Between the need for solid decision making, memory and thinking and the importance of physical stamina and bodily well-being, it's sad to see how many of us have let ourselves go.
When you give priority to better health, you gain better concentration on the felts. Maintaining full game concentration over time requires strength and focus which certainly cannot be gained just at the poker table. Physical fitness is a remarkably important element in intellectual function, and poker, is one hell of a mind game! It’s true, when played at the highest levels with the strongest opponents, poker is complex and mentally demanding. Physical activity boosts efficiency and effectiveness of brain metabolism. The parallel is really that simple!
“You need a fit mind to perform better and work on your patience level,” Amin Rozani tells us. The thirty-six year old CEO at The Spartan Poker is a firm believer that fitness not only shapes your body, but also your mind. Healthy players are more alert and generally make better game decisions. “You will see the good outcomes of this way of life, particularly on the poker table,” the Mumbai poker kingpin affirms.
Model-Designer turned poker-pro Amrita Sethi couldn’t agree more. “Fascinatingly, the brain areas that are most affected are those known to be critical for memory, decision making and calculated moves - functions that are key to the core of the game of poker,” she says, as she’s amidst her cardio routine. For Amrita, fitness is priority – and it shows when she’s working out close to midnight sometimes. “As a working women, physical exercise is of utmost importance. I workout seven times a week. It reduces stress a
nd anxiety, and even heals depression. And of course, who doesn’t love healthier-looking skin!?”
Dhananjaya Sharma, ‘DannySharma’ on PokerStars and Indian felts, is certain you’ll eventually burnout unless you’re strong on all levels. “Unlike other sports, poker is unhealthy, bringing no value-add to the body. The grinds are becoming longer where the physical body is not stimulated in the least and MTT players in particular need to maintain their stamina for long hours.” “There are so many instances where successful poker players throw in the towel early in their career because their bodies just gave up.” Consistently winning players know the importance of a healthy body and have taken to diet control, yoga, morning runs etc. How does he do it? “Just pursue any outdoor activity you like. I take time-off for regular treks and biking trips, you can jog, cycle, run or just play another sp
ort!”
With respect to poker performance, Amrita adds, “The bigger poker tournaments last for days, in online they can go up to several hours, and those who are out of shape may tire quickly and lose focus during the later parts.”
“Hitting the gym keeps your fat and cholesterol levels in control, even in a stressful environment. The fact that there’s money on the line in stressful in itself!”
What they suggest to other players? “ Eat healthy and stay fit. Resting your eyes periodically coupled with improved sleep patterns will also help your game,” Amin says. “Face it, poker is sedentary. You don’t burn many calories sitting around. Even a 20 minute moderate physical activity a day can clear your brain and enhance your wellness, with an additional edge over your competitor. It’s a win-win!,” feels Amrita. “A trophy in your hand looks better when you’re also shimmering with good health!” says Sharma. That just makes us want to lace up the sports shoes already!