We know about endorphins – wonderful happy hormones released when we exercise. But research has shown being active long-term can change the structure and function of our brains over time. Professor Art Kramer explains, “the general consensus is that a multitude of beneficial and chronic changes for a healthier brain and mind can happen if you exercise for an hour a day, three days a week.” Sounds good to us.
To help keep you motivated through January, we’ve rounded up a couple of our favourite Instagram fitness pages, along with an aromatherapy workout kit to make you the happiest and healthiest you can be.
Powered by Stylist Mag, Strong Women UK is a firm favourite with us at HQ; with live workouts from the likes of Shona Virtue and Emma Obayuvana, we know you’ll want to hit the follow button too.
Whether it’s Strength, Sweat, Train, Pilates, Yoga or Bodyweight classes you’re after, Core Collective has covered you with their live Instagram or ‘on-demand’ workouts on their website. Plus, if you live in the Kensington or Clapham area, you can join them for an outdoor workout class too.
Aromatherapy hit
Pre-workout
The Citrus family are renowned for giving us essential oils that are vibrant and zesty in their aroma. They also typically offer the same with their therapeutic properties. Our Energy Boost blend is packed with lively citrus aromas – the perfect natural pep-up power.
All citrus fruit oils are extracted in the same way – from the peel or rind of the fruit. The vital essence is present in the skin of each fruit, so next time you peel an orange or slice a lemon, look at the skin’s inner surface, and you will see little pores where the essential oils sit. The essential oil is obtained using a method called expression, where the skins are pressed to release the oil.
Orange – Citrus sinensis
The stand-out oil of this blend is Orange, bright and refreshing with a wonderful, sweet smell. The aroma is synonymous with sunshine and vitality, so its fragrance will lift your mood and bring you joy. Just imagine the sweet scent of freshly squeezed oranges in the summertime.
Lime – Citrus aurantifolia
Originally from India, Lime now grows in many parts of the world, especially the West Indies. The trees are small, growing to approximately 2 ½ metres, with pretty white flowers, dark vibrant leaves and small green fruits. Sweet, fresh and more mellow than lemon essential oil, lime is indicated for lethargy and low spirits, able to support us when we feel fatigued. Its wonderful aroma will encourage you to kick start your day and help you feel motivated.
Grapefruit – Citrus paradisi
Grapefruit appears to be a happy accident of cross-pollination between the Sweet Orange and the Pomelo in the Caribbean during the 18th Century. It is said to have been given its name because someone at the time thought the fruit tasted like grapes! It has a wonderfully uplifting aroma that will fill you with energy and zest. Indicated as a euphoric oil to relieve feelings of apathy and emotional fatigue, it will undoubtedly give you a spring in your step.
Post-workout
After a workout, essential oils can aid your recovery and bring relief to tired, hardworking muscles. Our Muscle Ease blend is designed to do just that. An excellent combination of zingy, warming essential oils developed to boost circulation and allow your body to recover quickly.
Ginger – zingiber officinale
The familiar aroma of Ginger is both warming and soothing. Ginger is steam distilled from the ginger plant’s rhizome (the fleshy root). It has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries for digestive issues, aches, and pains. Applied to the body, it will bring warmth and comfort to tired muscles post-workout.
Rosemary – Rosmarinus officinalis
A familiar sight in many gardens across the globe, Rosemary is originally from the Mediterranean and is used extensively in Western Herbal medicine as a tonic for many conditions. Steam distilled from the leaves and young shoots of the herb, it brings a vibrancy to the blend. Its intense aroma is uplifting and energising, and when applied to the body, it will help muscle recovery after a workout.
Rosemary is also known to sharpen your focus, so it would be great to use on its own before a workout and afterwards in our Muscle Ease blend.
Lemongrass – Cymbopogon citratus
Sharp and zesty in its aroma, Lemongrass is a wonderful citrus addition to Muscle Ease. Its aromatic profile is bright and fresh, with a familiar lemon scent to invigorate you post-workout. Like the other essential oils in the blend, it can enhance local circulation to relieve tired and achy muscles.
