Welcome back to our series on improving your poker game through health and wellness. This week, we focus on an often overlooked but crucial area: mobility and flexibility.
Prolonged poker sessions can take a toll on your body. Whether it’s back pain, neck stiffness, or muscle discomfort, these physical strains can hinder both your performance and overall health. I’ve personally felt the effects after years of poker, shrinking from 6’5″ to 6’3″, so let’s explore how you can avoid these issues.
Combating the Physical Toll of Poker
Long hours at the poker table, especially during high-stakes tournaments, can lead to discomfort in the back, shoulders, and neck. These physical strains are not only uncomfortable but also detract from your concentration and overall gameplay.
By adding mobility exercises and stretches to your routine, you can alleviate these discomforts, improving your physical resilience. This will help you stay sharp and perform at your best for longer periods.
Mobility Moves for Poker Players
Here are some simple exercises and stretches specifically tailored for poker players to help combat the physical strain of long sessions:
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Seated Twists:
While sitting, place your right hand on the back of your chair and twist your torso to the right, keeping your hips square. Hold for 10-15 seconds, then repeat on the left side. This helps release tension in your middle and lower back. -
Shoulder Shrugs and Rolls:
Lift your shoulders towards your ears, then roll them back and down. Repeat this movement several times to help alleviate shoulder and neck stiffness. -
Wrist Flexes:
Extend one arm in front of you, palm up. With the other hand, gently press back on your fingers to stretch your wrist and forearm. Hold for 10-15 seconds, then switch hands. This is great for players who experience wrist fatigue from holding cards or shuffling chips. -
Chair Hamstring Stretch:
While seated, extend one leg outward and lean forward gently over the extended leg to stretch your hamstring. Hold for 15-20 seconds, then switch legs.
Implementing a Routine
To get the most out of these mobility exercises, consider incorporating them into your daily routine:
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Pre-game: Spend 5-10 minutes on mobility exercises before your session to loosen up your muscles and increase comfort. A simple YouTube routine works well for this.
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During breaks: Use tournament breaks to perform quick stretches. Not only will this help prevent stiffness, but it also promotes blood circulation, keeping your mind alert.
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Post-game: After a long session, dedicate some time to a thorough stretch routine to cool down and aid recovery.
Taking Mobility Seriously
If you want to take your mobility routine up a notch, I personally recommend using the Pliability app. I’ve been using their daily routines, which typically take 20-25 minutes, and you can target specific problem areas. They also offer shorter sessions. If you’re interested, you can sign up using my link to get two weeks free.
Looking Ahead
By incorporating these mobility and flexibility exercises into your daily routine, you’ll not only enhance your comfort during poker sessions but also improve your overall well-being, which can boost your longevity both at the poker table and in life.
Next week, we’ll focus on resistance training and how building strength can enhance your poker game. We’ll cover specific exercises that help with endurance and stability, ensuring that you’re as strong off the table as you are on it.
Stay flexible, stay strong, and get ready to bring your best game yet!
