7 Great Items to Add to Your Gym Bag
Since it's a new year and many people have getting fit on their list of resolutions, I thought a blog about what should go into a natural gym bag might be a good idea. Now more than ever, it is important to make sure that you are being cautious and protecting yourself against viruses, bacteria and fungi... all common germs in a gym, even when there isn't a pandemic.
Mask
Many gyms require you to wear a mask. Look for one that is breathable and comfortable. Make sure to use a new or clean mask every time. Click here for tips on how to clean and maintain a mask.
Hand Sanitizer
Although gyms should have hand sanitizer available, carry a travel size one in your bag just in case.
Anti-Fungal Spray
Gyms are notorious for spreading bacteria and other unhealthy micro-organisms. Making your own anti-fungal spray is easy and can help keep those germs at bay.
In a spritzing bottle, combine 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar with 1/2 teaspoon of lavender essential oil. Shake well and spray onto your skin after showering. It will restore your skin's healthy acidity, prevent fungal growth, and treat itching and inflammation.
Remedies for Pain
Arnica is an excellent homeopathic aid for athletes to keep on hand because it helps manage pain, reduces swelling and speeds the healing process. Use in cases of trauma, shock, dislocations, bruising, nosebleeds, and muscle or head injuries. Arnica gel, ointment or cream can also be applied externally to strains and sprains. Use a calendula lotion or ointment for shallow cuts, scrapes, burns and blisters.
Here are some other specific homeopathic remedies (take internally):
• For black eyes, use ledum.
• For damage to the shins or kneecaps, use ruta.
• For tennis elbow and injuries caused by overexertion, use rhus tox.
Deodorant
Avoid putting toxic chemicals on your body and into the environment by using natural solutions, such as deodorants that use natural plants and minerals to deliver safe, long-lasting odor protection. They come in a variety of forms including stick, roll-on and non-aerosol sprays. Or try natural deodorant stones made from mineral salts such as potassium alum that eliminate odor-causing bacteria and help control perspiration.
Cleansers and Moisturizers
Look for cleansers that are free of parabens, fragrance and other harmful chemicals. Cleansers that contain tea tree oil will help fight bacteria and acne, while natural oils like coconut or hemp will help moisturize your skin. Village Green carries a large selection of beauty care items that are good to your skin, and good to the environment.
Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)
BCAAs can be used by muscle cells as an indirect energy source during strenuous exercise without forming pain-causing lactate. Normally, when we perform strenuous exercise while burning other fuel sources such as fat or carbohydrate, a byproduct called lactate is produced. Lactate is the chemical responsible for your painful and stiff muscles the morning after a hard workout. Taking in BCAAs before working out helps to prevent the build-up of lactate and thus can help reduce or even eliminate that post exercise soreness. It can be easily mixed in water before a workout.
Photo from here, with thanks.
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