Working out before playing poker

[TwoNiner]

Anybody else notice a difference in their poker play when they worked out or had some significant physical activity earlier in the day? For me it just seems like those emotions that lead to tilty calldowns and bad bets.. like anger, restlessness, and insecurity that people are taking shots at you just hardly ever surface if I get my playing in after going to the gym. Things just flow off em a lot easier. My concentration for multi-tabling is usually better as well, which is cool b/c I usually just play 2 maybe 3. If you aren't allergic to exercise I suggest giving it a try and keeping tabs on your play. And a weirder one that I've noticed that might just be me, is that I seem to play better if I am nicer dressed than if I roll out of bed and start playing in shorts and bed hair. I think it's just a feeling of having it more together that keeps my game together.

[bernie]

Yes, it works fantastically.

I try and do some yoga at least every other day and have found that it really helps me think clearer when I'm on a table. When I don't do it as often, I don't feel as crisp at the table.

However, sometimes it does overrelax me a bit if I play too soon afterwards.

It might just be a coincidence, but my best months have been when I do that more regularly.

b

You're probably experiencing the benefits of working out that most people could realize no matter what they do. You should be more alert after exercise, should lose weight and generally feel better about yourself. There are both phsyiological & psychological benefits to having exercise/activity in your life.

I feel I'm fortunate in that I've always enjoyed sports and have always been active. Even though I realize the activities I enjoy (basketball, some football) aren't going to be things you can always do or do at the same level, there's always something you can do to stay active.

I'm impressed by people who create an active lifestyle for themselves "mid-life" after not doing anything prior.

[DarrenX]

Hadn't noticed, but I'll check it out after my workout today... oh yeah, and thanks for reminding me to go to the gym!

[TwoNiner]

Yeah droopy, I'm the same way. I played baseball in college a couple of years ago and used to be in a little better shape. So I also think there's an element of feeling kind of restless just sitting in a pokerroom or in front of a computer screen. I think Greenstein was talking about this in his book about how sometimes former athletes don't make the best poker players because the lifestyle is more of a grind on them. I think staying in shape is probably more important for those kind of people. On the other hand you have kids that grew up crushing Magic the Gathering (lots of new pros) or video games (Ivey and others)who weren't real active to begin with and now they have less problems logging enormous hours on end.

[onegymrat]

Hi TwoNiner,

Yes, as you can clearly see, the benefits of staying fit doesn't limit to just physical advantages, but mental also. Another example are those that exercise in the morning prior to work. They usually will admit that their day runs by better and more alert.

I think people are generally more calm and mentally alert after a good workout.

I actually started working out while playing poker. I keep a set of dumbells next to me and do a variety of exercises with them plus push-ups, sit-ups, chair dips and other stuff.

I'm sure I look ridiculous, but it's efficient and keeps me from getting bored when folding hands.

Staying active doesn't mean being a gym meathead working out twice/day or for 3 hours at a shot. 3-4 days/week for 30-60 minutes/workout would probably yield desirable results.

See all the posts about people having trouble sleeping? I realize there could be a number of different reasons, but I would think some exercise definitely helps get a better night's sleep.

I have had B&M sessions of 12+ hours straight. Not recommended, but I attribute the ability to play for stretches to:

1) my patience
2) my fitness

[ QUOTE ]
See all the posts about people having trouble sleeping? I realize there could be a number of different reasons, but I would think some exercise definitely helps get a better night's sleep.

[/ QUOTE ]

I started exercizing every morning this week and have been falling asleep everyday at around midnight like clockwork, and sleeping like a baby. I have a history of insomnia so this is great. Although I have to watch when I start playing as I did fall asleep in the middle of a tournament 2 days ago.

Yes working out is a great idea. I use a jump rope before I go play live or online and I play better. Also during a long live session like a 10 hr session I get up sometimes in middle position and walk around the casino and do a walk by of the -EV games and by the time I come back to the table I am totally refreshed...Look at it like this...

Approx 600 minutes in a live 10 hr session
Two 5 minute (each) walks =10 minutes total

You are getting 59-1 play/walk ratio and you are definately getting the best of it

[winky51]

Funny you post this. I saw it write when I was posting something similar. You are right. Working out is good for you relieving stress and makes your body create good chemicals that make you feel good.

