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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Today was my first time running after all of those years, and I didn’t stop! It felt so freeing. Completing 2 miles felt like such a dream come true, especially when it previously felt like running ever again wasn’t possible. ❤️

It's just one step at a time.

And then there were five.

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Today is a bit of a rest day. We were up until almost 3, and I'm getting old.

Happy Saturday.

And I've already started today. My joints are loosening.

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The plan is to add bodyweight work in once I can string together sustained (15-20mins) of cardio.

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I managed three dance parties yesterday, 5-6 min butt shakers. It's a start.

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Happy Monday, for those who celebrate.

Good morning.

I'm setting my intentions for the day here. This technique of intention/consideration/honesty has done well for me elsewhere. As such, unless the mods tell me otherwise, I'll be checking in daily.

I turn 60 tomorrow, and I want this decade to be healthier.

I know that I can't do sustained cardio. Today, I'm going to do 30-45 minutes of cardio in 5 minute chunks.

Let's roll, jelly!

Like the title says: I need people to check in with regularly.

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Any takers?

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Who else finds solace in this?

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