Speaking generally -- and not in reference to the Mari Winsor workout -- I do a ton of Pilates and never feel sore; at most, my muscles will feel a little fatigued. This is a change from the days that I lifted heavy, where I typically felt wiped out and like I'd been hit by a freight train. I started Pilates because I got tired of feeling like that. I am always surprised by how I feel after Pilates since I usually feel like I should be doing something more. But consistency has paid off for me. I look completely different now, and I have much better posture. I also find Pilates to be very soothing, and I feel less anxious on days when I have a Pilates workout under my belt.
Mari Winsor is not my favorite purveyor of Pilates exercises. You might want to try Jules Benson's Total Core Pilates, Molly Tittle's Quick Cut Pilates, or either of the Andrea Speir discs. I have a subscription to Pilates Anytime ($18/month), which has been well worth the money. Jules Benson's disc shows modifications for sore necks -- for example, she'll suggest that you keep your head on the ground in the neck hurts, or recommend a small pillow. (Even the reformer has a head rest that you can move up on some moves for your comfort.)
Good luck. The more Pilates I do, the more difficult it becomes. If it is something you enjoy, stick with it and measure your results after a consistent program. Like I said, I keep getting (pleasantly) surprised by how I look and feel these days with Pilates, dance, spinning, and walking being the mainstays of my fitness program.
AF
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