Welcome to the random thoughts of professional wrestling’s self proclaimed True Winner, Sigmon. A 10 year wrestling veteran, National Wrestling Alliance U.S. Tag Team Champion, fitness enthusiast, video gamer, social media addict & all around awesome guy. Follow this & Don’t be a LOSER!
#NoExcuses
I was approached to write a blog for this site a few times. I put it off several times due to other things taking up my focus, and for the fact that I couldn't think of what to write about nor what my target audience would be. After a lot of thought, I have decided to make this for other independent wrestlers, with some of it being applicable to anyone in general. Whoever decides to check this blog out, feel free to shoot me any feedback.
When it comes to the professional wrestling business, one of the most important aspects that a wrestler (or sports entertainer if you prefer) needs to focus on is fitness. With that being said, a lot who read that first sentence will unfortunately be quick to judge, buy do not take me the wrong way. I am NOT saying that everyone has to be "cookie cutter" with a physique of Hogan, Warrior, etc., but being in good ring shape should be near the top of your priority list.
I hear a lot of excuses when I am sitting in the locker room and the subject of the gym comes up. I will be sitting around a lot of guys that claim to want to make it in the industry, be able to pay bills with it, or someday get a job with WWE (which are goals that all of us want). What bothers me, is its a lot of these same guys that get winded just putting their boots on, can’t go 5 minutes in the ring without being gassed, & severely hurt the quality of their match. Nothing sucks as a bad as when you are trying to have a good match with someone, and they don’t even have it in them to "get their s*** in". I have literally had a guy in a hold & him ask me to "give him another minute" before we move.
Excuse #1 is the same one that is always applied to this, wrestling gear, in ring training & more, it is "I cant afford it". Here is the reason that I have a problem with this. There are more gyms around the world now than there have EVER been. So many, that they have to constantly offer some truly amazing deals just to keep numbers. While there will be some (like Gold’s) that want anywhere between $50-75/month, there are several that you can join for just $10 – $20 a month. Take Planet Fitness for example. Most of the time, you can join them for just $10 a month, or $20 per month if you want access nationally. People will occasionally give them a hard time, but they are generally open 24/7, have a solid variety of equipment, tanning & showers, which comes in handy for someone on the road. Do a Google search of local gyms, and you can generally find some good offers.
You must be willing to do whatever it takes. It makes me really scratch my head when guys are spending $ on crap & say the gym is too expensive. If you are tight on money, you may have to cut out some of those other things you do in order to pay for it. Or you can find more ways of making money to afford it. I know of a few guys that have worked up to 4 jobs at a time just to afford the things they need for the wrestling business.
If you are truly unable to come up with a few extra bucks to join a gym, you can always go for bodyweight exercises & cardio that can literally be done ANYWHERE! Pushups, Squats, Lunges, Crunches, Curls (using different things you find. I once saw Tracy Smothers curling a big branch that fell off of a tree!), and Pullups are just a few examples. You can also purchase resistance bands, which come in different strengths and can be used for 100s of workouts. They are a great tool to keep in your bag Get in the ring before any show you have the opportunity to, and make the most of it. You can get great workouts in the ring!
Another route you can do, is try to work on your promo skills & talk your way into an extended free trial at different gyms. I know a few guys that have been able to bounce around gyms for months at a time just on free trials. I was able to talk my way into a free membership for around 7 years at a gym in Knoxville!
There are many sites available that can help you become more informed on improving your health & look. Bodybuilding.com, TotalFitnessExperience.com & MensHealth.com just to name a few.
A lot will read this & make no changes. If you are one that truly wants to make some changes and get better, feel free to hit my up on one of my social media accounts. I have been in the position of being out of shape, having a hard time in the ring, but I made a change. I will gladly help anyone wanting to get better. We all have room for improvement, and need to take every opportunity to get better each day!
One more quick note is to try to hit up one of Les Thatcher’s seminars or make a trip to Harley Race’s annual camp. You can make a lot of connections, learn a ton to improve your craft & learn some health/fitness tips for on the road!
-Sigmon
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