Highlights
| Total CBD: | 70 – 2,000 mg |
| Potency : | 4.6 – 13.3 mg/g |
| Cost per mg CBD: | $0.08 – $0.21 |
| Extract Type : | Broad-spectrum |
| THC Content: | 0% |
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Muscle MX Activate Balm
Muscle MX’s CBD Activate topical balm is the precursor to exercise that athletes have been waiting for. As a primer for the muscles, it increases blood flow and decreases the chances of incurring an injury. Designed to be used in conjunction with the CBD Recovery Balm (also by Muscle MX), it’s a natural way to deal with the muscle aches and pains associated with an active lifestyle.
A whole plethora of naturopathic herbs are contained in this conveniently packaged CBD balm, all of which contribute to its restorative effects on muscles.
Price/Value 5/5
Good price for a specialized product like the CBD Activate Balm. Even the mini version is good value when you consider all the naturopathic herbs included in the formula.
CBD Potency 2/5
This product comes in three sizes: 14, 75, and 350 g with potencies ranging from 4 to 13.3 mg/g. We consider these as low-potency CBD products that could aid in mild aches and discomforts.
Hemp Source 3/5
Growing standards and extraction techniques are pretty much a mystery with this company. However, we do know the hemp is grown in Kentucky, Washington, and Colorado and is third-party tested before leaving the companies production facility. The only tests missing are for pesticides and residual solvents.
Purpose/Uses 5/5
The CBD Activate Balm is a highly specialized product: made specifically for use before exercise or training. The ingredients included in the formula are well-suited to get the job done. For best results, this product is designed to pair with the Recovery Balm by Muscle MX.
Product Variations 5/5
There are three sizes of this balm currently available: 14, 75, and 350 g.
However, it’s nice that Muscle MX offers both Activate and Recovery balms for customers to optimize the effects of topical treatment. Plus, the Recovery Balm can be seen as a variation of the Activate Balm.
Formula 5/5
The formula is highly specialized for the Activate Balm, containing caffeine, which increases blood flow on the places it is applied topically. The rest of the formula is supportive of the purpose of the product, containing anti-inflammatory and analgesic herbs — and of course, CBD.
Product Variants
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Total CBD : 70 mg Potency : 5 mg/g Cost per mg CBD : $0.21 Extract Type : Broad-spectrum -
Total CBD : 350 mg Potency : 4.6 mg/g Cost per mg CBD : $0.11 Extract Type : Broad-spectrum -
Total CBD : 2,000 mg Potency : 5.7 mg/g Cost per mg CBD : $0.30 Extract Type : Broad-spectrum -
Total CBD : 1,000 mg Potency : 13.3 mg/g Cost per mg CBD : $0.08 Extract Type : Broad-spectrum
Muscle MX Activate Balm Review
About The Company: Muscle MX
Muscle MX was founded in Salt Lake City, Utah, a hub for all things mountain biking and hiking. Founders Mike Baghoomian and Chris and Kami Pietz acknowledged the unique opportunity to bring CBD to the active people of Utah, and thus, Muscle MX was born.
Muscle MX is a small start-up with just three products in its lineup: CBD balms, CBD drops, and a soon-to-be CBD lotion. Their manifesto is clear and straightforward, and their products accurately reflect their mission.
Muscle MX doesn’t believe in using chemicals to deal with pain and inflammation, especially for athletes whose bodies are a number one priority. Muscle MX products are formulated with this in mind, and all the formulas contain natural, wholesome ingredients.
While Muscle MX publishes a certificate of analysis on their website, they make no mention of other details such as the extraction technique or growing standards of their hemp source. They also don’t talk about whether their products are made with a broad spectrum CBD base or an isolated cannabinoid base.
However, judging from the certificate of analysis, it seems to be a broad-spectrum product — meaning that it contains a mix of the cannabinoids and terpenes found in the hemp plant, but not the entire spectrum.
Who Should Consider Using CBD Activate Balm?
The Muscle MX Activate Balm is for anybody prone to pain and inflammation after training. It’s designed to be added to a warm-up routine, decreasing the chance of experiencing pain and inflammation as a result of working out.
Those who want to maximize the performance of their muscles might also get benefits from using the Activate Balm. It warms the muscles and prepares them for stress, so theoretically, this product can enhance the overall performance of muscles.
Also, those who are interested in the Recovery Balm by Muscle MX might even get some therapeutic value out of the Activate Balm. After all, they’re made to be used together. If you’re already using the Recovery Balm after working out, using the Activate Balm prior may provide even greater results.
