Between that pesky pandemic and the winter season, a lot of us have packed on more pounds than we’d like. Maybe you’ve already strutted your stuff on the local beach, but it’s never too late to get that fit, toned body you’ve always wanted. Physical activity and exercise are key to healthy living. While important to your health and wellbeing, a good workout has the tendency to leave you with sore muscles. The good news is that there are things you can do to reduce the pain or discomfort your muscles experience after working out.
The Blend
Peppermint oil has a topical cooling effect, making up the “ice” portion of this blend. In contrast, the Wintergreen oil has a warming effect, contributing to the blend’s “fire” element along with Marjoram oil. The inclusion of Basil oil offers clarity, while Lavender and Roman Chamomile oils are included for their relaxing properties. Clary Sage and Helichrysum are meant to reduce stress and tension, making them a perfect inclusion into this muscle blend.
Using It
So how do you go about using this essential oil blend? If you want to target the muscles, you’ll need to use a topical application. Dilute the oil by adding it to a carrier lotion or oil. A 2-5% dilution is best, which means you’ll be using 2-5 drops of oil per teaspoons of carrier oil. The more drops of essential oil you add, the higher the concentration. Start with a couple of drops and add more if you find you need it. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out once you’ve added it. Once you have the concentration you want, use it for massaging tired and sore muscles.
You can also rub it on your temples and the back of your neck. If you’re looking for a quick fresh breath, take a whiff straight form the bottle to enjoy the variety of warming and cooling oils in this blend.
Post Workout Muscle Care Tips
The point of working out is to increase your physical fitness. While there’s a certain amount of muscular breakdown that needs to take place in order for your muscles to become stronger, it’s also important to make sure you take care of your muscles before, during, and after your workout. You want to give your muscles relief after they are finished doing the heavy lifting, so what can you do to relax your muscles post workout?
Stretch. The exercise you do to build your muscles can cause them to knot and become sore and painful. Stretching after your workout helps to limber up the muscles while they are still warm. This stretching keeps muscles from tightening and knotting up as badly. It helps them become more flexible as well, which can reduce your risk of injury as you exercise.
Replenish. You burn a fair number of calories when you work out. Your muscles need fuel in order to rebuild themselves and become stronger. Eat a balanced diet and include some protein in your post-workout meal to give your body the nutrients and building blocks it needs to become stronger.
Hydrate. Water is one of the best fluids you can consume to stay hydrated. Everything your body does requires water. If you want to take care of your muscles so they can recover properly, make sure you’re properly hydrated before, during, and after your workout.
Rest. Sleep allows you to recover mentally and physically from your labors. When you get enough sleep, you’re better able to recover from the inflammation you experience when you work out. Resting for a day and getting good sleep also empowers you to handle more muscle growth.
Massage. Massage helps stimulate blood flow to your muscles, promoting better transportation of nutrients and oxygen to the muscles and removal of waste products. Try a little Fire & Ice in your next massage for some complementary cooling and warming relief.
You owe it to yourself to take good care of your body. Working out and pushing your body to the limit plays an important role in that. Of course, finding yourself in pain isn’t very fun, so make sure to try one of these tips to take care of those sore muscles. Include Fire & Ice in your post workout care kit to enjoy all the wonderful benefits that this essential oil blend has to offer.
