Essential oils + exercise can - increase overall performance, higher VO2 levels + quicker recovery!
WE KNOW THAT : Exercise is great to shake our mood, lift our funk and pump some feel good endorphins around our body so here are some fun facts about using essential oils during pre and post workouts!
I have always loved sport: as a competitive state runner in Australia, through to competing nationally and internationally in the snowboarding world many moons ago - Sport has made me who I am today and now days I love a good workout. Although my choice of exercise may have changed - my love for movement, sweat and everything it does for me personally, mentally and physically has not changed. These days you will find me loving on yoga, barre, swimming and stealing my husbands road bike - its my latest love! Don't think he will get it back either!
However like so many of us getting motivated can be a key factor. If you are feeling that: grab your essential oils they are an incredible tool to help you train better, perform better and recover quicker!
Some of the must have oils that I love for pre and post training:
1. Peppermint oil
Is a powerhouse for opening our airways, increasing our oxygen levels therefore increasing our performance.
Great for pre-nerve jitters if you are competing as well; massage across the stomach or a drop or to help get the bowels moving before going training!
Peppermint is also great for concentration - so for a sport that requires precision, focus and clear thinking. Deep inhalations of peppermint will serve you well! Think about putting a few decent drops on your t-shirt or tank top. Also if you are riding long distance adding a few drops to a date is amazing… for endurance and also helps to open your airways.
2. Breathe/ Easy Air - respiratory blend.
If you are working out inside - diffuse this oil to help open your airways! Its a great oil when seasonal threats may hinder your outdoor activities. This blend cleanses the air and allows for you to breathe with out problems. It is also a great oil - to ensure you have a deep and restful sleep. You can apply it to the soles of your feet. Again I love to add this oil to my t-shirt if I haven’t used peppemint. I love this oil diffusing in a yoga studio personally - especially if it is a high intensity class - Like ashtanga or Vinyasa flow.
3. Onguard - immune blend.
When you start working out / training often our immune system is kicked up a gear. It can be compromised by intense training and when the body is trying to recover.
Using onguard as a protective element will allow you to recover quicker. Diffusing is a great simple way but also applying it topically (diluted) directly to your chest or muscles or if you can down your spine will allow the body to feel supported in immune function and recovery period.
It is also a great oil for reducing inflammation - high in ……. Clove oil is a powerhouse .
If you are still fortunate enough to train in community spaces or studios - this is also a great anti bacterial and antiseptic - using this oil as hand spray, yoga mat cleaner or even just as a general tool to keep you hygenically safe! Onguard is a winner all around. I truly believe all gyms, studios will be diffusing this oil in the future. Be sure to suggest it at your local!
4. Frankincense
The powerhouse of oils…. Incredible for reducing stress, anxiety, inflammation and pain. SO this oil can be used pre and post work on the targeted areas whether it be muscularsketal or respiratory support through to concentration and clear positive thinking. One of my favorite ways to use this oil is to apply it topically post workout with a carrier oil.
5. Deep Blue
Is the Muscular skeletal blend. If you are serious about keeping fit and retaining that form of movement on a regular basis. Incorporating the deep blue is so effective for pre and post training. It has the ability to provide long lasting relief from aches and pains. It is a specifically designed blend to proved anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory and pain recovering properties. I love to take this oil and focus on certain areas (ankles, knees) perhaps areas that have suffered in the past from over use and help to further support these areas that are sometimes compromised.
6. Lavender
An essential oil that is the most versatile of all. Commonly known to aid with sleep, relaxation, and stress relief. Rest recovery is critical for the body to bounce back - if we are not sleeping well our body is not in recovery mode. Be sure to use this oil - either in the bath with some Epsom salts or with Frankincense as a post massage blend. Diffusing in the evening will also be hugely effective to aid with sleep.
7. Tea tree
Not a common oil we think of when it comes to sport but a very effective anti viral essential oil that definitely comes in handy. Anything from fungal through to antiviral, saddle sore (bike), Chaffing or slight skin irritations this oil is a little Swiss army knife to combat discomforts. If you are a swimmer its a great oil to have in the showers (place a drop in your flip flops to ensure cleanness). Also a great bug repellent if you are facing critter invasion during a workout!
So there you have it my my top favorites! Remember these oils offer a solution to a varied array of situations when working out. Using Doterra essential oils is an incredible choice as they leave no strain on the body, creating positive effects on our mind, as well as the physical body making them an excellent choice to get physical. No harmful chemicals that can inhibit our respiratory system, or weaken our immune health only increasing OUR physical performance! If you haven't tried Doterra essential oils send me a direct message and I will send you a care package so that you can trial the difference!
So get out there use your oils! Perform like a superstar and recover quicker!!!
A xx