Physical Fitness Video for Pool Players (REVIEW)

[JoeyA]

For most of my life, I have been relatively active, hitting the gym, jogging, playing sports, hunting(climbing hills/walking, etc).

In recent years I have noticed that my physical conditioning has taken a back seat to other endeavors, like playing pool and fishing.

You have probably noticed that I often complain about fatigue in pool tournaments in recent years. While I can still play for at least a few hours without trouble, I have trouble holding my focus and can feel myself getting tired after that amount of time.

Periodically, I walk/jog with my son's Braque du Bourbonnais. The gym isn't as attractive to me as it once was and jogging can be a grind but I don't like leaving the house to go exercise.

In recent months I have started an exercise program at home and even picked up a Yoga tape but none of these things have held my interest for very long.

I ran across physical fitness professional, Edward Cabrera's video, "Play Long, Finish Strong" which was designed for pool players. I thought this might be a good opportunity for me to get some needed exercise and if it can help my pool game; well you know me....

Anyway, I got the video and just finished the first workout and I can tell you my fingers, hands, wrists, forearms, back, neck, biceps, triceps, shoulders, thighs, hips, calves and yes, toes have all gotten a very refreshing workout. It is very possible that I could be sore tomorrow and if I am I will post in this thread.

I think some of the exercises will actually help me to wake up some muscle groups before a match that normally don't come alive until I am half way finished in the pool match.

I genuinely enjoyed this workout and if you order it you will see why. It stimulates all of the muscle groups that help you to play pool.

Edward educates you about why these particular low impact exercises will benefit your pool game as he goes through the workout. I liked this aspect of the video as it helps me to relate the exercises to my pool game and hopefully, it will motivate me to stick to the workout.

What I also like about it is that it is not so strenuous as to give you a heart attack but it sure stretched a lot of muscles that I haven't stretched in a very long time. It feels good sitting here typing and my fingers are more limber than ever (and I have arthritis in my fingers and lower back). A daily dose of Piroxicam keeps the inflamation down but the mobility in the fingers just isn't there like it used to be so I think I will keep doing these exercises.

Edward even has an exercise that you can use your cue stick as a tool for relaxing tight neck muscles and stretching other muscle groups. I finished the workout and hadn't broke a sweat or exhausted myself but I can feel the "satisfied" muscle groups saying thank you. :smile:

I plan to use this workout regularly and I'll post every now and then to let you know of my progress. It's quite apparent that if I stick with it, I will benefit from it for a long time.

I thought you might like a review of the only physical fitness workout video for pool players that I know of.

You can get more information on this effective workout video or to order by going to www.intoshape.net

BTW, Edward Cabrerra is card-carrying AZ Billiards member. :yes:

JoeyA

 

[smoooothstroke]

sounds good

Will definitely check this out.

 

[Falcon Eddie]

Hi Joey ,
First I would like to say thank-you for such a great review. We as pool players are very passionate for our sport, most don't even consider that there is more to playing pool than just pocketing balls. Long hours in tournaments can leave us worn out. Hunter Lombardo is one of the people working out in that video. His play has gotten so strong. I wish you well, if there is anything you want to know or if I can help in any way just let me know,
Best Regards , Edward

 

[LC3]

A pool-specific workout might sound silly to some, but the game has a lot of unique stress: repeatedly bending over the table; holding the head in an upward position from the torso; one shoulder held back and up; and the bridge hand held in its position. When I go back to it after being away for a while, I can feel it in my neck and bridge hand. Some exercise is definitely in order, including core work and cardio.

I've been hitting the weights hard for about 20 years on and off, but I'm thinking that pilates and cardio might be a better fit for me these days.

 

[ShootingArts]

Good idea and great early review

Joey,

All activities have some things specific to themselves which require extra stretching or muscle exercises to be able to perform longer and/or better. I have been curious about this video for awhile and I'm glad to read your review.

