January is a time for rest, reflection and resolution. After a month of indulgence, the new year reminds us to prioritize our health, and many of us are reminded to renew our gym memberships. As determined as we may be to prioritize physical fitness, it is also necessary to practice gym etiquette and collaborative mindfulness by appreciating the importance of personal hygiene. Whether you’re dedicated to maintaining your current exercise routine, or a change of season has inspired you to set new wellness goals, chances are you’ll be working up a sweat. Let’s be real, no one wants to be the bearer of bad body odour.
Deodorant is a gym bag essential, but sometimes we must go beyond the basics. This spray will keep your gym equipment sanitized, smelling fresh and prevent any stinky situations.
First, grab a spray bottle and fill it halfway with tap water. You can find glass and plastic spray bottles online through Amazon or at local drug and dollar stores — it doesn’t need to look fancy. Then, fill the rest of your bottle with alcohol free witch hazel solution. To complete your mixture, I suggest selecting two essential oils and adding five toeight drops each. The oils act as natural deodorizers and disinfectants and their aromatherapy qualities will help foster collective wellbeing.
To fight against the growth of bacteria and fungus I recommend using tea tree, peppermint or eucalyptus. If you’re more interested in eliminating unpleasant odours, I would suggest lemongrass, lavender or orange. This step is completely customizable, so have fun with it. Each time you run out of gym spray is an opportunity to try a new scent combination or add to your essential oil collection. The options are endless, as are its uses. Personally, I love using this spray to clean my yoga mat especially after participating in group classes. You can also consider using it on your gym bag, shoes or any other equipment that can collect germs and trap odours.
This DIY is easy, effective and won’t break the bank. If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your gym game, swap the stink for a spray that stays and get making.
Photo by Maddie McGrath.
