Deep Blue for Athletes Training Routine
See how athletes use doTERRA Deep Blue as a cooling post-workout ritual. Tips for training days, stretching, and natural self-care.
By the AfterTheSport Team — Active-lifestyle & doTERRA enthusiasts
You just finished a heavy squat session, your legs feel heavy, and the last thing you want is a complicated recovery protocol. The short answer for adding a cooling, aromatic ritual to your routine: doTERRA Deep Blue, a proprietary blend of Wintergreen, Camphor, Peppermint, Blue Tansy, German Chamomile, Helichrysum, and Osmanthus, is designed as a post-training comfort product. Many active people use it right after showering or during a wind-down stretching block. It works best as part of a broader habit: hydrate, move gently, and give your body time to rest. In this guide we will cover exactly how athletes use Deep Blue in a weekly training routine, which formats make sense for gym bags, and how to combine it with other oils for a simple, repeatable ritual.
How Athletes Add Deep Blue to a Training Day
Deep Blue is not a pre-workout stimulant, and it will not change your strength or speed. What it offers is a distinct cooling, soothing sensation that many people find pleasant after demanding sessions. Think of it as a sensory bookend to your workout, a signal to your brain that training is over and recovery mode starts.
Because Deep Blue has a bold, minty, wintergreen-forward aroma, most people use it after the gym, not before. A small amount along the shoulders, forearms, or legs after showering tends to feel the most refreshing. It pairs naturally with low-intensity movement: walking, foam rolling, slow stretching, or just sitting with a glass of water.
We have covered the recovery angle in more detail in a separate guide: Deep Blue for Muscle Recovery After Training. That article focuses on wind-down habits and comfort after training, while this one is about building Deep Blue into a repeatable weekly routine.
Choosing a Deep Blue Format
doTERRA makes a few Deep Blue formats. The right one for you depends on how and where you train, and how much time you have after a session.
| Format | Best For | Texture | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deep Blue | Home use, full-body routines | Liquid oil | Dilute and massage into skin after a shower |
| Deep Blue Rub | Gym bag, travel, quick application | Creamy rub | No-drip option for on-the-go use |
| Deep Blue Touch | Precise, mess-free application | Pre-diluted roll-on | Target specific small areas like wrists or shoulders |
The oil and the rub are the two most common choices for athletes. The Deep Blue oil blends easily with a carrier oil for a full-body application, while Deep Blue Rub is convenient when you are getting dressed in a locker room. Deep Blue Touch works well for small, targeted spots without needing to wash your hands.
A Simple 5-Step Post-Training Ritual
You do not need to set aside an hour. A simple five-step routine takes about 10 minutes and is easy to repeat after every session.
- Hydrate first. Drink a full glass of water or an electrolyte drink before anything else.
- Shower and cool down. Use lukewarm water, not ice cold. Let your body temperature settle naturally.
- Apply Deep Blue. Dispense a small amount of Deep Blue and dilute it with a lightweight carrier oil, especially on larger areas like thighs or lower back.
- Move slowly. Spend five minutes doing gentle stretching or walking. Skip aggressive foam rolling immediately after applying the oil.
- Rest intentionally. Sit or lie down for a few minutes. Add a calm, grounding aroma like Balance or Serenity to a diffuser if you want to extend the wind-down feeling.
For a slightly richer massage-focused version, you can also see our Deep Blue Massage for Athletes After Training guide.
Oils That Pair Well with Deep Blue
Deep Blue works well alone, but a few doTERRA oils complement its cooling, herbal profile without clashing with it.
- Peppermint for an extra fresh, awakening sensation after evening sessions when you still need to get home.
- Frankincense for a softer, more grounded post-training aroma.
- Lavender if you train late and want a calmer transition toward sleep.
- Copaiba for its gentle, mild scent that blends easily with Deep Blue and can make the overall experience more subtle.
In our experience, the best combination depends on the time of day. Morning trainers usually prefer a lighter, fresher touch, while evening trainers lean toward Lavender or Copaiba.
How Often Should You Use It?
Deep Blue is a comfort product, not a treatment. There is no strict schedule. What we recommend most often is using it after harder sessions, where the cooling sensation feels most appreciated, and skipping it after light or easy days. You can use it daily if you enjoy the ritual, but it is not something you need to build a tolerance to or cycle.
Some athletes also keep a tube of Deep Blue Rub in their gym bag for weekends when they train away from home. It requires no measuring and no carrier oil, which makes it the most practical option for shared spaces.
FAQ
Can I use Deep Blue before a workout?
Most people prefer using Deep Blue after training. Its cooling, minty sensation can feel distracting during a workout, especially on areas that bend or rub against clothing. Save it for your post-workout wind-down.
Does Deep Blue improve athletic recovery?
No. Deep Blue provides a cooling, comforting sensory experience, but it does not speed up recovery in a physiological or medical sense. Recovery comes from sleep, hydration, nutrition, and proper rest. Deep Blue is simply a pleasant addition to that process.
Is Deep Blue safe to use on large areas of skin?
Always dilute Deep Blue with a carrier oil before applying it to larger areas like thighs, lower back, or shoulders. If you are new to it, start with a small patch test on your forearm and wait a few minutes to see how your skin reacts.
Conclusion
Deep Blue works best as a consistent post-training ritual, not a one-time fix. Pair it with hydration, gentle movement, and proper rest, and it becomes a simple way to close out every training day with intention.
This content is for general information only and is not medical advice. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease; consult a qualified healthcare professional before use.