Wait for pain to subside before more exercise?

[AWimbaWay]

I went to my first fitness class, tums, bums and bingo wings, for the first time since dd1 was born over 6 years ago last night. I hurt everywhere, really, really hurt remembers why I haven't exercised for over 6 years.

I was planning on another class tomorrow night so I'll be doing tums, bums on a Monday and pilates on a Wednesday.

Should I be waiting for my body to recover before doing any more exercise? I'm worried I'll do permanent damage if I do too much too soon but then also wonder if the pilates might actually help?

Any advise most welcome, I'm a complete novice where all this is concerned.

< hobbles off to find the ibuprofen>

do another class but TAKE IT EASY
do not try to compete with people who are uber fit and do multiple classes a week, every week, for the last N years.
I'm one of them by the way - and I DIE at the first classes after the summer break.
Also the instructor should specifically talk to all newcomers to give them easy options
if its an ache from head to foot that is a good thing. If you have stabbing or twinging pain, especially in your back, stay active but go gently

6 years off is a LONG time - allow at least 6 months to get back into the swing of things

do a few reps of the same movements/exercises but with low resistance, it's a good way to get rid of 'DOMS' (delayed onset muscle soreness) it wont hurt anywhere near as much once you start doing it regularly :)

Thank you. I think I might give tonight a miss but head back next Monday as my lower back is really quite twingy. It's annoying really as the main reason I was starting the pilates was I'd heard it is good for core strength and my back has been a bit dodgy since Dc3 was born.

The teacher did push quite hard not taking into account I haven't exercised for so long so I might have a quick chat next week explaining how sore I was and that I perhaps need to take things a bit slower. My legs ache which I can tell is just the muscles not being used to such strenuous exercise but my back actually feels a bit delicate like it could get worse quite easily.

Pilates is wonderful for your back so long as you listen to your body
you have to really, really pay attention to holding your posture and if it starts to drift - ease back ....

If you Google, there is a lot online about differentiating between the pain of muscle overuse and injury.

Yours sounds like just the normal pain from starting exercise after a long period on the couch So I would rest tomorrow, then go for another gym session on Wednesday, although you will still be hurting.

Your back is probably hurting because your tummy muscles are weak.

Until you build up your core muscles, protect your lower back. Ask your teacher for adapted poses.

I'd try yoga, Pilates and swimming to build up your core muscles before you get too into a high impact exercise class like this one. Best advice I've heard (to quote TalkinPeace2 above) is "listen to your body"! Sounds like you're enjoying being active again though - congratulations on taking the first step!