Maximize Your Workout With Essential Oils.

The challenges that come with exercising regularly especially for those that are new to this type of lifestyle change can sometimes make it difficult to stay on track. There would be days where lifting my arms to wash my hair would prove to be a workout itself. Bending over to pick something off the floor would make my muscles scream for mercy.

Adding a new stimulus to your body in the form of exercise or participating in a strenuous workout will result in muscle soreness. The degree of soreness varies depending on a variety of factors such as your experience with regular exercise, the intensity of exercise, the duration the muscles were held under tension along with your nutrition, sleep and overall health.

When we exercise we place the muscle under stress and as a result of this stress we are microscopically tearing the muscle fibers. Inflammation of the muscles coupled with minor aches and pains are signs your body is adapting to the new workout. Typically 24-48 hours after a workout delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) occurs. Meaning this is when you will feel the most amount of discomfort from your workout.

Don’t let these challenges stop you from returning to the gym, stop you from being in the zone or disrupt your workout flow. Here are a few idea’s to help keep you on track.

1. Need that extra boost of energy before your workout? Combine 1-2 drops of peppermint and 1-2 drops of lemon essential oil on a tissue or cotton ball and hold close to your face and inhale.
2. Ease your achy muscles and decrease inflammation by applying Lemongrass or Deep Blue to the sore area (1-3 drops). If you have sensitive skin combine the oil with a *carrier oil using a 1:1 ratio. *carrier oil – vegetable or nut oil with essential oils, less is more because of their potency.
3. Unwind and relax your body in a warm bath with a couple drops of lavender before bedtime. Add an extra punch to your bedtime routine by placing 1-2 drops of lavender on the underside of your pillow. Ready, set, catch your zzzzz’s.
4. A warm, damp environment such as sweaty feet in running shoes is an ideal place for fungus to grow. Get into the habit of changing your socks mid-workout. Keeping the area dry in order to prevent problems later is a good start. If Athlete’s foot presents itself simply apply 1-3 drops of Melaleuca (tea tree) on a hot compress and place over top affected area.

I hope these tips help keep you on the right path to health by you taking ownership over it.