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