How to Stay Fit at the World Series of Poker
Having told you all the ways you can treat your body and mind poorly at the World Series of Poker this summer, we'd hardly be your responsible friend if we didn't give you some advice for how to counteract those bad habits, would we?
This time, our survival series for the 50th Annual WSOP continues by offering you five ways you can make sure you are in your best possible physical condition no matter how the cards fall.
1. Go for a run
Will Smith once said there's no problem that can't be solved in some part by either running or reading, though he probably didn't advocate doing both at the same time. We've already discussed the benefits of reading before sleep in our earlier article "How to Get the Rest You Need at the WSOP." Let's talk a little about the benefits of running.
Running is a great way of exploring any poker location, and Las Vegas is no different. Not far from the Strip, there are some fantastic spots to run, including plenty of incline work for the ultra-fit and some easier routes for first-timers or "recreational" runners.
Fitting a run into your daily schedule can be tough, especially if you're participating in WSOP events which kick off early, but it's worth making the effort, even if you only run during days away from the felt.
Go for a run
- make a break-time dash to All-American Dave
- jog a circuit around the Rio
- try a 13-mile half-marathon around Red Rock Canyon
2. Take a hike or ride a bike
Speaking of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, hiking at Red Rock is one of the fitter players' favorite pursuits during World Series season. You can start at "The Trading Post Trail" which is 1.4 miles in length and takes in some of the best views you'll see all summer. Let the spectacular rock formations, meadows, and valleys inspire you to WSOP greatness upon your return.
If you would prefer to cycle, you can do that at Red Rock, too. You can even get a GeoReferenced Trail Map with which you can identify local flora and fauna. However, make sure you choose the right route, as bicycles are allowed on the one-way scenic drive, spur roads, and mountain bike trails, but are not permitted on the hiking trails.
Take a hike or ride a bike
- head for the hills for an incline workout
- cycle around the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Loop
- go freewheeling up and down the Strip
3. Do some yoga
While many outdoor pursuits are worth the time investment, as a health regimen yoga has few equals. Yoga gives the body extra physical flexibility, but it also helps the mind relax and improves your overall core fitness.
Yoga is a tremendous way of improving your physical and mental well-being, but the other plus is that it can take just 10 minutes to run through a short, yet highly beneficial yoga routine. It's the kind of fitness you can fit in around a busy schedule, making it the perfect workout to supplement your busy WSOP schedule.
Do some yoga
- start your day with a 5-minute wake-up workout
- end it with a 15-minute bedtime workout
- find time for a 30-minute low-intensity abs workout
4. Meditate
Once seen as overly spiritualist and hippie-like just a couple of decades ago, meditation is now one of the on-trend practices for poker players. Apps like Primed Mind which was created by Elliot Roe and Fedor Holz can provide guidance developing mindfulness techniques, as can Tommy Angelo's short book Dailyness: How to Sustain a Meditation Practice.
Meditation calms the mind and allows clear thoughts to come through. Like yoga, meditating can be done in just a few minutes, but the more you do it, and more time you commit to it, the more you'll see the benefit. Many players who dipped their toes in the pool of mindfulness dived right into a full meditation schedule thereafter, including several of poker's most successful players.
Meditate
- bask in a 2-minute oasis of calm at the table while a player tanks
- make meditating for 5-10 minutes part of your morning routine
- find time to meditate 30 minutes each day, either all at once or in segments
5. Go for a walk
If you can't run, hike, or meditate your way through the World Series, then you might be able to keep fit simply by going for a stroll. Walking is great for your respiratory system and general well-being. It'll also keep you trim with gentler cardio than running up and down the Strip or biking around Red Rock.
If you can walk a mile a day during the World Series, you'll establish a healthful routine to get the heart going and help fight against the lethargy caused by hours and hours of sitting at the tables. Finding time to walk 3-4 miles — say, in the mornings before play begins — would be even better.
Indeed, given the Vegas heat, getting outdoor walks in during the early hours when the temperatures are still comfortable will be best.
Go for a walk
- plan a circuit to and from your hotel to walk each morning
- use tournament breaks to walk the Rio halls
- take the "Walk of Stars" on the Strip (about four miles)
