It’s not unusual for your muscles to ache a day or two after a demanding run. Inflammation is usually associated with that type of soreness. But new research published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology suggests running actually has an anti-inflammatory impact on leg muscle joints.

Researchers from Brigham Young University measured markers of inflammation in the knee joint fluid of healthy men and women between the ages of 18 and 35. These markers remained the same on non-running days, but decreased after 30 minutes of running. This anti-inflammatory environment might benefit long-term joint health.