TCM Northern Beaches is the second most prescribed & widely researched complimentary medicine across the globe. Pilate classes are supposed to make you feel good, so it can be a little disconcerting when you feel sore afterward. If the pain feels like muscle soreness, this feeling is typically temporary and can actually be prevented by doing more yoga and pilates. However, when you feel sore, it can be difficult to motivate yourself to get back to the pilates studio. So, here are some tips to help you.
The Causes of the Soreness
One of the reasons why Pilates is so good for you and why it feels good is that it allows you to get into places of the body that have not been used or stretched for a long time. Normally, we go about our day to day lives repeating the same motions over and over. This allows nooks and crannies of the body to be neglected and feel disused. Pilates can shake things up and allow you to shine light on those dusty, dark corners.
Even if you hit the gym regularly, you’re not likely to be using the same muscle groups, and you won’t feel the same intensity as you do when you’re stretching for pilates movements. The eventual result of this sustained attention is improved flexibility and strength, but during this journey, you may experience some soreness. It is quite common to feel muscle soreness for a day or so after you start pilates classes. You’re likely to feel the muscle soreness 12 to 48 hours after your class, so it feels different from an immediate, sudden pain from an injury. While this soreness will go away on its own, usually, there are some things you can do to feel better.
Rest for an Extra Day
While you may be keen to attend every Prahran pilates class, when you’re new to Pilates, you need to pace yourself. Plan your classes to allow for rest between classes. Ideally, let your sore muscles to rest for an extra day, so plan for a class twice a week and build up to more frequent practice.
Use Heat
Heat is a great way to help sore muscles relax, so take a hot bath. Some yoga and pilates experts suggest an Epsom salt bath, but there is no scientific proof that this will have additional beneficial effects for your muscle pain. You may find that using homeopathic remedies or oils in your bath helps you to relax, which should ease the soreness. If it feels too hot for a bath, try applying heat pads or wheat bags to expose the sore muscles to some heat.
Try Gentle Exercise
If you can, try light stretching to help reduce the stiffness of the sore area. Stretching can help to bring back the normal range of motion, but you’ll need to take it very easy. Warm up with gentle exercise before your class, so you’re muscles are more prepared for the stretches involved in the class.
Go To Your Next Class
While you may feel sore, remember that doing more yoga and pilates will help you benefit from less soreness. To maintain your progress and experience less soreness, you should try to attend a class three times a week.
If you are interested in yoga Prahran and pilates Prahran, Kaya Health Clubs is here to help. We offer a range of Pilates classes for all skill levels. Our team would be delighted to discuss your requirements and help you enjoy the benefit of Pilates.