I discovered something of the opposite. Today I was going to play in the local NL tournament for $65. I left work at 3:30 and on the highway there were 2 accidents blocking 2 lanes. Well a 70 minute trip took over 2 hours as I had to leave the highway and take side routes to get to the casino on time for the tournament. Of course everyone was slow. The 2 other highways had several major accidents and my temper was tested. I was trying to get there in time to register to get a good table away from the donks. So stressed out after being in traffic 2 hours I arrived. My instincts were saying "go home, your annoyed, just worked since 6am, and the traffic pissed you off, GO HOME JACKASS!". It was 5:30 PM then. Well I entered anyways and played bad. Not terrible like an idiot but bad in my timing, reading pots incorrectly, judging my opponents (which I pride myself on) and lost after an hour.

The week before on thanksgiving after having a happy relaxing thursday I played the same tournament and took 3rd not making any mistakes and reading my opponents dead on. Well no mistakes I could see.

So working out does help and stress does not. You should be in a relaxed mode to play. Excersize does that for you. Relieves stress. I was stressed out and my brain was not functioning properly so I lost early. No hands didnt help either but I didnt follow my instincts.

Every little thing helps and many players dont realize. There was an article on CNN about coffee. It increases short term memory efficiency. Orange juice does the same.

If you add all the little things up they can equal a lot.

2% you work out
2% you have coffee before the tournament
2% you got enough rest
2% you have no worries
2% you had great sex with the wife
2% your confidence is up because you won a tournament last night and played well.
2% you got to take your time in going to the tournament, easy ride, nice day.

Thats 7 little things. I gave them each a value of 2% which would mean you are playing 14% better today because of it. Yea it sounds cheesy but consider just one good play or one bad play in the tournament can make or break you.

My lesson learned, never play in a live tournament on a work day. So I am going this saturday instead.

[winky51]

lol

[joop]

[ QUOTE ]
Staying active doesn't mean being a gym meathead working out twice/day or for 3 hours at a shot. 3-4 days/week for 30-60 minutes/workout would probably yield desirable results.


[/ QUOTE ]

I have been into bodybuilding for 7 years now and I haven't found anyone that trains twice/day or for 3 hours at a shot.. Most bodybuilders do exactly what you suggested in your last sentence. I actually see more novice gym users training for longer & more frequently than the more experienced guys, simply because they don't know what they're doing.

Energy levels and training performance start declining after 45-60 minutes in almost everybody. That is you can train hard but not long if you are working hard. I used to compete in powerlifting and they follow this time frame as well.

Also I have found that lifting weights and jumproping are superior to some cardio methods like riding a stationary bike or a stairclimber.. A cool site with 100's of free workout articles www.t-mag.com (http://www.t-mag.com)

[RydenStoompala]

[ QUOTE ]
Anybody else notice a difference in their poker play

[/ QUOTE ]

Hell yes. I'm with everyone else who says it improves their game. Every edge is +EV and the numerous advantages of a good workout prior to entering combat are obvious to anyone who has done it.

The ultimate is a good workout prior to a session and then a swim and massage after the game. It's just freakin awesome.

[AlanBostick]

I find that:

(1) working out with weights or otherwise getting regular serious exercise leaves me feeling overall healthier, stronger, and more alert than when I don't, over time.

(2) After a heavy workout I have low energy and rather sleepy. If I work out first thing in the morning, I have a lower-energy day than if I work out in the evening.

(3) Working out is an absolutely fantastic way of purging the feelings of stress and (if I've had a bad session) tilt from my body.

I can't stress the third point enough. Intense exercise flushes out the physiological residues of stress and fight-or-flight excitement. For me, it leaves me much more balanced and relaxed after a tough session than otherwise.

If you are playing on a regular schedule, you might find it useful to schedule a regular workout after every session. It helps to be a member of a 24x7 gym, like 24 Hour Fitness. Or, you can keep a weight bench at home. The latter would work well for online pros.

[ QUOTE ]
I actually started working out while playing poker. I keep a set of dumbells next to me and do a variety of exercises with them

[/ QUOTE ]

I do the same thing! I was actually considering getting a recumbent exercise bike and setting the computer up in front of it so I could pedal and play at the same time.

[sciencebeagle]

I remember reading about a year and a half ago in Cardplayer Phil Ivey saying that he runs about three miles everyday before hitting the tables, because it clears his mind as well as supplies much needed excercise for someone in a very inactive profession.

I couldn't agree more. I thank you for your honesty and that's about the best explanation psychologically for why I like the game that I've come across.

[ QUOTE ]
If you add all the little things up they can equal a lot.

2% you work out
2% you have coffee before the tournament
2% you got enough rest
2% you have no worries
2% you had great sex with the wife
2% your confidence is up because you won a tournament last night and played well.
2% you got to take your time in going to the tournament, easy ride, nice day

[/ QUOTE ]

Only 8% today. Damn.