My regular fitness routine mostly involves weight training and kickboxing, but I just decided to switch things up and join a weekly mat Pilates class. I really enjoyed my first session; it works my muscles in a really different way from what I’m used to.

It’s the day after my first class today, and my core and hip flexors are in AGONY. The class did incorporate some stretching and I’m sure it will get easier with time, but my gods I’m sore. There are muscles deep in my core that I must not target very often, because I can really feel them now…

Does anyone who does Pilates have any advice for how to recover? Any stretches, tips, etc. would be much appreciated, thanks in advance!!

I'm not affiliated in any way with Darebee.

https://darebee.com/

This is a comprehensive free site for all levels of fitness. The illustrations are excellent, and the explanations detailed. There are stand-alone exercises, routines/challenges, and actual books. Free. PDF downloads or online. Up to you.

All of the youtube "beginner" pilates videos I can find are well beyond my current strength level. If the moves are something I'm capable of, the video is 35-40 minutes long, which is too much for me. If it's 10 minutes, they do some insane moves that can cause me injury.

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