A compound bow would be better than a traditional recurve for you. Since you're new to archery, perhaps you don't know the difference: A compound uses mechanical action to "let off" the force you actually have to hold back against - usually 50% or more of the draw weight. When you first draw the bow back, for the first 12" or so of pull-back, you're pulling against the full 50 pounds, but then the mechanical action takes over and cams "flip", lessing the force you need to complete the draw and hold it (to 25# in your case).
However, now that you have a recurve, you'll just have to get used to it. It is a great strength builder, and the best way to build the muscles is to keep using it. Over and over. Yes, it hurts the next day - you're using a lot of muscles that don't usually get a work out. No shortcuts! and whatever you do, don't practice anywhere other than the range and never ever dryfire (no arrow knocked) or you will ruin your new bow and yourself.
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