How CBD Has Supported My Holistic Exercise Routine

As I've gotten older, my approach to fitness has changed. What used to be all-out workouts and pushing through pain has shifted to something that is much more sustainable. I've learned that consistency, not intensity, keeps me feeling mobile and clear-headed, and CBD has quietly become a key part of this routine.

A few years ago, after a particularly long and high-altitude hike left me sore for nearly a week, I sat on my porch and thought, "Why am I doing this to myself?" I wasn't training for anything. I just wanted to stay healthy and feel good. That's when I decided to find a better way—one that respected my current life situation and worked with my body, not against it.

Why I Changed My Approach to Fitness

There came a point where I realized my body needed a different kind of care. The soreness lingered longer, recovery took longer, and my motivation dipped when workouts or hikes felt too punishing. That's when I began to explore more holistic movement, a practice that supports my entire well-being, not just my muscles.

Walk-Running: A Simple But Powerful Practice

One of the best changes I made was adding walk-running to my weekly routine. It's just what it sounds like: alternating short jogs with brisk walks. It's not about speed or distance. It's about getting your heart rate up, enjoying the rhythm, and keeping the impact on the joints manageable. For myself, this has been a game changer and has brought me the cardio benefits without the strain of steady running.

Getting started is easy. I begin with two minutes of walking, followed by 30 seconds of light jogging. I repeat that for 30–40 minutes. The key is to listen to your body. On good days, I might extend the jogs. On slower days, I stick to shorter intervals. A good pair of supportive shoes and a flat trail or sidewalk are all you need.

What I love most is how it clears my head. There's something meditative about the rhythm of moving, breathing, and being outdoors. It lifts my mood and gives me a sense of accomplishment without leaving me drained.

Other Gentle, Holistic Strategies I Use

Alongside walk-running, I mix in a few other practices that keep my body engaged without overdoing it:

Rowing machine workout: Combines full-body, low-impact cardio with strength training.

Resistance band workouts: Great for maintaining strength, especially in the arms and legs.

Yoga and stretching: Keeps me flexible and helps with balance.

Core and balance exercises: These improve stability and prevent falls.

Movement breaks: A few minutes of walking or stretching throughout the day add up.

None of it is extreme. All of it is doable. That's the point.

I've also heard from others who've tried these changes and seen results. Carol, 68, told me that walk-running helped her feel "young again" after years of avoiding cardio. And Mark, 72, said chair yoga helped him finally touch his toes and improved his golf game. These aren't isolated stories. More and more people in our community are finding that gentle, consistent movement really works.

How CBD Helps

CBD isn't a miracle solution—but it has been a solid part of my recovery and wellness solution for over 3 years. After a walk-running or a strength session, I use a topical CBD cream to ease any tension or soreness. I also take a Recovery CBD softgel every morning and a Sleep CBD softgel 45 minutes before bed. It helps me wind down and get better sleep, which, let's be honest, is half the battle when it comes to staying active.

What I've found is that CBD supports my system in the background. It helps reduce inflammation and keeps me feeling more balanced overall.

A Look at My Weekly Routine

To give you a better picture of what this looks like in real life, here's a snapshot of a typical week for me:

Monday – Walk-run intervals (40 minutes), followed by light stretching and CBD cream on my knees and lower back while hydrating well.

Tuesday – Stretching or yoga in the morning (20 minutes), plus 30 minutes on the rower in the late afternoon.

Wednesday – Walk 3 or 4 miles, usually with a friend, for accountability and connection.

Thursday – Walk-run intervals again (30 minutes), this time 60 second jogs if I'm feeling good. Post-workout, I use CBD cream if I feel I need it and hydrate well.

Friday – Balance and core work (30 minutes), plus light stretching. 

Saturday – Outdoor movement: gardening, hiking, or just walking in nature. I let it be unstructured but intentional.

Sunday – Full rest or simple mobility exercises. I always end the week with gratitude, reflection and if time allows, a CBD bath.

This rhythm gives my body activity, rest, and recovery. It's flexible, it's enjoyable, and it works.

For Anyone Just Starting Out

If you're new to this kind of movement or curious about CBD, here's what I suggest: Start slow. Try short walk-run intervals. See how your body feels. Add a stretch session a couple of times a week. Pay attention to recovery. And if you're thinking about CBD, check out this CBD 101 Guide from the 55plus Wellness Team. Also, always make sure to speak with your healthcare provider first and start with a low dose to see how you respond.

Aging well isn't about doing more. It's about doing what works for your body, consistently. For me, gentle movement and tools like CBD help me keep going.

Looking back, I feel lighter—physically and mentally—than I did five years ago. I don't wake up dreading exercise, and I feel energized, not depleted. I now sleep better, move easier, and carry a sense of calm into each day. I'm not training for a marathon—I'm training for life, and that's more than enough.