Nessah Smith ’28
EE Staff Writer
Discouraging people from even participating in wrestling is an outrageous mistake! The inaccurate opinion that ¨wrestling culture is bad¨ has been circulating for quite some time. Most people reject wrestling because of how demanding it is. Taking a closer look at wrestling shows how this demand, physically and mentally, can have truly positive life changing effects.
Physical benefits of wrestling
Benefits of wrestling? Some people think there are no possible benefits of this physically and mentally exhilarating sport. There is a wide array of physical impacts for wrestlers. The physical fitness of a wrestler is greatly enhanced after enduring conditioning. Some argue that every sport enhances physical fitness and health. Diving into the more specific physical benefits from wrestling will exhibit how unique the sport is.
Wrestling is unique. The techniques and conditioning of wrestling engages multiple muscle groups. Wrestlers have these unique benefits because of intense training and practices. The hard work pays off. ¨(The best part of wrestling is) how good it feels when you win your match after putting in all the hard work at practice and seeing it pay off ,¨ says junior Anna Silva. Silva describes this as her favorite aspect of wrestling.
Wrestling incorporates multiple muscle groups meaning that numerous muscle groups are engaging together. Since there is an incorporation of core, back muscles, lower body, upper body and neck muscles there is no significant weakness to a wrestler. Wrestling focuses on being physically strong in every area of the body. Throughout conditioning in wrestling there is a noted increase in flexibility. This is because of the numerous positions wrestlers get into.
Mental benefits to wrestling
Wrestling cultivates great mental health leading to resilience, strategic thinking, focus and confidence. Strict and demanding practices rely on discipline and work ethic. Mental strength is half of the battle, many coaches state ¨wrestling is 90% mental on match day¨.
Having this quick pace sport requires strategic thinking, and making sure you have confidence in your thoughts and techniques. Wrestlers need to be quick to adapt to rapidly changing situations. Junior Isa Blanco states wrestling is ¨exhilarating¨ and has also ¨helped me be more confident in myself¨. Wrestlers see this confidence branch out into other areas of their lives, especially academically.
A study by the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania found that wrestling, emphasizing perseverance and overcoming adversity can build mental resilience and instill a strong sense of discipline.
There has been a correlation between wrestling and academic success, according to 2024 NCAA data, with a Division One graduation rate of 88%. More information about this can be found on the NCAA website.
Photo Courtesy: Philadelphia Inquirer