I know you said you hate leaving home but one thing that really worked for me was walking or running on top of the levee or in Lefreniere Park. Usually a little breeze on top of the levee year around and enough scenery to not be bored both places. Even when I walked miles a day working I found another 20-30 minutes a day of a brisk walk beneficial. Longer is better of course but even that bit helps and a brisk walk doesn't require exercise clothes, maybe just some consideration of the shoes you have on.

I'll be watching for your updates of this review as you use these exercises for awhile.

Hu

For most of my life, I have been relatively active, hitting the gym, jogging, playing sports, hunting(climbing hills/walking, etc).

In recent years I have noticed that my physical conditioning has taken a back seat to other endeavors, like playing pool and fishing.

You have probably noticed that I often complain about fatigue in pool tournaments in recent years. While I can still play for at least a few hours without trouble, I have trouble holding my focus and can feel myself getting tired after that amount of time.

Periodically, I walk/jog with my son's Braque du Bourbonnais. The gym isn't as attractive to me as it once was and jogging can be a grind but I don't like leaving the house to go exercise.

In recent months I have started an exercise program at home and even picked up a Yoga tape but none of these things have held my interest for very long.

I ran across physical fitness professional, Edward Cabrera's video, "Play Long, Finish Strong" which was designed for pool players. I thought this might be a good opportunity for me to get some needed exercise and if it can help my pool game; well you know me....

Anyway, I got the video and just finished the first workout and I can tell you my fingers, hands, wrists, forearms, back, neck, biceps, triceps, shoulders, thighs, hips, calves and yes, toes have all gotten a very refreshing workout. It is very possible that I could be sore tomorrow and if I am I will post in this thread.

I think some of the exercises will actually help me to wake up some muscle groups before a match that normally don't come alive until I am half way finished in the pool match.

I genuinely enjoyed this workout and if you order it you will see why. It stimulates all of the muscle groups that help you to play pool.

Edward educates you about why these particular low impact exercises will benefit your pool game as he goes through the workout. I liked this aspect of the video as it helps me to relate the exercises to my pool game and hopefully, it will motivate me to stick to the workout.

What I also like about it is that it is not so strenuous as to give you a heart attack but it sure stretched a lot of muscles that I haven't stretched in a very long time. It feels good sitting here typing and my fingers are more limber than ever (and I have arthritis in my fingers and lower back). A daily dose of Piroxicam keeps the inflamation down but the mobility in the fingers just isn't there like it used to be so I think I will keep doing these exercises.

Edward even has an exercise that you can use your cue stick as a tool for relaxing tight neck muscles and stretching other muscle groups. I finished the workout and hadn't broke a sweat or exhausted myself but I can feel the "satisfied" muscle groups saying thank you. :smile:

I plan to use this workout regularly and I'll post every now and then to let you know of my progress. It's quite apparent that if I stick with it, I will benefit from it for a long time.

I thought you might like a review of the only physical fitness workout video for pool players that I know of.

You can get more information on this effective workout video or to order by going to www.intoshape.net

BTW, Edward Cabrerra is card-carrying AZ Billiards member. :yes:

JoeyA

 

[gobrian77]

I'm really into my fitness- I'm an avid indoor rower- I'm currently ranked #28 out of more than 30,000 rowers for total meters since May 1st (the "rowing season" runs May 1st to April 30th)- I also go to the gym four times per week to work on strength training (I hit the gym hard- I'm very prepared and focused on my work-outs)- the bottom line is that I'm in pretty good shape.

My wife and I just opened a new shop selling decorative stuff for Chinese and Buddhist ceremonies and celebrations over here in Thailand- since Chinese New year is on Sunday, the shop has been mobbed (literally around the clock as we've stayed open all night)- even though I'm not doing anything particularly strenuous (mostly just walking around the shop and handling the cash drawer) I've felt really fatigued and I have some body aches I haven't experienced in a long time (my usual job is at a desk running my resort- I'm only working at the shop because it's such a busy time).

