Exercise & Workouts

Why staying hydrated during exercise is so important

• Improved Physical Performance: Proper hydration helps to maintain blood volume, which is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and for removing waste products. Dehydration can lead to a decrease in blood volume, making it harder for the heart to pump blood and deliver oxygen to the muscles. This can result in fatigue, decreased endurance, and reduced performance.
• Better Mental Focus: Dehydration can also lead to headaches, dizziness, and fatigue, which can negatively impact mental focus and reaction time during exercise. Staying hydrated helps to maintain mental alertness and focus, allowing you to perform at your best.
• Reduced Risk of Injury: Dehydration can also lead to a reduction in joint and muscle function, making you more susceptible to injury during exercise. Adequate hydration helps to keep the joints and muscles lubricated and reduces the risk of injury.
• Enhanced Recovery: After exercise, proper hydration is essential for replenishing lost fluids and supporting the recovery process. Dehydration can slow down the recovery process and increase the risk of injury and muscle soreness.

Muscle Recovery

• Hydration: Drinking plenty of water is essential for muscle recovery, as it helps to remove waste products and replenish fluids lost through sweating. Aim to drink at least 16-20 ounces of water for every pound lost during exercise.
• Nutrition: Eating a well-balanced meal that includes carbohydrates and protein within 30 minutes to an hour after exercise can help replenish energy stores and repair damaged muscle fibers.
• Rest: Allowing your muscles to rest and recover is essential, as it gives your body time to repair and rebuild itself. Aim for at least 24-48 hours of rest between workouts that target the same muscle groups.
• Stretching: Stretching can help to improve flexibility and reduce muscle tightness, which can lead to improved recovery. Hold each stretch for 30 seconds and repeat 2-3 times for best results.

Benefits of using essential oils after exercising

• Pain relief: Essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, and ginger are known for their pain-relieving properties. When applied topically, they can help soothe sore muscles and reduce inflammation, making it easier to move and perform daily activities.
• Improved circulation: Essential oils like rosemary and cypress can increase blood flow and circulation, which can aid in faster recovery from workouts. Improved circulation can also help the body remove waste products from the muscles, promoting overall well-being.
• Relaxation and stress relief: Exercise can be a great stress-reliever, but it can also be intense and leave you feeling fatigued. Essential oils like lavender and chamomile have a calming effect that can help you relax, reducing stress and anxiety after a workout.
• Improved sleep: Getting a good night’s sleep is important for recovery, and essential oils like valerian root and frankincense can help you sleep better. By reducing stress and promoting relaxation, these oils can help you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly.
• Boosted immunity: Exercise can suppress the immune system, making you more susceptible to illness. Essential oils like tea tree, lemon, and clove have antimicrobial properties that can help boost immunity and protect against illness.

Detoxification

Your body accumulates toxins each day.  Toxins can come from various sources such as processed foods, personal care products,  environmental pollutants, and even stress.  Detoxification can improve overall health by improving the function of organs such as the liver, kidneys, and your digestive system.

Muscle Support

It’s important to give your muscles proper support and care between workouts to ensure optimal performance and prevent injury. One of the best ways to support your muscles is to engage in activities that promote muscle recovery, such as stretching and massage therapy.  These activities help to increase blood flow, reduce muscle tension, and improve flexibility, which can all contribute to better muscle health.  Additionally, it’s important to eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.  Finally, getting enough rest and sleep is also crucial for muscle recovery, as it allows your body to repair and rebuild muscle tissue.

Bones, Joints & Ligaments

Supporting your ligaments, bones, and joints between workouts is crucial to maintaining overall physical health and preventing injury.  One of the best ways to do this is through proper nutrition.  Consuming foods rich in calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D can help to strengthen bones and prevent bone loss.  It’s also important to stay hydrated to keep your joints lubricated and flexible.  Incorporating low-impact exercises like swimming or yoga into your routine can help to improve joint mobility and reduce stiffness.  Additionally, taking breaks between intense workouts to allow for proper rest and recovery is essential to prevent overuse injuries.  Finally, stretching before and after workouts can help to increase flexibility and reduce the risk of injury.

Essential oil-infused Supplements

Supplements and essential oils can provide a range of benefits for individuals who engage in regular workouts. Supplements such as protein powders, creatine, and amino acids can help support muscle growth and repair, enhance energy levels, and improve overall athletic performance. 

Young Living has a quality line of oil-infused products designed for you and your workout routine.  Using them on a consistent basis can aid in recovery between workouts, help your body cleanse, and promote your overall physical wellness.