How Scent Can Improve Athletic Performance In Your Gym

You’ve probably heard that certain scents can help to alleviate symptoms of illness and improve overall health. But you may not have considered the effects that scent can have on athletic performance. 

Scents and essential oils are a vital part of alternative and complementary medicine according to the United States Handbook of Essential Oils, and there is more and more evidence showing that certain scents can help to improve athletic performance.

Of course, nothing beats hard training and proper nutrition, but scents can undoubtedly help with aspects of athletic performance. If you run a fitness studio or gym, then you’ll want it to be a place where people enjoy and get benefits from the scents in your gym. 

Scenting gyms is becoming very common, and there are plenty of scent diffusers on the market that can help your gym or fitness studio smell fresh for staff and members alike.

Scents can have a profound effect on mental wellbeing. A lot of research has been done on the benefits particular scents can have on anxiety and depression, which can, in turn, help to increase self-confidence. So, the question is which scents can help to improve athletic performance? Let’s take a look:

Chamomile 

Chamomile is a daisy-like herb. Manufacturers use steam distillation to extract the essential oils from this herb. Studies have shown that chamomile works well at relaxing muscles and the mind. Chamomile can be a good option to help gym-goers or athletes feel relaxed when they are working out and focus on their workout rather than the stress in their daily lives. It also offers great benefits for gym-goers that are sore from a previous work out or athletes that are recovering from an injury as it can help relieve the pain of bruises, stiff joints, and sore muscles.

Peppermint 

Peppermint is a powerful and refreshing scent that can have a significant effect on energy levels and has also been shown to increase blood flow to muscles. Peppermint can also act as a painkiller and also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These properties are useful for performance, exercise recovery, and health, which can help to improve athletic performance. 

Lavender

Lavender is one of the most versatile scents in the world and has a fresh, clean aroma that can easily cover the smell of sweat and any other unpleasant smells in a gym. Lavender is also commonly used to boost mood and relieve stress. These scents can help athletes that are training for event or gym-goers who just had a stressful day to relax and focus on what they are trying to improve on. This will give your gym clientele a positive mental state and no doubt aid in their performance at the gym. 

Pick The Right Scent For Your Gym

One thing you'll have noticed about all of the scents we have looked at is the effect each one has on relieving the body and mind from stress, and on increasing focus. Whether your clientele is an athlete or not, having a pleasant scent in your gym for them to work out with will not only improve their overall performance but will also give your gym an overall better appeal. Your gym’s guests or visitors will feel welcomed, motivated, and always wanting to come back.

Speak with a Hotel Scents' scent expert today and they can assist you in choosing the right scent for your gym.