The point I'm trying to make here is that (while it will almost certainly do you some good), there isn't much you can do to help for a specific sport like pool (where so little actual strength is involved) as far as preparation is involved- you just need to play pool and build up the time you can spend at the table without breaking down physically.

I always try to head to Bangkok when Cuaba is in town- he sometimes complains that he needs to improve his fitness a bit- however, that guy is a machine at the table- he can play all day and all night while showing few (if any) signs of fatigue- he played a lot before, and (basically) this is why he can play a lot now- the guy can run me into the ground at the table (unfortunately he can also do it ability-wise:embarrassed2.

I'm all for yoga (my wife is very into it- if I had more time I would do some as I would like to improve my flexibility), but nothing will help your stamina at the table more than a lot of table time- if you're running out of steam at tourneys, you need to spend an equivalent amount of time at the table during your practice hours that you spend at tournaments (which you probably don't do now).

This is only my opinion, of course- I'm very interested to hear how this works out for you.

 

[gforces1911]

Running

Post deleted.

 

[JoeyA]

I'm really into my fitness- I'm an avid indoor rower- I'm currently ranked #28 out of more than 30,000 rowers for total meters since May 1st (the "rowing season" runs May 1st to April 30th)- I also go to the gym four times per week to work on strength training (I hit the gym hard- I'm very prepared and focused on my work-outs)- the bottom line is that I'm in pretty good shape.

My wife and I just opened a new shop selling decorative stuff for Chinese and Buddhist ceremonies and celebrations over here in Thailand- since Chinese New year is on Sunday, the shop has been mobbed (literally around the clock as we've stayed open all night)- even though I'm not doing anything particularly strenuous (mostly just walking around the shop and handling the cash drawer) I've felt really fatigued and I have some body aches I haven't experienced in a long time (my usual job is at a desk running my resort- I'm only working at the shop because it's such a busy time).

The point I'm trying to make here is that (while it will almost certainly do you some good), there isn't much you can do to help for a specific sport like pool (where so little actual strength is involved) as far as preparation is involved- you just need to play pool and build up the time you can spend at the table without breaking down physically.

I always try to head to Bangkok when Cuaba is in town- he sometimes complains that he needs to improve his fitness a bit- however, that guy is a machine at the table- he can play all day and all night while showing few (if any) signs of fatigue- he played a lot before, and (basically) this is why he can play a lot now- the guy can run me into the ground at the table (unfortunately he can also do it ability-wise:embarrassed2.

I'm all for yoga (my wife is very into it- if I had more time I would do some as I would like to improve my flexibility), but nothing will help your stamina at the table more than a lot of table time- if you're running out of steam at tourneys, you need to spend an equivalent amount of time at the table during your practice hours that you spend at tournaments (which you probably don't do now).

This is only my opinion, of course- I'm very interested to hear how this works out for you.

I'm embarassed to say I practice A LOT!
I'll keep everyone posted as I continue the workout program.

JoeyA

 

[Tramp Steamer]

I don't want you boys thinking I'm a wet blanket here, but Minnesota Fats would be laughing his ass off at this one.

 

[ShootingArts]

probably

I don't want you boys thinking I'm a wet blanket here, but Minnesota Fats would be laughing his ass off at this one.

Yep, he probably would. Sounds silly. However the European men that focus more on fitness are starting to kick our asses and I think that is one reason.

Does a pro football team just practice football to build the right muscles? Does a boxer just box or hit a bag? Most serious athletes understand the value of cross training. Simple fact, if you are in poor condition and someone else is in great condition you are giving them a big spot over a 12-18 hour one day tournament or days of grinding at some of the big events. Same thing only more so in the very long gambling matches. How many times have you heard of comebacks late in the match? Always always it is because the other player burns out physically or mentally. The two are connected so the best way to stay strong physically and mentally is physical conditioning.

