Day Three at the Gym: The Rest I Didn’t Plan

A Long Day at Work

Today started early, as usual, with the sun barely peeking through the curtains and the world still wrapped in a soft, sleepy shroud. My official working hours run from 6:30 in the morning until 1:45 in the afternoon, a schedule that demands both discipline and dedication. By the time I got home, my body was already heavy with exhaustion, as if I had carried a load of bricks throughout the day.

I rested a little, allowing my weary muscles a moment to unwind, then prepared for my online classes. My students have upcoming exams, so I had to teach four extra lessons in the evening, which meant quickly shifting from one mode to another. I finished close to 7:30 p.m., a time when most are settling down for the night, then spent more time communicating with parents, addressing their questions and concerns about their children's academic performances.

By then, the evening sessions at the gym had already begun, and I had nothing left in the tank. The weight of the day continued to drag on me, and even if I were in prime condition, I wouldn’t have made it on time. I felt like a deflated balloon, lacking energy and motivation to engage with the workout.

Listening to My Body

I had planned to go for either wrestling or jiu jitsu tonight, both activities that usually invigorate me, but I knew I couldn’t give my best in the state I was in. Every muscle still ached from the last two days, with the stiffness serving as a constant reminder of my limits. My back, shoulders, and legs felt tight and heavy, like they were weighted down with the burdens of the week.

Instead, I decided to stretch, just enough to loosen the soreness and keep my body active. It wasn’t much, but it mattered, every gentle movement felt like a small victory against the fatigue enveloping me.

I also messaged my old coach back in Tunisia, reminiscing about the good old days and seeking his wisdom. He gave me some invaluable advice and reminded me that progress isn’t only made through intense training, it’s also made through recovery. His encouraging words helped ease the guilt I felt for not pushing myself to go to the gym tonight.

The Struggle

A part of me felt bad for missing training. It’s easy to think that skipping a day means losing the hard-earned progress I had made thus far. But deep down, I know that pushing through exhaustion blindly would only slow me down in the long run, leading to burnout and diminishing returns.

Sometimes the hardest discipline is learning when to rest. Acknowledging that it's okay to take a step back can be a battle of its own, yet it is one that is vital for long-term success and well-being.

The Lesson

Today wasn’t about fighting, punching, or rolling on the mats. It was about balance, striking that delicate equilibrium between work, self-care, and the obligations that come with life. My job, my body, and my responsibilities needed attention too, and today, I had to prioritize my well-being.

Resting isn’t quitting. It’s recharging. Sometimes, the best thing we can do for ourselves is to allow our bodies and minds the time to recuperate and to remember that recovery is part of the journey as much as training is.

Looking Ahead

I ate well tonight, which felt like a treat after a long day, stretched my sore muscles, and plan to sleep early. Tomorrow is another day, another chance to move forward and conquer whatever challenges lie ahead. I might not have trained today, but I stayed committed in my own way, embracing the fact that progress looks different on different days.

Day Three Lesson

Discipline isn’t just showing up at the gym. It’s also knowing when to recover so you can come back stronger, more resilient, and ready to tackle whatever comes next.

Day Three complete. The road continues.

👉 How do you remind yourself that rest is part of progress? What strategies or words do you turn to when the urge to push through overwhelms you?