Why Exercise is Essential to Playing Better Poker

Recommended Poker Sites – Editor’s Pick
Image
Arved Klöhn Pokerlistings Author
  • Fact Checked by: PokerListings
  • Last updated on: January 9, 2025

I know, I know. These are supposed to be articles on poker and the psychology thereof.

But a couple of instalments back we had an extended discussion on the role of self-confidence and personal assuredness and their impact on our games.

In that article I snuck in a bit on exercise. I did it for a good reason.

Physical exercise turns out to be a remarkably important element in cognitive function. And let’s face it, folks – poker, if it is anything at all, is one hell of a cognitively demanding game.

Poker is Most Complex and Demanding Game

I’ve said this before, and I grow ever more certain of its truth:

  • The game of poker, when it is played at its highest levels with the strongest opponents, is the most complex and mentally demanding game that is played routinely by members of our species.

Sure, it can be played by any old bozo and, if you wish, you can fool around at the tables without so much as cranking up your brain past its basic, grade-two level.

But if you want to truly grasp the richness of the game, its wonderfully interwoven features, its wheels-within-wheels-within-wheels strategic ploys, you’d better get that three-pound hunk of what looks for all the world like a bowl of porridge between your ears rolling.

Example:

Imagine you’re on the button with A-K suited in a $2/$5 cash game. Your mind is sharp because you recently hit the gym for a quick workout, and you feel fully focused. You notice that the aggressive player in middle position has raised three hands in a row. Rather than second-guessing yourself or overthinking his strategy, you calmly reraise. His call leads to a flop of 9-4-2 rainbow. You spot his hesitation and sense an opportunity to bet. Your mental clarity helps you swiftly analyze stack sizes and pot odds, and you time your continuation bet perfectly. After a few moments, your opponent folds, allowing you to pick up a decent pot that might have been lost if you’d been feeling lethargic and unfocused.

And physical exercise will help you do it.

I’m serious. We now know that physical exercise can have a significant impact on cognitive functions, particularly on memory.

This link has been suspected for a long time, particularly in the elderly, whose declines in memory can be stopped or even reversed by a program of physical exercise.

But until recently we didn’t know exactly why this happened, and we weren’t sure if it also helped younger people.

Physical Exercise Boosts Brain Metabolism

It turns out the reason is simple. Physical exercise boosts the efficiency and effectiveness of brain metabolism, specifically of lactate, glucose and an insulin-like growth factor, and it does so across the board: in rats, monkeys and people of all ages.

Simplifying a bit, these compounds are to your brain as gasoline is to an internal combustion engine. They’re the fuel.

Each of them has slightly different roles, but a series of recent studies recording brain activity shows that uptake of all three of these compounds by brain cells increases with exercise.

And, fascinatingly, the brain areas that are most affected are those known to be critical for memory, decision making and deliberative thought – functions that lie pretty close to the core of the game of poker.

So, what do you need to do? It’s fairly simple. You need to put in at least one to two hours a week doing three classic kinds of exercise: cardiovascular, strength and flexibility. If you can do more hours, so much the better.

There are all kinds of ways to do this – running, fencing, skiing. But for most of us, it’s best done with trips to the gym or wellness center.

Poker players are among the most unhealthy people in the world. They sit around all freakin’ day in a chair doing dick-all, eating on the fly, usually fatty, unhealthy foods.

Fortunately, not as many of them smoke anymore, and we can all be thankful that very few public rooms allow tobacco now. But I find myself feeling more than a bit sad when I see how many of my friends are overweight and how many of them weren’t a couple of years ago.

Between the need for solid decision making, thinking and memory and the importance of physical stamina and bodily well-being, it’s a bloody shame to see how many of us have let ourselves go.

Related Reading:

Drag Your Ass to the Gym

And, yeah, I understand how tough it is to get your butt down to the fitness center two or three times a week. Sometimes I have to drag my weary self out of my comfy chair too.

But I do it. And when I do, I am really happy with myself.

I keep my weight down and my muscle tone up, and I can almost feel those glucose molecules zipping around in my medial temporal lobes (important brain areas for memory), parietal regions (involved in processing many incoming channels of information) and, of course, my frontal lobes (critical structures for decision making and deliberative actions).

OK, I’m done preaching now, but you know what? I just gave you some of the best poker advice you’ve gotten in a long time.

If you follow me here it’ll give you as much of a step up in your game as reading all 72 volumes of Dan Harrington’s writings on poker.

Advanced Perspectives on Physical and Mental Conditioning

Poker has evolved in many ways, with top professionals recognizing that sustained mental performance is linked to their overall physical state. While the game remains a contest of wits and reads, top-tier players now view their training through a holistic lens, integrating physical exercise routines with advanced study methods. The overarching goal is not simply to get in shape; it’s to expand your mental endurance in a game where edges can be razor-thin.

Staying physically active can help reduce mental fatigue and boost long-term focus. As more players adopt regular workout schedules, the competition intensifies. To keep pace, you need the energy to power through lengthy sessions and maintain disciplined decision making. Regular exercise can also improve your ability to absorb modern theoretical concepts such as GTO strategies, where deep concentration is vital.

Training Methods for High-Stress Situations

Tournament poker is often a marathon rather than a sprint. Key decisions occur late, when your chip stack is on the line, and tiredness can cause you to mishandle critical pots. A structured exercise routine conditions your body to cope with heightened stress, whether that stress arises from big hands near the bubble or tough decisions on the final table. Many pros incorporate activities like interval runs or circuit training to bolster their stamina and keep their heads clear.

Mental conditioning also plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between theory and execution. Even with robust study habits, pressure can unravel your A-game if your brain and body are worn out. When you blend solid poker knowledge with a well-maintained physique, you enhance your emotional resilience and decision-making capacity, sustaining high-level play in crucial spots.

FAQ

What does physical exercise in poker mean?

In this context, physical exercise in poker refers to a regimen of activities such as cardiovascular workouts, strength training, and flexibility exercises that enhance mental clarity, focus, and endurance at the table.

How exactly does working out improve my performance in a poker game?

Exercise strengthens your cardiovascular system and improves the metabolism of lactate, glucose, and growth factors that fuel the brain. This leads to clearer thinking, better memory retention, and more consistent decision making.

Do I need a complicated workout routine, or will basic exercises suffice?

Any well-rounded routine that combines cardio, strength, and flexibility is beneficial. A simple plan with activities like running, light weightlifting, and stretching will already help you maintain focus and alertness at the table.

Does exercise only help older players worried about memory loss?

Although older players do benefit from exercise to slow cognitive decline, younger players also see improvements in strategic thinking and stamina. Physical fitness has no age limit when it comes to boosting mental sharpness.

How can I stay motivated to exercise when long poker sessions wear me out?

Commitment to a clear goal is essential. Recognize that fitness isn’t just about looking good; it’s about maintaining optimal mental function. Scheduling workouts around your poker sessions and gradually increasing intensity helps keep you disciplined.

What is the main benefit of combining physical exercise with dedicated poker study?

Integrating physical routines with consistent study fortifies your mind and body. You can sustain focus through long tournaments, improve your decision-making prowess, and remain resilient under high-pressure situations.

Related Poker Strategy Articles:

Recommended