It’s normal to feel sore after a workout. In fact, despite our suffering, we secretly love it. It means the workout actually worked, right? And as much as post workout soreness gives us some serious bragging rights, we still want some relief. So, if you want to keep your muscle soreness from getting the better of you, here are two easy ways to manage it.

Reduce post workout soreness with water

Water might not seem powerful enough to help with sore muscles. But don’t underestimate the power of water. 

Intense workouts can leave hydrogen ions in your muscles and it’s important to get them out of there. And that’s where water comes in.

According to exercise physiologist and personal trainer, Pete McCall, “The more water you have in your body, the more you’re going to flush those hydrogen ions out of your system. That circulation is going to remove the hydrogen ions and bring new, oxygenated blood into your tissues.”

If you want to upgrade your water intake, try coconut water. Loaded with all-natural electrolytes, these minerals hydrate and flush toxins out of the body after exercise, according to studies. 

Try active recovery exercises

You might want to avoid exercise altogether when you’re sore. And while it’s a good idea to take a break from intense workouts, you should still workout. Just do active recovery instead.

As McCall explains, “The more you sweat, get your heart rate up, and elevate your circulation, the more you’re going to help cycle out that old blood and get in the new.”

Not sure what active recovery exercise looks like? Consider more gentler approaches to fitness like biking, walking, swimming and yoga.