Day Five at the Gym: Finding My Passion in Wrestling

A Different Kind of Soreness

I woke up today expecting to be sore, but surprisingly, I wasn’t. I think my body is starting to adjust to the rhythm of training, adapting in ways I didn’t anticipate. The only parts that hurt were my abs and my lats, just enough to remind me that my body is working hard and demanding attention. It's incredible how the body can adapt over time if you provide it with the opportunity to do so.

Work went as usual, a bit mundane but routine is essential in creating stability. I finished my teaching day, went back home, ate well and rested for a while to recuperate. I had planned to go to the gym, but not at the usual 7 p.m. time, as I wanted to try something different. I decided to skip boxing today because my knuckles and wrists were still hurting from the last sessions, leaving me cautious about pushing my limits again. I could see small cuts on my knuckles, evidence of my hard work, but I didn’t want to push it too far and risk injury.

Boxing is undeniably tough and physically demanding, and my body needed time to heal properly before I dove back into that realm. I thought briefly about trying Muay Thai at 8 p.m., but something came up that needed my attention. By the time I was free, it was already 9 p.m., and the only class available was wrestling. I shrugged and figured, why not? It’s new, it’s technical, and maybe it’s exactly what I need right now.

A New Discipline

I’m genuinely glad I went to that wrestling class. From the very start, wrestling felt different; it was lighter on impact, more technical, and somehow more natural for me than boxing ever was. The warm-up consisted mostly of stretching and mobility drills, which were incredibly refreshing, and I could actually keep up with most of them, feeling my muscles loosen and awaken with each movement.

There were about 15 of us in the class, including me, a diverse bunch who were all eager to learn. A younger student, probably around 20 years old, led the warm-up until the coach arrived. He looked young but clearly experienced, carrying himself with a level of confidence that spoke volumes. I learned something valuable today; not to judge a book by its cover, as the old saying goes.

We did around 25 minutes of stretching and warm-up, which prepared us well for the main session. Then the coach divided us into pairs, and I partnered with a guy named Mushtaba, who weighed around 80 kilos to my 70. He’s half Afghan and half Indian, and fairly new too, just a week into training, but that didn’t hinder our ability to work together.

Learning the Moves

We worked on two techniques tonight. The first was about defending against a double-leg takedown, which required using your body weight to resist your opponent and maintain your balance. It was a complex maneuver that took quite a bit of focus and application. Then we learned the escape: how to roll your body, switch your leg position, and flip your opponent so you end up on top. It was a tactical dance, and I found myself enjoying the challenge it presented.

It was tricky at first, but the feeling of satisfaction once it clicked was unmatched. I like that wrestling is technical without being overwhelmingly complicated. It pushes me to focus intensely and use my body smartly, not just relying on brute strength, which can be exhausting.

By the end of the session, the coach had six of the more advanced students wrestle in the center while the rest of us stood back to watch and learn from their techniques. Observing was immensely valuable, and finally, he asked us to finish with seated squats before calling it a night, which helped to stretch out our tired muscles.

A Calm but Powerful Session

The class wrapped up around 10:40 p.m. It’s a bit late for me since I need to wake up early for work, but it was absolutely worth it. I really think I found my passion tonight. Wrestling combines strength, control, and focus in a way that feels just right for me, a beautiful blend of strategy and physicality.

It’s also less aggressive on the hands compared to boxing, which gives my wrists and knuckles a much-needed chance to recover fully. I’m planning to invest in better wraps and heavier gloves soon to protect myself during my boxing sessions, ensuring I'm ready for whatever challenges come next.

Looking Ahead

It does take me a while to get home from the gym, but I truly don’t mind. The physical exertion leaves me invigorated. I got home, ate a nourishing meal, took a warm shower, and fell asleep feeling immensely satisfied, with thoughts swirling in my head about all that I learned and experienced. I’m learning that sometimes change isn’t just good; it’s necessary for growth and self-discovery.

Day Five Lesson

Exploring something new can reveal hidden strengths and abilities we never knew we possessed. Sometimes, the right path isn’t the one you meticulously planned, but rather, it’s the serendipitous encounter you stumble into at 9 p.m. when you least expect it. It can lead to a journey of self-discovery and passion.

Day Five complete. The road continues.

👉 Have you ever discovered something new by accident that turned into a lasting passion? I'd love to hear your stories and experiences. Let's share our journeys.