus on breath. Impaired proprioception and judgment can lead to overstretching, loss of balance, or improper alignment, causing strains or falls.

The "Performance Enhancement" Myth vs. Reality

Some individuals might incorrectly believe that cannabis can enhance performance by reducing anxiety, improving focus, or dulling pain. While it may temporarily alter perception, this is not true performance enhancement. True athletic performance relies on optimal physiological function, precise motor control, and clear cognitive processing. Masking pain or anxiety does not make you stronger or more skilled; it merely removes crucial feedback mechanisms that protect your body from harm. Any perceived "focus" is often an altered state of attention, not the sharp, deliberate focus required for safe and effective training.

The Role of Exercise: A Natural Endorphin Rush

One of the most profound benefits of exercise is its ability to naturally elevate mood, reduce stress, and improve mental well-being through the release of endorphins and other neurochemicals. This "runner's high" or post-workout euphoria is a healthy, sustainable, and safe way to achieve positive psychological states without the risks associated with substance use.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety and Efficacy

From an exercise science and kinesiology perspective, the consensus is clear: it is not safe to work out while high. The potential for serious injury, compromised training efficacy, and adverse physiological events far outweighs any perceived benefits. For optimal health, safety, and training outcomes, it is always recommended to engage in physical activity with a clear mind, fully aware of your body's capabilities and limitations. Prioritize your well-being by keeping your workouts substance-free.