Los Angeles, Feb 22 (IANS): Struggling to stick with your fitness routine? Research shows that the bark from pine trees could help in keeping you fit.

A scientific study, published in a recent issue of The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, shows that the extract is effective in reducing muscle soreness and cramping and also in improving performance and endurance, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

The study was conducted on 147 recreational athletes. They were divided into two groups - one group supplemented their diet with the pine bark extract, known as Pycnogenol and the other did not.

Results of the eight week trial showed that those who took the supplement, finished a two mile-run two minutes faster than at the start of the trial.

“This study provides evidence that daily supplementation of Pycnogenol offers a natural approach to help reduce post-workout muscular pain, increase levels of physical performance and get you training again sooner,” said Gianni Belcaro, lead researcher of the study.

“Pycnogenol, along with good training and proper nutrition, may help to significantly improve physical fitness and reduce oxidative stress and muscular pain in both those who exercise recreationally and triathletes,” added Belcaro.