WRESTLING FITNESS AND EXERCISES

Wrestling has been around for a long time. The first time two men grappled and began to battle, wrestling was born. Cave drawings depicting wrestlers from 3000 BC have been found in the Sumero-Akkadian civilization. Some ancient Egyptian civilizations have similar paintings dating back to 2400 BC.

If you're looking to improve your wrestling or just seeking to prevent wrestling injuries it is important to follow the information in this article. In addition, making stretching a part of your fitness regime will have a significant impact. To get you started on a safe and effective stretching routine.
Wrestling as a sport can be traced back to the ancient Olympics. Wrestling was recorded in the 708 BC Olympic records. Since that time wrestling has been practiced throughout the world. There are hundreds of styles of wrestling throughout the world, with many indigenous forms.

There are four main forms of wrestling in the international amateur competitive wrestling arena. These four forms are; Greco-Roman wrestling, freestyle wrestling, judo wrestling, and sombo wrestling. Judo wrestling is often considered one of the martial arts, and is contested separately at the Olympics. Freestyle wrestling is similar to the American collegiate style of wrestling, with relatively unlimited holds (provided they are not dangerous.) Greco-Roman wrestling limits holds to the upper body only. Sombo wrestling is a combination of freestyle and judo wrestling. This version has not yet been added to the Olympic competition.
Wrestling was a part of the first modern Olympic program in 1896. The organizers of the games considered wrestling to be of such historical significance that it became the focus of the Games. Greco-Roman wrestling was believed to be a true reincarnation of ancient Roman and Greek wrestling. Both freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling have been a part of Olympic competition since 1920. Before that only one style was contested. In 2004 four classes of women’s wrestling were introduced at the Olympic Games in Atlanta.
Competitors are weighed prior to competition and compete in the weight category in which they fit. The categories for men are: 55 kg, 60 kg, 66 kg, 74 kg, 84 kg, 96 kg, and 120 kg. For women the categories include; 48 kg, 51 kg, 55 kg, 59 kg, 63 kg, 67 kg, and 72 kg (with 48, 55, 63 and 72 being the ones used in Olympic competition.)
Modern professional wrestling only loosely resembles wrestling at all. It is designed for entertainment instead of sport. The "wrestlers" are arguably still very athletic and often use loose interpretations of traditional wrestling moves. The professional wrestler is more an entertainer than an athlete, and is rewarded for being flamboyant and a good actor.