Poker delivers money and entertainment and is a great way to meet new people. However, it doesn’t provide a means to stay in shape as you enjoy the game. Well, let’s face it, the game is a passive activity, sometimes requiring you to sit for up to six hours before a session ends.
Plus, playing poker in a nice poker table requires high concentration and fast decision-making. So, if you are not in the right state of mind and physical fitness, you might feel all worn out at the end of a session. With this in mind, we have gone the extra mile to find ways you can stay fit as a poker player.
Playing Online Casino Games
Besides poker, you can enjoy several other games at an online casino. Video and classic slots are more common, with casinos offering thousands of titles. If you choose a good online casino NJ, you’re bound to experience great fun and also earn a bonus to boost your bankroll.
Think about Baccarat, a fun and rewarding game or Blackjack, a table game that requires you to put your skills to the test. Scratch cards that require minimal mastery to play are also in plenty at online casinos. Thus, no matter your preference, you will find a game that will interest you.
The casinos allow you to place low and high bets, making them perfect for low and high rollers. The benefit of playing casino games, especially as a poker player, is that you can use them to sharpen your skills. For example, games like Blackjack and Roulette need maximum concentration, the same as poker.
Try Yoga
Yoga can help poker tournament players manage stress, something you need to be a successful player. If you are stressed out, you will not be able to focus due to the devastating effects on your mind and neck.
In addition, yoga helps you to create mental calmness and clarity. So, even if you lose, you can handle that without overreacting. Also, doing yoga before a session helps you relax your mind as well as sharpen your concentration.
You will need these things once the game starts, so you can’t overlook them. Finally, yoga is a great remedy if you want to shed some weight. Intense and active yoga styles like power or vinyasa are ideal for burning calories.
Physical Exercise
Most poker players schedule time for physical activity a few days a week. For you to see positive results from your activities, ensure you exercise for at least 45 minutes four days a week. Physical exercise improves your stamina, ability to focus and alertness.
It’s also essential for enhancing your sleep patterns. You need enough sleep to remain attentive while playing poker. The other thing is that exercising allows you to fight fatigue. With that, you can manage without feeling exhausted even if you remain seated for long hours.
Besides, the quicker you are physical, the more you are to concentrate, resulting in better performance. Lastly, exercising helps poker players to boost their brain metabolism, increasing the effectiveness of glucose and lactose. We all know that our brains work better when we are active, and you can achieve that through physical exercise.
Carry Snacks and Water
Most card rooms don’t offer many healthy food options. In places where they are available, they are reasonably priced. Whenever you go to a poker tournament, we recommend you pack your healthy foods and beverages.
Though hot dogs, beer, or other fast foods may be enjoyable, you will be much healthier if you take healthy snacks like fruits and nuts. You can’t underestimate the power of being healthy if you want to be excellent at poker.
Healthy eating will boost your concentration and memory, enabling you to give your best. Again, if you are on a tight budget, not buying food and drinks at card rooms or nearby hotels will save you money for extra buy-ins.
Walking During Breaks
Card rooms give breaks at certain points to allow you to grab your snack or visit the restroom. Instead of hanging around during these breaks, you can take a walk within the premises. Walking helps you get daily steps if you are targeting to walk specific steps in a day.
Overall, this will come in handy if you want to burn some calories. It’s also essential for clearing your head, especially after an intense game. That way, you will always be set for the next round when you return to the tables.
Getting Enough Sleep
Poker tournament players stay healthy and fit by getting adequate sleep. Lack of enough sleep can have adverse effects on one’s mental and physical health. Besides, it negatively affects mood, memory, motor skills, concentration, stress hormones and, the immune system.
While you might want to practice for long hours for your next tournament, ensure you set enough time for sleeping. It will allow your body to heal and rejuvenate. As an adult, six to eight hours will keep your body going as you enjoy poker. If you have some free time during the day, you can take a nap to be more alert.
Staying Motivated
One of the crucial keys to being fit is setting goals and keeping a positive mindset. Being positive enables you to push yourself to achieve the fit body you want. For example, if you want to reduce your weight, you need to identify what you should do to achieve that goal.
Start at a slow pace and keep on improving with time. That way, you will not lose focus as a beginner. While staying fit is the goal, ensure you don’t overdo it, lest you lose motivation. You can have rest days.
Keeping Track of Calories Intake
Another tactic that helps poker players use to stay in shape mentally and physically is tracking their calories. Doing so helps them to plan their physical activity and the time they need to put in to achieve optimum results.
Moreover, it gives an idea of the right foods and drinks to maintain physical and mental fitness. If you are active, tracking your calorie intake will give you an idea of the number of calories you must take to support the workouts. You can follow this method to stay fit and enjoy poker.
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