tUrRrRa

I think you've got the right idea when it comes to soreness. I definitely stretch a lot when I'm sore. Stretching helps me the most! Like you said, a warm bath or shower is good. I know some people who like to use balms to relax achy muscles (such as tigers balm) but I haven't tried them myself. For now take it easy on the workouts until you feel less achy. You can do something easier, like walking, if you feel up to it. Anything vigorous can make you even more sore.

Regarding the above post, I try to stick with low glycemic carbs for most of my carb sources. I get low blood sugar and find that my energy stays stable if I eat slower digesting carbs. I just avoid white breads or very sugary foods and try to eat more natural foods. For example, whole wheat or flourless sprouted grain bread instead of white bread, fruit instead of candies, sweet potato instead of white potatoes, etc. It makes a big difference for me!

I used to use gels and products like that during exercise but realized that I don't do THAT much cardio exercise and don't NEED them. Gels are usually for over an hour of cardio at a time, and I do 30-45 minutes of cardio exercise at a time, then my strength training. I do like to eat a healthy snack after exercise if I'm feeling tired/hungry. I typically go for something with a mix of carbs and protein, such as a small fruit protein shake or an apple with cashew butter. If you do over an hour at a time of cardio, then you might want to try something like the sports drinks or gels or something similar. I wear myself out after a good workout and I know even if it's less than an hour of cardio, it won't mess me up to have something small that has a bit more sugar on occasion.

Hope your soreness gets better soon! Next time, just be sure to do lots of stretching before and after your class and hopefully it won't be as bad next time.