Yesterday I did my first ever exercise class in all of my nearly 40 years. Today I feel like I’m dying. It gets easier, right?

[Fairylea]

Just that.

Feels like I’ve been dragged backwards through a hedge with an elephant sitting on me. Everything aches.
Muscles I didn’t know that I have ache.

I am overweight (a bit) and unfit (very) and I have just joined the gym in an attempt to change these things after a year of terrible ill health and lots of difficulties at home.

Onwards and upwards... or maybe sideways like a slug?

Anyone else very out of their comfort zone but doing their best?

Yes yes yes, it gets easier! Promise! All types of exercise are crap when you first start. You ache and you're not sure what you're doing and you wonder what the point is. Keep going! Commit to going to at least 5 of these classes. If you still hate it, then move on but try something else.

I did zero exercise until I was 30. Now I'm in the gym 3 times a week and I love it. Life is about to get a lot better 😁

Thank you very much

I’ve signed myself up for 2 of these for next week (they’re sort of high intensity dance / cardio type thing) and also Pilates to try. Tomorrow I have a personal training / gym induction so I can learn how to use the gym equipment. I am not too sure what I’m doing or how much of everything I should be doing, just trying everything and trying to find a routine I like that suits me.

I can’t imagine doing another class again the way I feel today but I shall get my brave woman pants on and soldier on. I really want to do this!

Everyone is a bit clueless in the beginning, that's totally normal. Enjoy the sense of achievement and getting fitter and stronger

Enjoy, OP. It will get easier. I started really getting into gym a year and a bit ago after years of half-hearted effort, and I love it now. I mix it up - love weights and strength work but do some cardio and circuits etc too. I do lots of classes and am getting better at working out on my own too but I think classes are good at the start as they help you learn techniques (things like squats that come up over and over again, look very simple but can take ages to perfect) and you may get chatting to people and get recommendations too. Go regularly, try new stuff and keep pushing yourself. If you ache the next day, try gentle exercise like walking but don't worry, it is very common. I used to get it after every class and barely ever now. I completely agree about fining something you like but equally trying things more than once in case they click. Enjoy - it sounds like it could really work for you if you have had a stressful time and find something that gives you a buzz and makes you leave your worries behind?

Thank you, that’s very motivational. I feel a bit more determined after reading your replies!

yes it will
next time take a magnesium supplement after and drink a good glass of water.
have fun!

Yes it does get easier but two days after is usually worse so be prepared to wake up tomorrow feeling even worse than today!

The best thing you can do is try and keep moving through the pain - don't push for another class or go for a run but a decent walk (at least an hour) at a brisk pace will help to warm your muscles up again and keep them working. Don't be tempted to just rest until your next class.

It WILL get easier and within a few weeks - if you're consistent - you'll find it getting easier each time.

Totally normal.
Doms- delayed onset muscle strain.
It's typical to get it bad 2 days after the exercise, but it won't be quite so bad when your body is more used to exercising.
Make sure to have at least 1 day of rest a week, and mix it up so you're not doing consecutive days using the same muscles, so they get a chance to recover.

Oh gosh if it’s worse tomorrow I won’t be able to move

Thanks for the advice. I think I will go and get a magnesium supplement tomorrow having had a quick google after reading your comments.

No shame in taking an ibuprofen if you’re doing the ‘oof’ When you get up and sit down! Nice one for signing up for regular classes - hope the personal trainer is good!

I hear you . Personallly I prefer to swim , walk and cycle and slowly build up

Anything that fucks me over for days isn’t worth it . But that’s just me !

Amazing, go you. Although I te one d entering an event, something to train for and give you motivation once the initial enthusiasm wears off.

I was you a couple of months ago OP. I was shattered for the rest of the day after doing a class, or 20 minutes in the gym. The good news is you will see "newbie gains" - you will not suffer half as much after the next time, or the time after that. My tip is just to keep going regularly to build the habit and try as many things as possible to see what you like or what you hate least. Once you have your gym induction you can go and do as little or as much as you want, when you want. I'm at the gym 3 times a week now and loving it.

Thank you all for your replies. I’m still going and still doing it...! I’ve had a couple of gym sessions with a personal trainer and he’s given me a “plan” and I’ve done a couple more classes. Wasn’t in half as much pain which was a very pleasant surprise! I’m still exhausted though but keeping on. Yesterday was a rest day and today I’m back at it...!