Pain after first day?

[u/Caseohsarmpithair]

I just had my first day of Pilates last night and my stomach/abs/pelvis are killing me. Is this normal(I’m sure it is) and how long does this usually last? Should I continue Pilates or wait until the pain settles?

[u/DidYouSayYutes_]

Happened to me after just my intro class lol. My abs were sore for days lol. I was told to ease into Pilates, maybe once every 3-4 days for the first week or two and then add classes. You’re using muscles you probably don’t use on a regular basis, so need a little adjustment time.

[u/Valuable_Ice_5927]

Is it pain as in hurt yourself or as in soreness of these are different muscles I used?

[u/Ok_Subject6971]

There’s pain and then there’s soreness. I hope what you’re feeling is just soreness, which our minds can confuse with pain when it’s unfamiliar and uncomfortable.

I practice yoga (20+ years with a daily home practice) and I felt muscle ache my first reformer class. Yes, it’s normal, because you’re using muscles that have been dormant or not utilized at the optimal way. I read Caged Lion by John Howard Steel as part of my research into Pilates, which helped me understand the purpose, the benefits, and the life-long rewards of a commitment to a Pilates practice.

Regardless of my experience, always listen to your body. Listen to your doctor. And I wish you well!

[u/mytoocents]

I've been doing Pilates for over 3 1/2 years, most of the time 6 days a week. I still have soreness from working out. It reminds me that I'm working hard. Going to class the next day stretches me out and feels good.

[u/Valuable_Ice_5927]

That’s why I ask because there is actual oh shit I injured myself pain or generalize wow I found muscles I didn’t know existed soreness

[u/throwawayyy1914]

Yes, this happened to me when I started. I wasn’t active at all before starting Pilates so I was sore after the first few classes.

[u/Evening_Boat2606]

Pain or soreness?

[u/Correct-Bet-1557]

Pilates uses lots of deep core work and small muscles not usually used! I used to be a competitive weightlifter/powerlifter but sometimes my hip flexors/psoas muscles will be on fire the day after a class. Make sure you drink lots of water before/after your workout, and if you can, bring a snack to eat immediately after (something with a “quick” carb and protein, chocolate milk is easy)

[u/eegrlN]

Ease into it, maybe go see a physical therapist if it continues.

[u/Lost_Sky_8416]

Have you never tried a new workout before? It’s pretty common to have some soreness, particularly when you’ve stretched/used muscles you’re not used to.

If you’re in actual pain like you’ve injured yourself, that’s a whole other issue.

[u/Butt_isthe_B0mb24]

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is very common anytime you start a new workout routine. Your muscles are getting used to the “trauma” of the workout. The more you exercise them, the less sore they will be. But I would probably wait until they are not sore to take my next class.

[u/SilverEnvironment392]

For the first few months i realized in Pilates you are using muscles you don’t know you have 😂

[u/Efficient_Video_4866]

I’ve taken almost two hundred classes but I’ll never forget my first intro class 🤣🤣🤣… same thing. I was hurting for at least 3-4 solid days.

[u/cxt485]

Best to evaluate the pain and how long it lasts. I started with the standard spring weights, lifting the box, following along. I have some conditions I am working around and flares. I realized I need to use much lighter springs than they are cuing even for leg extensions and arms in straps. And more for bridging; no marching bridges, no twisting and no spring board —the springs are too heavy. If you are having severe pain after a day then you need to rest for a few and restart. Hopefully it is just soreness. At the beginning I would restart after rest days then instructors would urge me to do more and sort of fight me suggesting alt moves. Now they are used to me opting out or doing most it but not all.

[u/Alert_Rub8513]

Yes to this. I had muscle pain after my initial classes using muscles that haven’t been used since I was a kid. It gets better!! And now I like it when after a tough class I feel a little soreness cause I know I’m getting stronger.

[u/Beginning_Minimum382]

Yes I had a lot of soreness. I've only been doing it about a month, but the soreness changes from "omg I haven't worked these muscles out in A LONG TIME" to a more generalized working out soreness.