Hu

 

[gobrian77]

Does a pro football team just practice football to build the right muscles? Does a boxer just box or hit a bag?

The difference here is that boxers and football players (overtime excluded) know exactly how long their particular matches will (maximally) last- their late comebacks generally happen with the knowledge that no further effort will (probably) be necessary after the last final drive- there's no reason to hold anything in reserve.

Playing long, indefinite stretches of pool is an endurance exercise- it is more akin to a marathoner pacing himself over the course of a race- how does a marathoner do that? By running race distances (and farther) during his training- while many people thrive in competition and often give their best efforts under it, it's the solid base of training in practice sessions (the simple act of just performing their basic movement) over time that makes them what they are.

You are absolutely right when you say someone in good physical condition has the advantage over someone who doesn't, especially late in a match- in an endurance sport, it will most likely be the person who has trained hardest by the simple performance of their sport that will emerge the victor.

It's always good to be generally fit (strong, aerobically sound, flexible) but a not-very-fit guy who is used to playing many hours of pool at a stretch is going to easily outlast someone who is fit but doesn't play for long periods.

 

[JB Cases]

Here is something I did as a lark a few years ago at the Super Billiards Expo. We were running a speed pool competition and as a joke I tried to see how fast I could do it taking ball in hand every shot. We had some folks down around the 28 second mark but the surprising thing was the work out we were getting.

Everyone agree that 30 minutes of this type of speed pool a day would probably be the equivalent of jogging a few miles at least. We were really sweating.

When I get my table in a few weeks I might resume that type of workout.

 

[ShootingArts]

targeted cross training

The difference here is that boxers and football players (overtime excluded) know exactly how long their particular matches will (maximally) last- their late comebacks generally happen with the knowledge that no further effort will (probably) be necessary after the last final drive- there's no reason to hold anything in reserve.

Playing long, indefinite stretches of pool is an endurance exercise- it is more akin to a marathoner pacing himself over the course of a race- how does a marathoner do that? By running race distances (and farther) during his training- while many people thrive in competition and often give their best efforts under it, it's the solid base of training in practice sessions (the simple act of just performing their basic movement) over time that makes them what they are.

You are absolutely right when you say someone in good physical condition has the advantage over someone who doesn't, especially late in a match- in an endurance sport, it will most likely be the person who has trained hardest by the simple performance of their sport that will emerge the victor.

It's always good to be generally fit (strong, aerobically sound, flexible) but a not-very-fit guy who is used to playing many hours of pool at a stretch is going to easily outlast someone who is fit but doesn't play for long periods.

This thread is about targeted cross training, far more effective than general fitness training.

I was referring to late comebacks in pool. We often see the same thing in long straight pool runs too. The player gets exhausted mentally and his game breaks down. He has made dozens of tougher shots then he dogs an easy shot that he would have made without thought when he was fresh.

General fitness isn't as good as targeted cross training. When I was training endurance athletes I used targeted cross training and was very successful. The athletes I was training had four legs and ran on oats but the theory was the same. I was one of the first to apply human cross training and conditioning techniques to horses and it worked very well for me. My horses stayed sound and won races.

Hu

 

[JoeyA]

Pick another...

I don't want you boys thinking I'm a wet blanket here, but Minnesota Fats would be laughing his ass off at this one.

You're not a wet blanket so no apology is necessary but if you are insinuating that Minnesota Fats was great because of his physical skill at pool, you need to put that pipe away.

Fattie, as Earl Heisler (a friend of Mr. Walderone) would call him, always said his greatest skill was his mouth and Fattie always knew how to use it to open up anyone's nose without straining a single muscle in his body. Fattie was a showman and one of the best.

Fattie's game was a good game but not a great game and that comes from one of his peers who wasn't top tier either but who could beat Fattie.

You could have at least picked a great pool player like Ralph Greenleaf whose physical conditioning amounted to little more than elbow lifting and raising turkeys.


