Christy, my trainer and I talk about "good" pain and "bad" pain. Good is exercise related, bad is injury related. If you're new to the fitness thing, it can be difficult to differentiate between the two. I would be inclined to think it is exercise related pain (good pain) and will subside over the coming week. Day 2 is usually the worst. I find that if I have worked hard and know I'm going to get that kind of pain, I will use the same muscles in a more gentle manner the following day so that the pain on day 2 is less. Did I even make sense then?

The best way to overcome this pain, in my experience, is to do some gentle exercise and lots and lots and lots of stretching. Keep moving. If it is your legs that are hurting, keep moving and make sure you stretch regularly. Every hour (even if it's only 5 min of stretching!). Make sure you stretch right before hopping into bed so you sleep better, and as soon as you get up in the morning. Epsom salt baths will help as will a combination of ice and heat to the related areas. I encourage people to heat (to relax the muscles), stretch, and then ice (to fight inflammation).

If it is really really really bothering you, you can take some panadol or an anti inflammatory such as voltaren.

HTH and good on you! I hope you go back for another class!

MG