Does being fat affect your game?

[Diamond69]

I may be going a different route here, but when I was young and gambling, being overweight got me more action.

So being fat probably made me more money than being in shape.

Not sure what it was, but people seemed to feel people in better shape played better pool. People would challenge me rather than my in shape friend even though I was the far superior player.

I think Danny B mentioned the same phenomenon in his book.

 

[seven_7days]

I have been able to bench press 300+ since 8th grade lol

It seems that we share a common trait
..I, like you, was also in the 8th grade.



I know, weird.

 

[Celophanewrap]

I may be going a different route here, but when I was young and gambling, being overweight got me more action.

So being fat probably made me more money than being in shape.

Not sure what it was, but people seemed to feel people in better shape played better pool. People would challenge me rather than my in shape friend even though I was the far superior player.

I think Danny B mentioned the same phenomenon in his book.

Yeah, it's always struck me as peculiar that you're often discounted is you're short, or fat, or wear glasses, or have a bad haircut, or old, or even if you're somehow a minority in that environment, and not just in pool.
But this another thread for another time

 

[cleary]

I'm a pretty big guy who has lost and gained weight fairly drastically a few times. I can say without a doubt the heavier you are, the harder it is. Especially when you're on your feet for hours on end. At one point I lost 60lbs and pool got much easier. My game went up pretty good and I was a top finisher in the tournaments I played in. When I gained about 40lbs back, my game went down again. I recently lost 40lbs and I'm back to that good weight and pool is much easier again.

 

[ScottK]

I didn't read the whole thread, so sorry if this has been said.

It isn't the weight in and of itself that will hinder your play. It's the fact you're accustomed to playing 75 pounds lighter and you're now carrying extra weight in areas your body probably has muscle memory to move through. You'll adjust, but obviously it would be better to drop some of the extra weight by eating a little better.

While I'm not claiming to be an expert on the issue, I went through the same thing. When I started playing again after a back injury I was about 170. Since I wasn't working out, was hanging out drinking beer, and eating like crap I put on probably 40 - 50 pounds and my play suffered. At the time, a team mate and I discussed the fact that it was probably the weight gain. I still think it was. I adjusted, then I lost a little of the weight, and am playing better. I should still lose more of the weight and I don't suspect at this point shedding pounds alone would increase my level of play.

I definitely think gaining that much weight hinders your play, but it's not the end of the world.

 

[Houstoer]

dude from one army vet to another.... push back from the table and get your act straight. there is no way you should weight 290. you know it, I know it. I've been retired for the last 11 years and if I hit 200 I'm freaking. Find a way to do it; thats what we do. Tough love bro but you want to be around for your kids and grandkids... trust me. Figure out a way to get the diet under control and try to at least walk or something. I'm no fitness nut but old enough to know how much better you'll feel and happier you will be with the kids if you can. Good luck and I'll support you any way I can. Army brothers take care of each other even if it means a kick in the ass.