HOW CAN ESSENTIAL OILS HELP YOUR FITNESS?

 

Essential oils have been around for a long time. With so much attention recently on natural, healthy living it is no surprise that this concentrated form of plant medicine is enjoying resurgence in popularity. Uses for essential oils abound and run the gamut from relaxation to detoxification and anti-inflammatory. There are even some benefits of adding essential oils to your post-workout recovery plan. The use of essential oils prior to a workout is great for boosting energy, focus, and motivation. When you find yourself reaching for the snooze button to skip that morning jog, or lack the motivation to attend your after-work barre class, reach for these essential oils or blend for an energy boost. Besides stimulating energy before a workout, essential oils are great in providing support for going the extra mile or hitting that additional rep while exercising. Whether getting ready for a run or setting up for a home yoga session, diffuse some essential oils while you’re at it to help set the mood for your exercise. Here are some essential oils you could explore. There are even some benefits of adding essential oils to your post-workout recovery plan. Discover the best essential oils for fitness with a list of some of favorite essential oils from Manufacturer of Menthol Crystals in India that will help you achieve a balanced and fulfilling physical, mental and emotional well being.

Peppermint

According to the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, peppermint is good for pre and post workout. Benefits include reduced perception of effort, which means it is easier to work harder, an energy boost and improved performance. After exercise peppermint provides relief to tight, aching muscles and boosts mental clarity. It is also believed to support healthy breathing during exercise. Peppermint can be the wake-up call you need for an early morning class. This essential oil will enliven you and can help boost your mood. Peppermint is also good for any bruises or bites you may have gotten during your workout. Inhale or use topically depending on your needs.

Eucalyptus

A primary benefit of this essential oil is its anti-inflammatory properties. Muscles experience strains and micro tears as you exercise. Eucalyptus provides relief for the strains and reduces inflammation associated with the tears. Massage good quality oil into aching muscles after your next workout. Be sure to use a gentle motion sweeping toward the heart to help with removal of lactic acid buildup. This essential oil is widely known to be soothing. A whiff of eucalyptus can support a sustained positive mood and energy throughout the day. This oil is also said to aid with recovery and ward off illness. If you feel the sniffles coming on or don’t feel quite yourself, eucalyptus might help.

Marjoram

Marjoram is a key essential oil to post-workout recovery. This oil has calming and relaxing properties, which can work wonders on sore and tired muscles. Typically, marjoram is used for massage or in a warm bath to aid muscle recovery and repair.

Lavender: 

With analgesic, calming and pain-relieving properties, the lavender essential oil can be considered as one of the most used essential oils in aromatherapy. The botanicals in the oil work deeply into the muscles, soothing nervous tension and treat stress-related pains, while its calming and relaxing scent complements the post-workout recovery process, enhancing blood circulation. 

Lemon

Lemon gives you a boost of energy and combats post work out exhaustion. It is also thought to stimulate your immune system, promote lymphatic draining and fat loss. This essential oil can also help with your after exercise detox. Add a few drops to your water and sip as you would normally. Finally, lemon essential oil is a mood enhancer. Bummed out because you didn’t best your personal record? Lemon oil may help you bounce back faster to a better luck next time attitude. Lemongrass also ignites the senses and can help give you the burst of energy you need to get from couch to class. This essential oil is also said to support healthy weight management and a process known as thermogenesis, which helps with the production of heat in the body.

·         Cardio 

Citrus essential oils such as lemon can help keep you hydrated during a cardio sweat session. Citrus is also thought to support an overworked immune system. Simply add two drops of lemon oil to a bottle of water and drink 30 minutes before a workout (Note: Use only food-grade essential oils designated safe for consumption.) An added bonus: the bright lemon scent and flavor makes water a pleasure to drink. The refreshing flavor will keep you sipping for proper hydration!

·         Yoga

Lemongrass essential oil helps clear the mind for meditation, promotes feeling centered, helps with focus and boosts energy – all benefits that are perfect for yoga class. Whether you need morning boost or help getting rid of afternoon brain fog before heading into the studio, lemongrass will do the trick. Lemongrass also is thought to have thermogenic – or heat-producing – effects, making it ideal for hot yoga session. Just dab a few drops (diluted with a carrier oil) on your wrists and rub in before class.

 

If you are looking for natural ways to boost performance and speed post workout recovery, essential oils may be the answer. Experiment with one or two at a time to understand their impact on your body, training and recovery. When choosing essential oils look for high quality products for best results; read ingredients and reviews before you buy. Learn what you can about the manufacturer including how the plants are grown and the oil distilled. If you decide to ingest essential oils include them in your training plan so you don’t have any unpleasant gastrointestinal surprises on competition day.

Other than pure essential oils, blended essential oils can also bring about great benefits to provide that little boost before hitting the gym. The combination of one or more complementary essential oils creates a unique blend. Just as aromatic compounds in a single oil work together to provide more complete therapeutic capabilities, blending different oils can optimise the health benefits of multiple oils together for a synergistic effect. If you’re searching for natural ways to help you feel energised, boost performance or enhance post-workout recovery, essential oils may be the answer when used the right way. Whether pure or blended essential oils, try experimenting with each of the essential oils we’ve mentioned above to your work out today and reap its benefits.