Day 57 :Getting Back Into the Rhythm

A Morning That Finally Breathed

Day 57, after coming home extremely late the night before, I didn’t even bother setting an alarm. I already knew I wasn’t going to make the 6 AM boxing session, and honestly, the extra sleep helped me to recharge not only my body but also my mind. I woke up naturally and refreshed, took my cold shower as usual, and enjoyed a slow nutritious breakfast. There’s something so soothing about taking the time to genuinely savor every bite, as it sets a positive tone for the day.

I love calm mornings like this. Even when I have a long list of tasks and responsibilities to tackle, the morning feels spacious, peaceful, and free of rush. I find it much better than the busyness typical of the evenings, when everything feels compressed and heavier, adding unnecessary stress to my life. Each quiet moment in the morning allows me to gather my thoughts and prepare mentally for whatever challenges lie ahead.

Adapting the Agenda

I had teaching duties and online revision classes to prepare today, which I knew would require careful planning to balance with my training. With evening revision sessions coming soon, I already know my training schedule will shift a bit, I’ll either miss certain sessions or attend different ones to stay consistent and on track with my fitness goals. It’s essential to maintain that balance, even if it means making sacrifices in some areas.

The good news: my rib pain is barely there now. It only hurts during torso stretches, which has become increasingly manageable. Normal movements feel fine, but Jiu-Jitsu was still a clear NO for now. The risk of aggravating my rib injury would be too high given the pressure on the chest. I’ve learned to listen to my body and respect its limits, which is vital for long-term health.

So today’s original plan included:

• Boxing (6—7 AM) ❌

• Jiu-Jitsu (6—7:30 PM) ❌

• Muay Thai (8—10 PM) ✔️

No calisthenics today either, but I did manage my breathing exercises on the way to the gym, which are crucial for my focus and relaxation.

Returning to Muay Thai After Weeks Away

I arrived on time for Muay Thai, and it felt like forever since my last session, probably three weeks or more. The anticipation was palpable; I could hardly contain my excitement about re-engaging with my training routine.

Warm-up was simple but effective. It included a series of movements to awaken my body and get my blood flowing:

• Light running, which gradually increased my heart rate.

• Arm mobility (forward/backward), preparing my shoulders for the movements to come.

• High knees, which got my legs moving and ready.

• Front & back leg tips, focusing on my form and flexibility.

• Leg and arm stretching to prevent injury and enhance my range of motion.

The class was small, maybe ten of us. After stretching, the coach joined in, and we moved into more dynamic warm-ups to really get the energy up:

• Jumping jacks to elevate our heart rates even further.

• Directional jumps (front/back/side), which helped increase coordination and stability.

• Burpees to challenge our endurance.

• Quick explosive movements that showcased our agility and readiness for action.

Then we geared up and moved into combos, focusing on fluidity and precision:

• Jab → Cross → Hook → Right low kick, practicing our strikes and technique.

• Defense: left-leg block → counter low kick → Cross → Hook → Mid kick, sharpening our reaction times.

• Added: Right elbow → Clinch → Left knee to the stomach, incorporating more complex movements.

• Final addition: Another elbow at the end to complete the sequence.

All done in 3-minute rounds with 1-minute breaks. Time went by fast, and before I knew it, I was caught up in the rhythm and excitement of training.

The conditioning at the end included lots of abdominal work, leg raises, open-and-close variations, and planks. The crunches irritated my rib slightly, but nothing alarming. We finished with seated squats, which surprisingly felt easy thanks to the leg calisthenics I’ve been doing. It’s incredible how improvements can sneak up on you when you keep at it.

We were supposed to train for 2 hours, but we wrapped up around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Honestly, just enough for today to keep from overdoing it.

Then I headed home, took a cold shower which invigorated my senses, ate a wholesome meal, and crashed into bed feeling accomplished and fulfilled by the day’s efforts.

Day Fifty-Seven Lesson

Today reminded me that discipline isn’t rigid, it’s adaptable. Some days demand rest, others demand patience, and some push you back into movement even after time away. Getting back into Muay Thai after weeks reminded me that returning is always harder than starting, but it’s also more rewarding in many ways. The effort and commitment you put in after a break often yields greater gains.

My rib is healing, my mornings are improving, and my sense of routine is slowly rebuilding itself. The journey isn’t perfect, but it’s consistent. And consistency is what builds strength in the long run, contributing to both physical and mental fortitude.

Every choice today, resting, skipping unsafe sessions, still showing up at night, was a step toward long-term progress, not short-term ego. Each decision was a reflection of my commitment to overall well-being.

Day 57 complete. Another step forward. The grind continues.

👉 When your schedule gets messy, how do you adapt your training without losing momentum? I’d love to hear how others stay flexible but committed in their fitness journeys.