Your muscular system help support other systems like your circulatory system, affects proper posture and the way you carry yourself. I have a teenage boy who is quite tall. Often tall children tend to slouch forward to hide their height. He also is a really good gamer so lots of time is spend sitting. I am very cautious over his sedentary lifestyle and combined with a very skinny frame he really needs to bulk up. My gamer son needs to develop some muscles.
Add more protein
You need protein for muscle building – many nutritionist and body builders are agreeing on this point. Now I have to clarify that the aim is not to get him to look like he can lift a small car. No the aim is just to keep his muscles from disappearing altogether. I think many momma’s of gamers can relate to this. I just want to make sure he grows up to be a healthy young man.
So we are making some dietary changes and including more protein. That shouldn’t be too hard because he loves anything his dad throws on the barbecue. I also started to include more protein during the day like eggs for breakfast, yogurt in his school lunch box and a cheese toastie for after school snack.
Resistance training
The suggestion for resistance training was met with great resistance because he has never been a sporty one. He gives every sport a good go. We have tried many different sports over the years, both team sports and individual sports but he just didn’t seem keen about any sport.
Often that is what happens, they don’t excel and they know that they are not sporty compared to other boys. They are good at gaming and they sort of find their identity at that. Like anything the more you do it the better you get at it. Besides the fact that he thoroughly enjoys playing games he actually is really good at it.
Why resistance training though?
Light resistance training is not the same as weight lifting. Light resistance exercise is basically exercises using your own body weight or using resistance bands.
The benefits are developing more stamina and endurance, strengthening the bones and developing more self-confidence. Well, my gamer boy can do with all of those.
Training improves their gaming
I saw a little light at the end of the tunnel of frustration when I read about a study that was done to see if exercise prior to playing can actually improve their game and their performance. The results were astounding. Exercise does improve their abilities and skills. With science on my side we might get this boy to move more.
Can essential oils help at all?
Well, as an aromatherapist I knew the answer is no because essential oils does not have any nutritional value. However, I really want to help my boy and so I dig a bit further into if essential oils can help to support the body during the process.
Essential oils can help to improve blood circulation and helping them feel more grounded. I also found oils that are great for pre and post workouts to help with muscle pain when starting a exercise routine.
Top 5 essential oils for muscles and joints
Black pepper oil
Improve circulation, great to use as a pre-workout oil to prevent injuries and stiffness. Very stimulating and warming oil. Pain relieving and anti-spasmodic so relax the muscles.
Peppermint oil
Menthol is one of the primary compounds which is why this oil has a cooling effect when applied topically. It is anti-spasmodic, pain relieving and anti-inflammatory.
Wintergreen oil
Great for bone health and can assist in the healing of broken bones. Pain-relieving properties, anti-inflammatory which makes it great for muscular and joint aches and pains, cramps and dealing with stiffness.
Rosemary oil
Rosemary oil stimulates blood circulation, improves lymphatic drainage and is very helpful for bone, joint and muscle support and health.
It is also great to add to the mix for its ability to increase alertness, mental clarity and focus. This stimulating oil also helps to boost self confidence and can assist in dealing with depression.
Sandalwood oil
I have included Sandalwood oil for the emotional piece of the puzzle. Sandalwood oil is very grounding, helps with depression and low self esteem. It release melatonin which helps with their sleep cycle. Sleeping is a big issue for many gamers. They don’t sleep well or enough and it just create this sleep deprived cycle which leaves them exhausted and agitated.
Sandalwood oil can help with anxiety, restlessness and fear which is another common issue among gamers. The social anxiety prevents them from joining in game sports or outside activities.
Sandalwood oil can help the body to balance out testosterone levels. Testosterone is needed for muscle building and muscle maintenance. Low testosterone levels can cause low energy, low muscle tone and muscle strength, lack of focus and moodiness.
The Sandalwood listed below is already diluted in a carrier oil which makes it easy to use straight out of the bottle. I personally like to dab a drop on my wrist for some focus and feeling grounded throughout my day.
Always check the label though and do not apply any essential oil that is 100 % pure directly on the skin.
You can also add some Lavender, Helichrysum or Roman Chamomile oil to the mix but all of those smell a bit sweet to me so I have not included them for my son. Always remember that if you don’t like the smell of a particular oil, then just use another oil. A lot of the oils share the same properties. Often less is more as well. Oils work in synergy when you blend them together. So three or four oils in a mix can work better than having nine or ten different oils in the mix.
How to use essential oils?
Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying topically. Carrier oils are another personal preference. I personally prefer grape seed oil because it is light and absorb easily. Here is a dilution chart from Robert Tisserand to follow to use essential oils safely.
General Safety Information
Do not take essential oils internally or apply essential oils undiluted topically.
Follow Dilution recommendations on the Essential oil Dilution chart.
Pregnant women have to consult with a qualified aromatherapist and or midwife and doctor before using essential oils, especially topically.
If you have liver damage, cancer, suffers from epilepsy or other medical problems and take medicine on a regular basis then you have to use essential oils under the guidance of a trained aromatherapist.
Before using essential oils on children you should consult with a qualified aromatherapist.
Check whether the essential oil of your choice is safe to use around your pets. Here is a list of essential oils safety for dogs.
Buy organic essential oil if possible.
Take care of you so that you can take care of those you love
Elize
Resources
https://www.familychiroplus.com/5-essential-oils-for-muscle-aches-and-pains\
http://www.sorayagoddard.com/gym/
https://ndnr.com/anti-aging/muscle-as-medicine-a-most-naturopathic-anti-aging-medicine/