Muscle soreness and aching limbs are all part and parcel of sport. We’ve all experienced them, whether it be after an extra long training run or after the first day of an active holiday. Here’s Sportsister’s pick of the best muscle gels to help soothe those aches away.
When it comes down to choosing a muscle gel must of us will be very influenced by the scent and texture of the cream or lotion. Clearly that is important, and the good news is that many of the newer products on the market are a joy to use and smell gorgeous. However the most important element is the active ingredients that claim to soothe, heal and repair.
Essential oils are a key ingredient in many. Two of the most popular are lavender and rosemary, both known for their pain relieving properties, but there are many more that have specific benefits like ginger and black pepper. Another aspect to consider when choosing is the base ingredient - is it an oil, gel or lotion? And what the are advantages of each? A lot of this comes down to personal preference, but generally the oil based products will work well in conjunction with massage and the gels and lotions are lighter and more easily absorbed.
Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Muscle Gel
Aromatherapy Associates have great credentials - the founders’ studies into aromatherapy date back to the beginnings of the modern practice in the 1970′s, and they also helped set up the International Federation of Aromatherapists back in 1985, an organisation dedicated to maintaining the highest standards across the industry. So you can be sure that this product has been well researched and tested for effectiveness.
All essential oils used are derived from organically grown plants where possible, and this gel contains several. Key ingredients include lavender, rosemary, ginger and black pepper. Lavender and rosemary are well known to relieve pain, ginger brings a combination of anti-inflammatory and stimulating properties and black pepper is anti- spasmodic, giving great relief for muscle pulls.
Sportsister loves this gel and whilst it may seem pricey at £16.10 for 150ml, it does go a long way and the cost per ml actually makes it the cheapest of the three. The light consistancy of the gel means you cannot use too much, it is easily absorbed and feels instantly refreshing. Whilst it is hard to quantify the effects, it is certainly pleasant to use - smells great and has all the credentials of a top-notch product. www.aromatherapyassociates.com Stockists: 0208 569 7030
Blue-Active Gel
Elemis Musclease
Elemis is one of the the leading luxury spa and skincare brands in the UK and as such has a great reputation. Their expertise lies in using a successful combination of natural active ingredients with cutting edge technology. So it’s no surprise to find that the Musclease product has proved very popular in the Sportsister offices.
The algae aroma-therapeutic body oil contains a potent blend of stimulating maritime pine, seabuckthorn (an aid in promoting regeneration of tissues), sea fennel and rosemary in a skin-nourishing base. Since it is an oil based product a lot goes a long way and although this is the most expensive of the three at £29.00 for 100ml, it will last a long time.
This oil is excellent as part of a your regime and can be used after every session to help ease muscle spasm and stressed joints. www.elemis.co.uk stockists 01278 727 830
Danielle Sellwood, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
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