Fun DIY Recipes Use Essential Oils for Working Out

By Marisa Lampert

Whether you’re trying to be more active, maintain your exercise plan, or you want to kick it up a notch, essential oils are a natural, pleasant, and simple way to complement healthy choices and lifestyles. Angela, a personal trainer, shared some of her favorite essential oils to use while training, and it got us thinking about how we use essential oils for working out at home and at the gym. Here are some easy, DIY recipes:

1. Athlete’s Foot lotion and sneaker spray…

Essential oils can help your feet and sneakers smell wonderful, as well as deter bacterial, fungal and viral growth that may lead to fungus and Athlete’s Foot.
Tea Tree, Eucalyptus citriodora, and Niaouli have antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Mix with water to create a simple odor and germ busting sneaker spray. For those who do not enjoy the aroma of Tea Tree or Niaouli, Caryn has created the following blend.

Athlete’s Foot Recipe
Palmarosa 18 drops (antifungal)
Lemongrass 6 drops (antimicrobial)
Patchouli 12 drops (antiseptic, antifungal)
Geranium 24 drops (antibacterial, astringent)

Blend the essential oils together and mix the blend at a 5% dilution (dilution guidelines for easy reference) in a lotion, cream or carrier oil. Rub a teaspoon amount of the diluted mixture on your feet and between toes before bed and/or during the day.

2. Exercise equipment / yoga mat sanitizing spray…

Sanitizing sprays can be easily used to help keep workout equipment or yoga mat clean and avoid spreading germs.

Simple Antibacterial/Antifungal Recipe
3 drops of Tea Tree
2 drops of Peppermint
2 drops of Lavender
1 oz Distilled water (or use 1 part water to 3 parts white vinegar)
1 – 1 oz. spritzer bottle
(Eucalyptus, Lemongrass, e3’s Protection or Antiseptic blend can be substituted for any of the essential oils listed above)

Mix, shake well and spray liberally over your yoga mat or workout equipment. Then wipe with a clean towel. Allow to air dry after cleaning.

3. Soothing essential oils for working out muscle soreness and joint pain…

When you’re pushing your muscles to get stronger, or move in ways they haven’t for a while, soreness and some joint pain may occur. After a strenuous workout soaking your body in a warm bath can help soothe and ease muscle and joint aches. A reminder, never drop undiluted essential oils directly into your bath water.

Post Workout Recovery Bath
1 cup Epsom salts
8 drops e3 Muscle Soothe
1 teaspoon carrier oil (or ½ cup whole milk)
(Lavender, Peppermint, and Lemongrass can be substituted in place of the Muscle Soothe blend.)

Mix essential oil in Epsom and carrier oil, set aside. Fill the tub with warm water, add mixture, and immerse yourself.

Muscle and Joint Rub
1 ounce lotion or carrier oil
5 drops e3 Muscle Soothe
5 drops e3 Joint Relief
(optional) 2 drops e3 Inflammation Blend

Shake well before use and massage into limbs and torso after a working out. This lotion can also be helpful the day after, to spot-treat areas that may still be sore.

We invite you to share your favorite workout blend on our Facebook page. Are you ready to start creating your own aromatherapy recipes? Be sure to download a free copy of Listen to Your Nose: An Introduction to Aromatherapy. Knowing these basics will give you the confidence to get started.