Coconut oil has been touted as a miracle oil for many years, and its use on the skin can provide a range of benefits. For those looking to make the most out of their workouts, coconut oil can be an integral component of a pre-workout skincare routine. From providing antioxidant protection to reducing inflammation, incorporating coconut oil into your pre-workout skin routine can help you reap the benefits of this natural oil and maximize your performance in the gym. In this article, we will discuss the various benefits of coconut oil for skin and how to incorporate it into your pre-workout routine.
Is it beneficial to apply coconut oil on skin before a workout?
Yes, it can be beneficial to apply coconut oil on skin before a workout. Coconut oil contains healthy fatty acids that can help nourish and hydrate the skin, making it more supple and less likely to tear or be stretched out during a workout. Additionally, the natural antibacterial properties of coconut oil can help protect the skin against bacteria and breakouts associated with sweating. Finally, coconut oil can also act as a natural lubricant, helping reduce friction and prevent skin irritation while working out.
Does coconut oil help reduce the risk of skin irritation during exercise?
Yes, coconut oil can help reduce the risk of skin irritation during exercise. Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that can help protect the skin from friction and chafing. It can also help to reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks. Applying the oil before your workout can help to keep the skin lubricated and reduce irritation.
Are there any potential side effects of applying coconut oil to skin before working out?
Yes, there are potential side effects of applying coconut oil to skin before working out. Some people may experience irritation or breakouts. Additionally, coconut oil can clog pores and cause acne. It can also be comedogenic, which means it can cause blackheads and whiteheads. Furthermore, the oil can attract dirt, sweat, and bacteria and can cause body odor. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly cleanse the skin before and after a workout if coconut oil has been applied.
Can coconut oil help improve the effectiveness of a workout?
Yes, coconut oil can help improve the effectiveness of a workout. Applying a thin layer of coconut oil on the skin before a workout can help reduce friction and chafing, as well as keep skin moisturized and protected from sweat and dirt. Furthermore, the natural antibacterial properties of coconut oil can help reduce the risk of infection from open wounds caused by chafing or scrapes.
Chemically, coconut oil is a saturated fat. It is extracted from the kernel of mature coconuts and because of its excellent heat stability, it makes an ideal cooking oil and is resistant to rancidity. Coconut oil is made up of medium chained fatty acids, mainly lauric acid, and hence does not rely on bile salts for digestion. It is easily digested and absorbed by the body, and quickly converted to energy. In , a study conducted by C Beermann and colleagues found that this oil helps to burn other fats and increases your metabolic rate, thus aiding in lowering your body fat levels, according to lipidworld. Thus, coconut oil is used by bodybuilders pre-contest, when they want to reduce body fat but retain muscle mass. Moreover, because it is easily digested, it does not slow down the absorption of other nutrients, as long-chained fatty acids would. The lauric acid in coconut oil has been found to have antiviral and antibacterial properties, hence another reason for including it in the post workout shake. Recent research by G. Hurtado de Catalfo and colleagues indicates that coconut oil optimizes testosterone production by enhancing the activity of the enzymes involved in the synthesis of this hormone. Testosterone is the key hormone responsible for muscle growth, and in men, it peaks in the early 20s and subsequently starts to go down with age. Thus, coconut oil might be especially useful for bodybuilders over 30 and others with suboptimal testosterone levels. Goedecke and colleagues, coconut oil taken before training has the potential to enhance performance, as the body would use the medium chain fatty acids in addition to carbohydrates to power exercise. Thus, fatigue would be delayed as glycogen stores are spared and there is less build up of lactic acid. Manuel Attard has been writing professionally since and has written nutrition articles for the Malta Exercise, Health and Fitness Association. He is a Registered Nutritionist U. Attard has an honors Bachelor of Science in biology and chemistry from the University of Malta and a Master of Science in human nutrition from the University of Glasgow. By Manuel Attard. Published 08 July, More Articles. Home Fitness.
Some days, it can be a serious struggle to convince yourself to hit the gym and work out. My go-to strategies for those days used to include strong cups of coffee or heaping scoops of pre-workout. But I recently discovered the awesome benefits of using essential oils before a workout , and honestly, I think its safe to say that I wont be relying on caffeine anymore to help me get in the zone before the gym. Essential oils are strong , potent, and incredible solutions for just about anything that youre dealing with. If you have a headache, rub some lavender essential oil on your temples. If you have a pesky cough that just wont go away, whip out some tea tree oil. If you need a little proof, look no further A study from the Journal of International Society of Sports Nutrition found that athletes who added just a tiny bit of peppermint essential oil to their water showed significantly improved performance and better respiratory function overall. So, the next time youre tempted to reach for a scoop of something sugary or soaked in caffeine to get you motivated before a workout, try one of these five essential oils instead to get the boost youre looking for. Lemongrass essential oil has a bright and tangy smell that will energize you and instantly remind you why squeezing in a workout will make you feel so good. This oil contains a compound called citral , which is said to help produce heat throughout the body and, as a result, it makes your workout a little more effective. Rub a few drops on your skin before leaving the house, or even try wafting the scent during your workout to keep you going in between burpees. Hey, Im just here to inform, fam never to judge. Have you ever driven to the gym and then literally sat in your car for a solid 20 minutes, scrolling through Instagram and procrastinating your workout? Just me? OK, cool. If you are as lazy as me some days, peppermint essential oil might be your new pre-workout savior to get your ass out of the car and into the gym. Simply dab a few drops on your wrists, and youll notice a huge boost in your energy, as this essential oil works to wake up your body and your mind. As a yoga instructor, whenever Im teaching a morning class, I make sure to end the flow with some eucalyptus oil. That way, instead of feeling super groggy and wanting to go back to bed post-savasana, my students and I all feel energized and ready to take on the day. Eucalyptus essential oil works the same way if youre making a million excuses for why you shouldnt go to the gym. The strong scent is exhilarating and revitalizing, and will allow you to break up with your pre-workout shot of espresso ASAP.
