Fitness And Pool
- Thread starter billiardshot
- Start date
I used to ride amature road and track cycling in the early 70s in Chicago. I still try to ride from 5 to 15 miles a day 5 to 6 days a week.
I met Sergio Oliva 1967 ?? 68???? Some guy who owned a store called "Body Builder Sport Shop" by the last name of Gruber brought him over from Cuba.
Sergio was huge.So big the guy was almost scary. Wonder if he was on roids???
I met Sergio Oliva 1967 ?? 68???? Some guy who owned a store called "Body Builder Sport Shop" by the last name of Gruber brought him over from Cuba.
Sergio was huge.So big the guy was almost scary. Wonder if he was on roids???
I posted a similar topic some months ago (last year IIRC). I was concerned that I might lose my stroke once I resume my workout routine, so I asked the opinion of our fellow AZB bodybuilding members. by their unanimous answers, I decided to give it a try. you won't believe how much improvement I have in my game, particularly breaking. as to stroke and speed/power adjustments I had no problem just the same.
I only carry a moderate amount of weights and doing 100 reps for each routine and specific muscle target. shoulder, arms, chest and abdomen. since it's summer. I have an additional swimming routine for cardio and pulmonary development.
my only advice is that don't overdo it. bodybuilding stiffens the muscles, so too much weight can have an adverse effect.
I only carry a moderate amount of weights and doing 100 reps for each routine and specific muscle target. shoulder, arms, chest and abdomen. since it's summer. I have an additional swimming routine for cardio and pulmonary development.
my only advice is that don't overdo it. bodybuilding stiffens the muscles, so too much weight can have an adverse effect.
I run about 35 miles a week, but its just for exercise it doesnt have anything to do with pool.
Strength has nothing what so ever to do with shooting pool... breaking or otherwise
being in decent physical condition helps.. but is not required.. there used to be a guy named Steve Mizerak who never was considered "fit" I heard he could sink a ball or two if he got hot.
I think Yoga would be more beneficial to a pool game than strength training.
thats about stretching and relaxing the muscles to allow smooth flowing movement.
bench pressing is about powerful bursts of somewhat jerky movement.
being in decent physical condition helps.. but is not required.. there used to be a guy named Steve Mizerak who never was considered "fit" I heard he could sink a ball or two if he got hot.
I think Yoga would be more beneficial to a pool game than strength training.
thats about stretching and relaxing the muscles to allow smooth flowing movement.
bench pressing is about powerful bursts of somewhat jerky movement.
I think if you have always been fit and exercised regularly, then it is doubtful you would see an improvement.... However if you quit working out, I bet you would see your game diminish.
Steve Mizerak certainly saw a decline in his game over the years as has Buddy Hall. Age plays a part of course but their weight also has to play a big factor as well. I saw Mizerak play in a tournament in NY and you could see that just walking around the table had become a chore. Every extra pound puts a huge amount of pressure on your knees and back.
Most would agree that healthier lifestyle will lead to a better quality of life. And a better quality of life means better quality pool, imo.
Steve Mizerak certainly saw a decline in his game over the years as has Buddy Hall. Age plays a part of course but their weight also has to play a big factor as well. I saw Mizerak play in a tournament in NY and you could see that just walking around the table had become a chore. Every extra pound puts a huge amount of pressure on your knees and back.
Most would agree that healthier lifestyle will lead to a better quality of life. And a better quality of life means better quality pool, imo.
berlowmj said:
Unfortunately I didn't ask him about it, to me people like him pay for this kind of instruction and I feel bad for trying to freeload the information. I would imagine some fast-twitch tricep exercises and things to build up your shoulders. After a night of playing a lot the balls of my shoulders ache so they must be in play a lot.
I don't know of any pool-specific exercises. As others have said, it seems logical that general fitness would improve endurance, focus, etc. It would also seem logical that core-strengthening exercises would help avoid back problems -- probably the most vulnerable part of the pool player's body.
I added a number of balance and stability exercises to my routine about a year ago. They help with the senses of equilibrium and movement (proprioception and kinesthesia) and engage the dozens of stabilizing muscles that are neglected by most weight and machine exercises. Almost all of the stability routines also engage core muscles. Not sure the object ball is finding the pocket more often, but I do feel more solid at the table and I've had fewer back flare-ups.
I wouldn't encourage people to take up exercise just to improve their pool game -- unless that was the only way to get them to the gym. I'd encourage people to take up exercise because it adds to the quality (and quantity) of life. If I had to choose between a regular fitness routine and pool, I'd quit playing pool.
I added a number of balance and stability exercises to my routine about a year ago. They help with the senses of equilibrium and movement (proprioception and kinesthesia) and engage the dozens of stabilizing muscles that are neglected by most weight and machine exercises. Almost all of the stability routines also engage core muscles. Not sure the object ball is finding the pocket more often, but I do feel more solid at the table and I've had fewer back flare-ups.
I wouldn't encourage people to take up exercise just to improve their pool game -- unless that was the only way to get them to the gym. I'd encourage people to take up exercise because it adds to the quality (and quantity) of life. If I had to choose between a regular fitness routine and pool, I'd quit playing pool.
I've been battling the equilibrium and balance thing lately due to the injury I sustained, it's hard and I can feel myself sway to and fro on some shots. Tried playing the Wii Fitness thing and it basically depressed me, almost fell of the stupid thing on simple levels and games.
I agree with this outlook 100%. I have been through every stage of physical fitness from none at all to pretty damn good, and I must say that EVERYTHING works better when you are fit. Activities require much less effort, and you can last much longer.lewdo26 said:
It's not Royds, It's a combination of Clean Bulking and supplements.gpeezy said:
Just because he is huge dose not exactly mean he takes them.
I use to be 5'6" 271lbs two years ago, that was with clean bulding. Now, well, I'm not like I use to be
Fart sniffer said:
Neurological problems aside, try standing flat footed with the weight on your heels. It improves anyone's ability to play. I have observed many players and the way they play. Apparently learning to play pool like a rifleman's shoots, set your hips with the weight on the heels, is characteristics of high level players. Most do it and do not know they do it.
I swim in the morning nearly every day. I don't relly like exercise but it is necessary for the cardiovascular system at my age and with my prior history.
A few times when I have had the flu I quit swimming for two weeks. I find that when I return to swmming my game picks up noticably. Has more to do with muscle tone and concentration than anything else. I swim in the mornings and usually do not play pool until evenings or late afternoons.
It won't make you a better player it alows you to play your best.:thumbup:
With a Broom Stick or Cue
John is an awesome player...
MachineGunKelly said:
John is an awesome player...
JoeW said:
Thank you for the advice, I've heard about the swimming thing from many people and now that it's summer I will definitely start. Plus it will help me lose this belly that I got from being more sedentary lately, it's a win-win!!
i went back to the gym yesterday after about 10 days off and lifted some weights. This morning I feel like I could get beat by a C player. In fact, an APA 5 has got the nuts right now playing me some. Free weights and playing pool mix together like water and oil. bleh
Joe Rogan said:
martial arts & break
I read somewhere that the player who has the fastest break was also a martial artist. However, I have never been able to find an article which specifically discusses any application of martial arts training to enhance the break or any other pool skill. Has anyone come across such material?
Fart sniffer said:
I read somewhere that the player who has the fastest break was also a martial artist. However, I have never been able to find an article which specifically discusses any application of martial arts training to enhance the break or any other pool skill. Has anyone come across such material?
uwate said:
you probably overdid the weights and are now super sore. If you keep a regular routine you won't be nearly as sore or in pain the day after as you are if you just go in after a long layoff and try to put up just as much as you were doing before.