After a hard workout, you may feel a bit sore. That aching feeling in your muscles is a result of the microscopic damage that has been done to their fibers by pushing them to their limit. Such a feeling is normal and, for many, somewhat rewarding. However, there are times when the soreness feels a bit overwhelming. To help the pain subside as quickly as possible, follow these tips on how to reduce soreness after a hard workout.

Resist the Temptation To Stay Stagnant

When your muscles ache and it hurts to move, you’ll probably just want to just plant yourself on the couch. We hate to be the bearer of bad news but doing so will likely cause the pain and stiffness to last even longer.

If your muscles feel extremely stiff, moving around can help loosen them up and feel better. We aren’t saying you should do anything strenuous—doing so may tear your muscles even more. Some light activity such as walking or active stretching should increase your circulation and help your muscles heal.

Drink Plenty of Water

Another tip on how to reduce soreness after a hard workout is to drink plenty of water. Dehydration will intensify your muscle soreness. By drinking plenty of water, you can increase the flow of fluids throughout your system. As a result, your body will be able to better flush out toxins, provide muscles with much-needed nutrients, and decrease inflammation. For optimum recovery time, drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workout.

Try CBD Oil

Utilizing CBD oil products may also help subside your soreness. CBD oil has rapidly increased in popularity in the sporting industry due to the many recovery benefits it provides. By reducing the swelling and inflammation that result from the micro muscle tears, CBD oil can speed up the recovery process after a tough workout. As such, trying CBD oil either orally or topically may provide a welcome solution to your stiff muscles.