Exercise Your Way to a Better Poker Game

As poker players we have to be aware of the bad lifestyle trends we quickly become accustomed to, and chalk up to being part of a poker player’s daily routine: Poor eating habits, poor sleeping habits, prolonged stretches of sitting, as well as the mental stresses we are constantly working under.

All of these things not only lead to health issues, but this in turn leads to poor decision making and less focus: Your physical well being is a major factor in your mental well being, so even though poker is a mental game, being physically active is quite important to poker players.

Studies have shown that physical activity increases your ability to concentrate, and people have even performed better on tests after a session of exercise. Physically active people also eat and sleep better, and physical activity is one of the best stress reducers around.

Unfortunately for poker players, the game prevents us from being active at all while we are playing -which is a reason why many players start out playing a solid game, but the longer they sit at the table, the more their play deteriorates. One way to counter this is to participate in some form of physical activity that will increase your heart rate, which helps you focus and concentrate, before you start a session of poker -It’s also a good idea to have a healthy, light, meal before you begin a session.

Another way to stay active is by limiting your time at the tables, so you can prevent yourself from becoming lethargic. Even if you get up and walk around every couple of hours you’ll find that this increase in blood flow and heart rate will help you remain focused while you’re playing poker.

So if you are gearing up for an 8-hour session it’s in your best interest to participate in some sort of physical exercise, eat a healthy, light, meal, and to make sure you get up and keep your blood flowing while you’re sitting in the game.

Another benefit of exercise is that it can stave off the many health problems that sitting for extended periods of time are known to cause: poor circulation, back and neck pain, and even heart problems. By staying on a consistent exercise routine you can diminish the effects that sitting for extended periods of time have on your overall health.

So, even though the poker lifestyle isn’t overly conducive with health that doesn’t mean that you don’t need to lead a healthy lifestyle. In fact, leading an unhealthy life could be the cause of some of your struggles at the poker tables!