The benefits of regular exercise are many and well-known.
Exercise reduces the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and a number of types of cancer.
Exercise boosts the mood, helps stave off depression, and makes it easier to sleep longer and better.
Exercise strengthens bones and muscles.
Exercise provides energy and burns calories, which helps maintain a healthy weight and body image.
In dozens of ways, exercise is the best medicine for many of life’s ailments.
As I’ve learned more about natural methods for healing both the mind and the body, I’ve been amazed at what natural remedies—like essential oils—can do when paired with regular exercise. If you’re looking to add variety to your workout routine, find ways to motivate you to exercise first thing in the morning (or at the end of a long day), or to add therapeutic elements to your workout, essential oils might be the answer.
Here are a number of oils and oil blends you can add to your exercise routine to get the most out of a workout:
Lemongrass.
This oil is a natural mood booster and can be a great pre-exercise oil to apply to your wrists or the back of your neck as you head out the door to the gym. Its light, citrusy scent will heighten your alertness almost immediately. It’s also been found to have anti-inflammatory properties and to fights against unwanted bacteria or pathogens that with regular application, can support a healthy body that is better prepared for intense, regular workouts.
Peppermint.
This minty, fresh oil can make your body and mind tingle on those mornings when you feel groggy and consider putting off your workout. A few drops rubbed on your wrists, diffused as you dress for your workout, or added to a glass of cold water will wake you up and help you get ready to go. It can also be used with a carrier oil and rubbed into your temples and the back of your neck to ease morning headaches or muscle aches pre- and post-workout.
Lemon.
Drinking water with a few drops lemon oil will keep you hydrated during and after your workout. The bright, lemony flavor will encourage frequent drinking. You can also use lemon oil to help sanitize your workout area. Keep a small spray bottle in your gym bag, along with a bottle of lemon essential oil. Before using any equipment at the gym, fill the spray bottle with an ounce or two of water and 15 drops lemon oil. Spray handles and seats of workout equipment to sanitize them and banish leftover sweaty smells from previous users.
Melaleuca.
Like lemon oil, Melaleuca oil can be a great sanitizer and refresher at the gym. Fill a spray bottle with one to two ounces water, add 15 drops of Melaleuca, and spray down the areas you’ll use during your workout.
Marjoram.
For relief during or after exercise, rub a few drops marjoram oil into sore areas. Its soothing qualities can help ease pain and reduce muscle inflammation.
Lavender.
Diffuse lavender after a workout to cool down and keep your stress level low.
Eucalyptus.
Another great oil for sore muscles is eucalyptus oil. Combine 7 to 8 drops eucalyptus oil with a tablespoon of a carrier oil in a roller bottle and roll over sore muscles after a workout.
Clove.
If you feel a runny nose or feeling under the weather but don’t want to skip your workout, diffuse clove oil or an immune-boosting oil blend such as doTerra On Guard Protective Blend while working out.
DIY Oil Blends
To keep you cool as you start a long run and to support a good mood during the run, fill a spray bottle with 4 ounces cold water. Add 2 drops each eucalyptus, geranium, peppermint, and rosemary. Spray on your arms and legs, maybe even the back of your neck, before your run.
To relieve tired muscles, in a roller bottle, mix 1 tablespoon fractionated coconut oil with 2 or 3 drops each marjoram, thyme, lemon, roman chamomile, cypress, and peppermint. Roll on after a workout or add to 2 cups Epsom salts and dissolve in a warm, post-workout bath.
I hope you have a wonderful week.
Best wishes,
Rebecca Hintze
PS For more oil tips and education on exercise check my Good Mood Bootcamp!
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