We’re all looking for a better, more fun, enjoyable workout. One that leaves us feeling uplifted, energized — and a bit like a badass. Okay, a lot like a badass. But, when it comes to smell — er — that’s the one thing we’re typically trying to have LESS of during a workout. However, turns out the right smell, a la aromatherapy, may help your workout. We chatted with Tracy Griffiths — creator of Aroma Yoga about how and why that is. Plus easy ways you can boost your next sweat sesh.
What are the benefits of incorporating aromatherapy into a workout?
“Aromatherapy, when used during a workout, helps us bring our body, mind, and intentions into the present moment. This increases our focus and attention on any task, especially our workouts.”
These are some of the benefits one stands to save on when one incorporates essential oils into a workout—all thanks to their aromatic properties and potential effects on the mood and overall body’s well-being. Some of the key advantages include:
Enhanced Mood and Motivation: Some essential oils like peppermint or citrus oils (orange and lemon) can do wonders in your body to increase your senses. It might be very helpful, especially before workouts, in increasing motivation to get going and energy levels.
Improves Focus and Concentration: Few oils, such as rosemary and peppermint, have the power to enhance mental clarity and focus more toward any activity. Inhalation of the workout can thereby focus more on exercise routines.
Stress Reduction: Lavender and chamomile are known for their calming effect. Using those oils during and after exercise can relieve the stress of the muscles, therefore allowing relaxation, which would be helpful for recovery.
Respiratory benefits: Eucalyptus and peppermint oil are highly used for airways that are known to open, making breathing easier during intense physical activities. This can be very useful for aerobic exercises or if you have mild respiratory problems.
Pain relief and recovery: Some of the oils, like lavender and eucalyptus, have properties that reduce inflammation, thereby helping to ease sore muscles and joints after workouts.
Increased Energy: Essential oils such as orange and peppermint oil have an environment-lively power and may, therefore, increase energy levels during exercise.
Essential oils can also be used during a workout by diffusion in the room, topical application in the diluted form, or by inhalation from a personal diffuser or a tissue drop. The essential oils should be of high quality and purity, thus chosen thoroughly. You also need to be free from any allergies or sensitivities caused by the exercise of your choice. Introduce to the body in minimal amounts at first to see if it’s something to be done regularly.
How can you incorporate aromatherapy into exercise?
“Place a drop or two on the palms and gently rub the palms together. Then, bring the cupped hands over the nose and deeply inhale, completely exhale, and repeat two to five more times. As you are practicing this deep, slow breathing exercise, take this time to set your intention for your workout.”
What scents do you recommend for getting energized to move?
“The crisp scents of rosemary, peppermint, or lemon can help sharpen our awareness and help us become more mentally and emotionally connected to our physical body. Because of the physiological and emotional components of the olfactory system (how our brain processes scents), we can use our sense of smell to anchor a particular feeling to a particular essential oil. So, breathing in our favorite essential oils may trigger a positive emotional response and help us get in the ‘zone’ before working out. Most athletes know a positive and empowering mindset is crucial to a successful workout. Using aromatherapy in your fitness routines can be a great way to get the most out of yourself!”
Michele from Body Ache Escape recommends Citrus Bliss from Doterra as an aromatherapy scent to motivate you for a good workout. If you want to skip the workout and just get a massage, schedule an appointment with us!
