Did you know you can use essential oils as part of your everyday fitness routine? They are an amazing source of support and motivation! Although there are so many options for using essential oils when you exercise, I'm going to share what works for me. Let's start with what to use before you exercise.
Valor* - Essential oil blend of Spruce, Blue Tansy, Frankincense, and Rosewood.
Valor II* - Essential oil blend of Ylang Ylang, Rosewood, Northern Lights Black Spruce, Idaho Blue Spruce, Frankincense, Vetiver, Cistus, Bergamont, Cassia, and Roman Chamomile
While each blend has a different fragrance, they both are created for the same purpose. They are both empowering and uplifting and definitely motivate and drive you through you exercise routine. I apply to the insides of each of my wrists and to my chest before I go running or strength training.
Peppermint* - This essential oil single is known for its ability to support digestion and promoting healthy intestinal function. However, it can also support the respiratory system as well as provide energy. I either add a drop of peppermint oil to my water (glass water bottle only!) or put a drop under my tongue (if you can stand it!). I would also apply to my chest with a carrier oil or inhale it directly from the bottle.
How about during exercise?
Adding a drop or two of Lemon* to your water helps support your circulatory system. As you exercise, your circulatory system transports oxygen through your body. Lemon oil supports this process, resulting in increased energy. It also supports your immune system as well as helps balance your acidity level during a workout. This is important to minimize muscle soreness afterwards.
Citrus Fresh* - This is an essential oil blend of Orange, Tangerine, Grapefruit, Lemon, Mandarin, and Spearmint. This blend has all the health benefits of Lemon, with the added benefits from the other essential oils. I add this oil to my yoga towel so that I can breath it in every time I move through Chaturanga.
Now that you've put in all that hard work, it's time to rest. Resting allows your muscles and heart to recover. Make sure you drink a lot of water afterwards. Being adequately hydrated can help out with muscle stiffness. Despite all precautions, it is inevitable that I will be sore after an extra-vigorous work out. Here is a simple DIY muscle rub. After applying to the desired area, a warm compress would drive the oil in further. If there is swelling with the soreness, I would recommend a cool compress.
Finally, it's hard to talk about exercise without talking about nutrition. What you eat fuels your body's performance, recovery, and energy. I can sum up the best nutritional diet in the following statement: Whole foods are always the best option, with the majority of your diet being proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Sugar should be at a minimal and avoid eating foods that contain ingredients you can't pronounce.
Young Living offers a variety of essential oil infused products that support your body in a myriad of ways. I have previously written on the benefits of drinking Ningxia Red on a daily basis. Check out their Slique Line as well as Young Living's blog on Exercise and Essential Oils.
*Not all essential oils are created equally. Most essential oils that you buy in stores are not pure and could do harm if applied topically or ingested. Do your research as to which oils are safe. I have spent hours upon hours of looking into Young Living and I fully trust their process in extracting essential oils without harsh chemicals or high temperatures.
There are a lot of essential oils mentioned in this post and most of them come in a fabulous starter kit. Want to know where to get them? Follow this link HERE. I am running a great sign-up bonus this month. Be sure to check it out!
Valor* - Essential oil blend of Spruce, Blue Tansy, Frankincense, and Rosewood.Valor II* - Essential oil blend of Ylang Ylang, Rosewood, Northern Lights Black Spruce, Idaho Blue Spruce, Frankincense, Vetiver, Cistus, Bergamont, Cassia, and Roman Chamomile
While each blend has a different fragrance, they both are created for the same purpose. They are both empowering and uplifting and definitely motivate and drive you through you exercise routine. I apply to the insides of each of my wrists and to my chest before I go running or strength training.
How about during exercise?
Now that you've put in all that hard work, it's time to rest. Resting allows your muscles and heart to recover. Make sure you drink a lot of water afterwards. Being adequately hydrated can help out with muscle stiffness. Despite all precautions, it is inevitable that I will be sore after an extra-vigorous work out. Here is a simple DIY muscle rub. After applying to the desired area, a warm compress would drive the oil in further. If there is swelling with the soreness, I would recommend a cool compress.
Finally, it's hard to talk about exercise without talking about nutrition. What you eat fuels your body's performance, recovery, and energy. I can sum up the best nutritional diet in the following statement: Whole foods are always the best option, with the majority of your diet being proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Sugar should be at a minimal and avoid eating foods that contain ingredients you can't pronounce.
Young Living offers a variety of essential oil infused products that support your body in a myriad of ways. I have previously written on the benefits of drinking Ningxia Red on a daily basis. Check out their Slique Line as well as Young Living's blog on Exercise and Essential Oils.
*Not all essential oils are created equally. Most essential oils that you buy in stores are not pure and could do harm if applied topically or ingested. Do your research as to which oils are safe. I have spent hours upon hours of looking into Young Living and I fully trust their process in extracting essential oils without harsh chemicals or high temperatures.
There are a lot of essential oils mentioned in this post and most of them come in a fabulous starter kit. Want to know where to get them? Follow this link HERE. I am running a great sign-up bonus this month. Be sure to check it out!