Cost & Potency
This product comes in three sizes: 14, 75, and 350 g.
On price and value, the 350 mg Activate Balm takes the cake. But all in all, even the 75 mg poses a good option for a travel-sized balm. It’s not all that much cheaper to buy the bundle, but it’s a convenient buying option for those who want both Activate and Recovery balms.
Cost & Potency Breakdown of Muscle MX Activate Balms
| Product Image | Product Name | Total volume | Total CBD | Total Cost | Potency (mg CBD/g) | Cost per mg CBD |
 | Muscle MX Mini Activate Balm | 14 g | 70 mg | $14.99 | 5 mg/g | $0.21 |
 | Muscle MX Activate Balm | 75 g | 350 mg | $39.99 | 4.7 mg/g | $0.11 |
| Muscle MX Activate Heating Tub | 350 g | 2,000 mg | $179.99 | 5.7 mg/g | $0.09 |
 | Muscle MX Activate+ Plus Heating Balm | 75 g | 1,000 mg | $79.99 | 13.3 mg/g | $0.08 |
Hemp Source
The hemp source isn’t explicitly mentioned anywhere on the Muscle MX website. When asked via email, they did provide minor details of the farm locations: Kentucky, Washington, and Colorado.
The method of extraction also isn’t specified on the website. However, we had a look at the certificate of analysis for the product, and it seems like the balms are made from a broad-spectrum CBD base.
Their third-party tests check for cannabinoid profiles, heavy metals, and microbial contaminants. The only thing they don’t check for is pesticides and residual solvents.
Purpose & Uses
The CBD Activate Balm is intended to prime the muscles before exercise to optimize their performance and decrease the chance of injury during a workout.
Athletes and exercise junkies are likely to get the most out of the Activate Balm, but anybody can use this stuff effectively. It’s great for hikers, bikers, and people who find they have tight muscles during any form of exercise or long walks.
Those who want a good topical CBD product for helping with pain and inflammation AFTER a workout would be better off going for the Recovery Balm.
Formulation & Ingredients
The Muscle MX CBD Activate Balm is made with only natural ingredients, including a critical ingredient specifically for increasing blood flow and warming up muscles.
Key ingredients include:
- Cannabidiol (CBD) — one of the vital active ingredients for inflammation and pain
- Menthol Crystals — provides a cooling effect
- Peppermint Oil — adds to the cooling effect of menthol
- Arnica Extract — a powerful vulnerary (speeds healing and recovery)
- Eucalyptus Oil — anti-inflammatory and analgesic
- Caffeine Oil — a circulatory stimulant to promote blood flow to the muscles
- Vitamin E — a potent antioxidant
- Grapeseed Oil — serves as the carrier oil for the mix and helps the ingredients absorb into the skin
- Coconut Oil — another carrier oil to give the balm the right texture and supports absorption
Caffeine Oil is the magic ingredient in the Activate Balm. Rubbing caffeine onto the skin is like a morning coffee for the muscles: it gets the blood flowing there and gets them ready to work hard. Peppermint oil is also stimulating for the muscles and increases blood flow where it’s applied. It also has this effect in aromatherapy, so even the smell can get you charged for exercise.
Arnica is traditionally used to treat rheumatism, inflammation, sore muscles, and bruising. It can be used preventatively to reduce the chance of inflammation after training.
Eucalyptus is anti-inflammatory and analgesic.
As for CBD, it’s the magic cannabinoid that is anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and good for your skin!
Muscle MX’s Shipping & Returns Policy
For customers in the USA, Muscle MX offers free shipping on orders over $75. All other orders, whether local or international, have a flat postage fee of $7.95.
Returns are accepted for damaged products. However, customers must claim the damaged product within 48 hours of delivery. After the claim assessment, customers may get a replacement.
Returns are also accepted as part of the 30-day customer satisfaction guarantee. Customers must send the unused portion of their product if they aren’t satisfied with it. In exchange, Muscle MX will give a full refund.
Final Verdict: Highly Specialized, Great Value CBD Product
The CBD Activate Balm is pretty much specifically targeted to a single event: pre-workout. This doesn’t make it appropriate for everybody but is highly specialized in its formulation to satisfy its purpose. The packaging design also suits the kind of people who are going to use it.
On price and value, the Activate Balm also stacks up well compared to the competition. For a niche product like this, it packs excellent value — especially when you consider the other herbs used in the formula.
Overall, this is an excellent product that athletes and weekend warriors should keep around to prepare the muscles for exercise. The company recommends following the exercise with the Recovery Balm for best results.
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Muscle MX
