Physical Fitness Level and Poker

[TomBrooks]

What effect does ones level of physical fitness have on ones mental state, and to what degree, if any, can increased physical fitness improve one's poker performance?

[Subfallen]

Exercise is beneficial because it improves ability to concentrate. Whether one actually uses his/her enhanced concentration skills is another question entirely, of course..

[Al Schoonmaker]

Although the medical evidence clearly indicates that physical fitness has extremely positive effects, most poker pros do NOT remain in shape.

Regards,

Al

[autobet]

Physical fitness has a profound effect on mental states for most people.

Probably the most underated factor in success, especially for tourn players who need to play late into the night for up to 14 hours a day.

[TStoneMBD]

ive been in very good physical shape, poor physical shape, and moderate physical shape during my lifetime and id have to say that my ability to concentrate has nothing to do with my physical fitness level.

[Subfallen]

That's impressive, you must be very tough mentally.

[kyleb]

When I was playing Magic: The Gathering upwards of 40 hours per week, I slid from a 160 lbs 6'0" extremely fit soccer player to a 210 lbs 6'1" fairly overweight kid. Throughout that trend, I noticed my inability to stay patient and focused throughout an 8 hour Pro Tour Qualifer tournament (think of a satellite tournament where the prize is a seat for a major tournament that you cannot buy in directly at).

Now I work out every other day by running a mile and lifting moderate weights in order to get back to some level of physical shape. The difference it makes in my mental/psychological states is amazing - and worth it for no other reason than to be a healthy person.

[Buck_65]

Excercising sometime in the day before playing poker will release the proper hormones from your brain and you will feel/think better. I've had periods in my life in which my neurotransmitters were not firing at a healthy rate, which had a definite negative impact on my concentration and discipline. Excercising regularly helped me immensely. As a "side" benefit, getting into better shape will naturally make you happier and therefore you will be more likely to think optimally.

A healthy body is a healthy mind is profit at the poker tables.

[reddred]

The worst downswing I've experienced(precipitated by bad beats, then magnified by poor decision making) happened during a 3 month stretch I stopped working out. Coincidence? Maybe. I just know I feel more general 'confidence' when I work out, and that does translate on the table. I think this may even have more of a positive effect for playing live, where body language plays a prominent role. Look at it this way, being in shape certainly isn't going to hurt your game!

[Buck_65]

[ QUOTE ]
The worst downswing I've experienced(precipitated by bad beats, then magnified by poor decision making) happened during a 3 month stretch I stopped working out. Coincidence? Maybe. I just know I feel more general 'confidence' when I work out, and that does translate on the table. I think this may even have more of a positive effect for playing live, where body language plays a prominent role. Look at it this way, being in shape certainly isn't going to hurt your game!

[/ QUOTE ]

You just reminded me of my 175bb downswing which occurred while I stopped taking care of my physical health. I was getting minimal excercise and getting crushed at the poker tables. My most recent upswing coincidentally paralleled a massive health kick I started not long ago.

Could be coincidence, but I'm thinking not.