Marijuana and exercise is one of those topics where gym folklore and actual science often clash. When the conversation turns to Pilates, the evidence gets even more interesting.

Research on cannabis and exercise performance is still relatively young, but several patterns are starting to emerge. Systematic reviews of acute THC use (getting high right before a workout) consistently show small but real drops in performance: reduced ability to maintain effort, lower maximal work capacity, and more physiological strain, including higher heart rate and breathing rate at a given workload. Studies of THC-containing cannabis during cycling time trials also report worse performance over a 20-minute effort, likely because of both cardiovascular load and psychotropic effects (feeling “too high” to push).

At the same time, observational research paints a more nuanced picture. Surveys of adult cannabis users in legal states show that many pair cannabis with workouts, and those who do actually log more weekly minutes of aerobic and anaerobic exercise than users who keep the two separate. Other studies find that a majority of users report workouts feeling more enjoyable and satisfying when they exercise after consuming cannabis, even though objective performance isn’t clearly enhanced. In other words, cannabis may not make you physically stronger or faster, but it can change how the workout feels.

For Pilates, that distinction matters. Pilates relies heavily on balance, precise control, and breath. Acute THC use has been associated with impaired balance and increased postural sway, as well as higher resting and exercise heart rates. On the mat or reformer, that could translate into wobblier standing work, less accurate alignment, and a higher risk of losing control in moves that require fine motor stability.

Where cannabis may have more practical overlap with Pilates is on the recovery and motivation side rather than pure performance. Reviews of cannabis in sport note that many athletes use cannabis primarily for pain relief, relaxation, and sleep rather than for in-session performance. Reduced muscle discomfort or improved sleep quality between sessions could make it easier to stick to a regular Pilates schedule, especially for people dealing with chronic pain or high training loads.

CBD, the non-intoxicating cannabinoid, sits in a different category. A recent randomized trial found that low to moderate doses of CBD did not significantly change heart rate, oxygen use, time to exhaustion, or perceived effort during submaximal endurance exercise. However, survey data from elite athletes suggests many perceive benefits for pain and sleep with regular CBD use. For Pilates enthusiasts, that suggests CBD might be better positioned as a recovery or comfort tool rather than a direct performance enhancer.

Practically, the current evidence supports a cautious approach:

• Avoid heavy THC doses right before Pilates, especially sessions heavy on balance or advanced reformer work.
• Prioritize clear-headed sessions if the goal is learning technique, progressing to more complex exercises, or rehabbing an injury.
• Consider CBD or low-dose products post-session if pain or soreness is a barrier, recognizing that most benefits are still based on early or self-reported data.
• Always factor in individual response and legal status, and speak with a healthcare professional if underlying heart or mental health conditions are in the mix.

So far, research suggests cannabis is more likely to influence how Pilates feels than to reliably boost performance—and in some cases, especially with THC, it may get in the way of doing your best, safest work on the mat.