With a clammy spin class at your local gym no longer an option, plenty of us have embraced WOFH (that’s working out from home). And while the current situation is far from ideal, there are plenty of perks that come with not having to leave home to get your sweat on.
Gone are the days we had to worry about someone seeing our red-faced complexion, queuing for the hairdryer or living in fear of forgetting to pack our deodorant. With your full beauty arsenal at your disposal both pre and post workout, most of those exercise beauty qualms have been swished.
However, home workouts can pose their own challenges (especially the Joe Wicks for seniors workout!). In most cases, as you enjoy your online class, the instructor can’t see you and check in on your form. Factor in the likelihood that you don’t have either the time or inclination for a full stretch post session, and you’re increasing the risk of sore muscles and potential injury.
While we can’t recommend a remedy for sports injuries, we can point you in the direction of gorgeous lotions and potions that’ll help ease those aches and pains.
Look out for key ingredients to help you to recover post workout:
- Arnica
- Magnesium
- Epsom Salts
Beauty balms and lotions that are post-exercise body treats
Weleda Arnica Massage Oil, £16.95
SHOP NOW: Weleda Arnica Massage Oil, £16.95, Feel Unique
Grown to strict biodynamic standards to guarantee top-notch quality, purity and potency, Weleda’s arnica packs a punch. Massage onto limbs before and after sport to keep your muscles nice and flexible.
Mama Mio Lucky Legs Cooling Gel, £20
SHOP NOW: Mama Mio Lucky Legs Cooling Gel, £20, John Lewis
Technically designed for Mums-to-be, this balm can be used by anyone to cool and refresh heavy, aching legs. Aloe vera and ginger extract are the heroes here, teaming soothing and energising properties in one tube.
SHOP NOW: ESPA Muscle Rescue Balm, £30, Look Fantastic
Blending cooling peppermint and eucalyptus with warming clove bud and West Indian bay oils, one sniff is enough to spend your mind on a spa day. Take the time to massage in to fully reap its relaxing benefits.
Kear’s Soothing Body Balm Arnica Herbal Treatment, £37
SHOP NOW: Kear’s Soothing Body Balm Arnica Herbal Treatment, £37
Best known as an antidote to bruising, Arnica has great anti-inflammatory properties. This balm is packed full of it, as well as natural olive oil, beeswax and almond oil to untangle wound-up muscles.
Westlab Bathing Salts Sleep, £5.99
SHOP NOW: Westlab Bathing Salts Sleep, £5.99, Boots
Surrounded by so much uncertainty, it’s no surprise some of us are finding it trickier than usual to nod off. Take on insomnia by scattering a generous handful of these salts into your pre-bedtime bath. Magnesium will soothe both mind and body to set you up for a peaceful nights’ sleep.
REN Atlantic Kelp and Magnesium Anti-Fatigue Body Wash, £22
SHOP NOW: REN Atlantic Kelp and Magnesium Anti-Fatigue Body Wash, £22, Cult Beauty
Slather on in the shower after your workout to refresh your senses and dial down tiredness. It’s a great way to wake you up on sluggish mornings too.
Algenist Splash Absolute Hydration Replenishing Emulsion, £52
SHOP NOW: Algenist Splash Absolute Hydration Replenishing Emulsion, £52, Look Fantastic
A bit like a sports drink for your face, this moisturiser uses electrolytes to replenish minerals lost from skin through busy lifestyles and stress. It’s not strictly for after workouts, but our skin could always do with a little extra help.
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