We know essential oils are life changing! There literally is an oil for everything under the sun, and fitness is no exception. Which is why I am thrilled to share with you some killer oils and oil blends that can help you achieve your fitness goals and enjoy your most effective workouts! I am going to break it up into three catagories; pre-workout, during workout, and post workout. Let’s get to it!
1. Oils for Motivation and Mindset
When it comes to getting a workout done, the real battle (in my opinion) is getting started. Whether it’s getting out of bed in the morning, getting up off the sofa, or making it happen at the end of a long work day, sometimes it’s just plain hard to get motivated! Thankfully, amongst the many, many uses and ways essential oils can support us on a daily basis, there are oils for motivation and mindset. Here are my top three go-to’s
Peppermint - This refreshing and energizing oil works as both a mental and physical wake up call. To get some pep in your step just put a drop in your hand and cup over your mouth and nose and inhale. Or, easier yet, breath it straight out of the bottle. Ahhh! The best!
Juniper - Although this oil has many benefits not related to fitness, it is also used for it’s ability to “wake up” the body and decrease fatigue. Applying first thing in the morning is a great start to the day!
Motivation - The name says it all! A blend of Roman Chamomile, Black Spruce, Ylang Ylang and Lavender. This is a great one to diffuse or inhale straight out of the bottle. Personally, I love to rub it on my wrists and the back of my neck to help shift my mindset and to get into action mode.
2. Workout Game Changers
If I can do something to improve my endurance and make my workouts more enjoyable, more effective, or just plain better, I’m all over it! I know there are many great options when it comes to paring oils and working out, but I am going to share the ones that have been HUGE for me!
Cypress - It smells earthy and invigorating, plus it helps with circulation which allows more oxygen to flow to your muscles. This is good thing! I love to rub Cypress + peppermint up my legs starting at my ankles. I find this especially helpful and amazing before a run or long walk. But it’s great for any and all types of exercise. A total game changer!
Peppermint - Once again this oil makes the cut! Even if you’ve already inhaled some of this power house oil to get up and get going, don’t leave it behind. You will want to put it to use again! One of my favorite ways, besides rubbing it on my legs (.), is rubbing a few drops on my neck, shoulders and chest to help to keep my energy up. This creates a “cooling” sensation as your body warms up and your pores open. And applying it to your chest helps you breath better as it works to support your respiratory system. Which brings me to, “if I could only have one oil…” Nope. Still can’t choose!
Valor - Often called, “courage in a bottle” but I will be calling it, “beast mode in a bottle” for lack of a better workout description. I will just say this, I used copious amounts of this blend when I was in labor with my last two babies, which any mom can tell you is basically like running a marathon. Just saying. Apply right before your routine and anytime in-between if you need that extra push to keep going strong.
*BONUS* Not an oil, but I would be totally remiss if I didn’t share my running BFF with you. NingXia Nitro is infused with essential oils such as black pepper, nutmeg, spearmint, peppermint and chocolate, as well as botanical extracts, D-ribose, Korean ginseng, and green tea extract. NingXia Nitro supports alertness, as well as cognitive and physical fitness. My favorite way to put this all natural energy booster to use is right before a run or workout. Often times I find that I can go just a little further or do a little more than I set out to accomplish.
3. Post workout and muscle recovery must haves
Maybe you’re just getting back at it after a long break from physical activity. Or maybe you make it a point to push yourself and make your workouts count! Both can result in sore muscles and/or muscles in need of a little TLC and recovery. The way essential oils can aid in muscle support and recovery may be their most magical benefit yet!
PanAway - Let’s talk about one of Young Living’s most popular oil blends. In this bottle you will find a combination of Wintergreen, Helichrysum, Clove, and Peppermint essential oils. Some of its uses include applying it to tired muscles after an exercise. Some of my favorite places to massage it in are my neck, back and also the bottom of my feet. Or you can add several drops to an Epsom salt bath and enjoy a long soak. So relaxing!
Copaiba - Known as the “fireman” or “fire hose”, this gentle oil does an amazing job of soothing and putting out “fires” within your muscles. It works especially well when you layer it on after a drop of PanAway but is also super effective on it’s own.
Deep Relief - My #1 favorite oil blend! I am never without a bottle of this either beside my bed or in my car. It comes in a 10 ml roller bottle which makes it very convenient and ideal for rolling on your shoulders and neck. It goes deep into the tissues and works to melt away tension while also offering a cooling sensation. If you try this blend I guarantee you wont ever want to be without it!
Ortho Ease - If you are wanting something you can easily massage in, or better yet have someone else give you a massage with, this stuff is amazing! It comes in a pump bottle and is a combination of fatty oils such as coconut, sweet almond, olive, grape seed and wheat germ, as well as Juniper, Vetiver, Thyme, Wintergreen, Marjoram, Eucalyptus Radiata, Peppermint and Lemongrass essential oils.
Cool Azul Pain Relief Cream - I am going to share a description straight from Young Living as I think it does a great job of summing up this EXTREMELY effective pain cream!
“Young Living’s Cool Azul™ Pain Relief Cream provides cooling relief from minor muscle and joint aches, arthritis, strains, bruises, and sprains. Our plant-based formula combines the power of Wintergreen essential oil with our exclusive Cool Azul essential oil blend. With two powerful, synergistic active ingredients, this cream provides pain-relieving benefits in two ways: methyl salicylate found in Wintergreen helps alleviate pain deep in the muscles and joints, and natural menthol found in Peppermint provides a cooling effect. If you need relief without synthetic ingredients, Young Living’s Cool Azul Pain Relief Cream is the answer!
Although this list isn’t exclusive by any means, I know the oils and products mentioned are not only my favorites, but are tried, true and loved by many! Here’s to taking your workouts to the next level and crushing your fitness goals! Oh, and smelling amazing while doing it 😉
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