Using essential oils for exercise can help you make the most of every workout—and that can keep you inspired so you stick with your good habits of regular exercise! Essential oils for exercise can help boost performance in a natural way.
There are a lot of essential oils that can support your workout. Since you have so many options, we want to help you narrow down your choices.
So we’ve collected our top 10 best essential oils for a great workout!
This list is separated into essential oils for your pre- and post-workout.
Use essential oils for exercise before & after a workout!
Pre-workout:
- Warm up your muscles
- Get motivated & energized
- Stay focused
Post-workout:
- Cool down
- Ease sore, tight muscles
- Get a good night’s rest
Each of these essential oils was chosen based on the chemical components it contains.
Some of these components have been proven to calm spasms, circulate energy, and enhance mental focus. All of the essential oils (in both sections) can comfort sore muscles (even if that’s not specifically mentioned under the essential oil). If you only have a few essential oils on this list, you can use them for the benefits listed and for your tired muscles!
Are you new to blending by chemical component? Our Aromatherapy for Professionals learning guide will get you up to speed.
Top 10 best essential oils for exercise
Pre-Workout
1. Rosemary ct Camphor Oil (Rosmarinus officinalis ct camphor)
Use the camphor-rich chemotype of rosemary to find the motivation to start your daily workout! Rosemary essential oil helps circulate energy through the head. It also offers the mental clarity to stay focused on your fitness goals while you exercise.
2. Basil (Sweet) Oil (Ocimum basilicum ct linalool)
Use basil (sweet) essential oil to get into a flow state and fully engage with your fitness routine. Basil (sweet) essential oil’s linalool content supports deep concentration, while other components encourage a steady stream of energized productivity.
Lemon essential oil’s component d-limonene has been shown to inspire positive emotions. Just the scent of lemon can give you an energy boost! D-limonene can also calm spasms. Use lemon before a workout to feel upbeat and protect your muscles during your exercise routine.
4. Marjoram (Sweet) Oil (Origanum majorana)
Warming up your muscles before strenuous exercise can encourage blood circulation, which gives your muscles what they need to work hard without cramping. Rich in terpinen-4-ol, marjoram (sweet) essential oil's warming properties get the job done!
5. Ginger Oil (Zingiber officinale)
Fiery ginger essential oil inspires the courage to seize the day! It circulates energy through your body so you feel strong and capable. Its sesquiterpene content makes ginger perfect for a comforting and calming muscle massage after your workouts, too.
Post-workout recovery
6. Black Pepper Oil (Piper nigrum)
Fresh, dry, and peppery, black pepper essential oil is a must-have for keeping your muscles warm. It’s also ideal for a DIY massage essential oil blend: its component b-caryophyllene may help ease post-exercise aches and calm cramps.
7. Eucalyptus Oil (Eucalyptus globulus)
Eucalyptus essential oil’s main component, 1,8-cineole, can support your breath. And it’s one of the cooling oils on our list. Reach for a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil if you feel overheated, or if you like an “icy hot” massage oil for knots of sore muscles.
8. Peppermint Oil (Mentha x piperita)
Peppermint essential oil’s menthol content can help you cool down after a workout. Peppermint essential oil has a crisp, sweet scent also boosts your mood so you can get the most out of those exercise endorphins!
9. Juniper Berry Oil (Juniperus communis)
Prevent muscles from tightening up after your workout with a juniper berry massage. Rich in a-pinene, warming juniper berry essential oil helps keep energy circulating through your body, while releasing knots of tension.
10. Lavender Oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender essential oil contains two profoundly relaxing components that can soothe your body and mind: linalool and linalyl acetate. Use lavender to get rid of stress, and get some deeply restorative sleep after a strenuous workout.
