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Should you be Using Warm-Up Oil this Spring?

Here's the skinny on the leg warmer replacement all the pros are using...

Early spring can be difficult for cyclists – the mornings are often chilly, but temperatures do rise as the day goes on and body temperature of course increases as you start to work harder. Often cyclists choose to wear arm and leg warmers for the early stages of their ride, sliding them off if and when they overheat. However, there is another option – warm-up oil.

Also called embrocation, warm-up oil usually comes in a cream form a lot like a body butter or moisturiser and works by making the skin feel warm. It’s often used by racers attacking events when they know it’ll be cold at the start – such as cyclocross events or early morning time trials. However, a pot will last for months and will only set you back about £20 so there’s no reason you can’t also slap a bit on before you head out for your weekend ride or commute.

Much like heating balms used to relieve the symptoms of muscle pains, warm-up oil doesn’t actually heat the skin or the muscles underneath, it just gives a sensation much like sitting next to a radiator.

“I do use it – which is interesting considering that I kind of know it has no actual proven scientific or physical benefits. I think there is definitely a placebo effect in using warm-up oil.”

When we asked physiotherapist at Peloton Physio and category 2 racer for Les Filles Race Team, Nicole Oh, what she thought of the stuff she told us she uses it on a regular basis, saying: “I don’t think there is reputable research that conclusively shows it [warm-up oil] has any real benefits. But do I use it? You bet I do – which is interesting considering that I kind of know it has no actual proven scientific or physical benefits.

“I tend to go mostly for embrocation in colder weather races – the Rapha Winter Embro is currently my choice, mainly because it is quite strong. I hate wearing leg or knee warmers, especially in the wet. I much prefer wet skin then wet material. In summer I will just use oil because I like the smell and it makes my legs look shiny!”

On the actual physical benefits, she said the process of application may have an effect, as well as use providing a mental boost – saying: “I don’t think the actual cream or oil really does anything in itself, possibly there may be a small benefit [to injury prevention] from the rubbing in or massaging process rather than the actual product itself. The product does not actually warm the skin’s temperature or tissues underneath, it just gives the sensation of warmth. To warm up properly and improve blood flow, you actually need to do exercise! I think there is definitely a placebo effect in using warm-up oil, and some people use it as part of their preparation routine as it increases their readiness for competition.”

Which to use?

The ingredients used to create this sensation vary between brands, and you might find some work better for you – we’ve listed three of our favourites below.

Rapha Winter Embrocation – £20

A favourite for Nicole, Rapha offer both a summer and a winter version of their embrocation cream – the winter version uses three ‘warming agents’: winter green, capsicum and vanilla. It can last up to six hours, and also contains Atlas Cedar, which is designed to relieve stress and tension, and Lavender – a mild antiseptic and anti-inflammatory.

Muc Off Warm Up Cream – £15

We checked out Muc Off’s full ‘athlete performance’ range recently, and our favourite two products where the recovery balm and warm up cream.

Muc Off say their product is different because it uses an intelligent ‘self-thinking’ heating system – it only warms up your muscles to the required temperature. When we used it, we certainly noticed a pleasant glow of warmth spreading over our skin and would absolutely recommend it. Being a thick cream, it’s easy to apply with little mess. We couldn’t verify the self-thinking claims – though this was tested in Muc Off’s labs and they couldn’t make the claim without some supporting data.

Elite Competition Line Warm Up Oil – usually around £10-15

This offering from Elite is a well-known favourite among racers that has been around longer than the two options above. It contains sunflower oil, and the consistency is thinner than most. This means it is a little messier to apply but can provide an effective massage as you rub it in – and it also gives your legs a lovely shiny sheen (important if you’re riding a race or sportive where photographers may be hiding on the course!)

The oil contains basil, oregano and rosemary oils that are designed to be ‘energising’, producing a strong heating sensation that lasts.

Applying warm up oil

Applying embrocation is simple – you simply scoop, squeeze or squirt out a 50p sized portion of your concoction, and rub it in to your extremities.  Legs are always the number one concern, arms come next. The effect is often not immediate so always wait a couple of minutes before deciding to add a little more if you feel you need it. It’s also worth mentioning that you should always wash your hands afterwards – especially before applying chamois cream, and never mix up the two!

A fan of lotions and potions? Here are nine actually useful beauty, hygiene and massage products that are perfect for cyclists. 

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