JoeyA

 

[Falcon Eddie]

I'm really into my fitness- I'm an avid indoor rower- I'm currently ranked #28 out of more than 30,000 rowers for total meters since May 1st (the "rowing season" runs May 1st to April 30th)- I also go to the gym four times per week to work on strength training (I hit the gym hard- I'm very prepared and focused on my work-outs)- the bottom line is that I'm in pretty good shape.

My wife and I just opened a new shop selling decorative stuff for Chinese and Buddhist ceremonies and celebrations over here in Thailand- since Chinese New year is on Sunday, the shop has been mobbed (literally around the clock as we've stayed open all night)- even though I'm not doing anything particularly strenuous (mostly just walking around the shop and handling the cash drawer) I've felt really fatigued and I have some body aches I haven't experienced in a long time (my usual job is at a desk running my resort- I'm only working at the shop because it's such a busy time).

The point I'm trying to make here is that (while it will almost certainly do you some good), there isn't much you can do to help for a specific sport like pool (where so little actual strength is involved) as far as preparation is involved- you just need to play pool and build up the time you can spend at the table without breaking down physically.

I always try to head to Bangkok when Cuaba is in town- he sometimes complains that he needs to improve his fitness a bit- however, that guy is a machine at the table- he can play all day and all night while showing few (if any) signs of fatigue- he played a lot before, and (basically) this is why he can play a lot now- the guy can run me into the ground at the table (unfortunately he can also do it ability-wise:embarrassed2.

I'm all for yoga (my wife is very into it- if I had more time I would do some as I would like to improve my flexibility), but nothing will help your stamina at the table more than a lot of table time- if you're running out of steam at tourneys, you need to spend an equivalent amount of time at the table during your practice hours that you spend at tournaments (which you probably don't do now).

This is only my opinion, of course- I'm very interested to hear how this works out for you.

You are quoted as saying " there is not much you can do to help for a specific sport like pool. " The key word here is help. I had a boxing coach tell me when it comes to training "do what the other guy isn't willing to do " It not only gave me the confidence but the mental edge knowing I did everything and more to ensure success.. Before Bruce Lee would find weaknesses in other forms he would master them first.. Have you done the work out " Play Long ~ Finish Strong " ? www.intoshape.net

 

[Tramp Steamer]

You're not a wet blanket so no apology is necessary but if you are insinuating that Minnesota Fats was great because of his physical skill at pool, you need to put that pipe away.

Fattie, as Earl Heisler (a friend of Mr. Walderone) would call him, always said his greatest skill was his mouth and Fattie always knew how to use it to open up anyone's nose without straining a single muscle in his body. Fattie was a showman and one of the best.

Fattie's game was a good game but not a great game and that comes from one of his peers who wasn't top tier either but who could beat Fattie.

You could have at least picked a great pool player like Ralph Greenleaf whose physical conditioning amounted to little more than elbow lifting and raising turkeys.


JoeyA

All right then. Luther Lassiter, arguably the best nine-ball player who ever lived, would be laughing his ass off at this one.

 

[Falcon Eddie]

All right then. Luther Lassiter, arguably the best nine-ball player who ever lived, would be laughing his ass off at this one.

I think you are right when it comes to a younger player. This sport though it does not discriminate against age , race or gender. As we age our focus , flexibility and general health declines. A older Luther was no match for a younger Luther. And I would bet dimes to donuts he was doing something for his health in his later years. This was meant to bring focus not just to the player but the sport as well.

 

[JoeyA]

I think you are right when it comes to a younger player. This sport though it does not discriminate against age , race or gender. As we age our focus , flexibility and general health declines. A older Luther was no match for a younger Luther. And I would bet dimes to donuts he was doing something for his health in his later years. This was meant to bring focus not just to the player but the sport as well.

I took a pool lesson from Ray Martin several years back and remember him talking about either having a gym in his house or going to the gym on a regular basis.

Good health is something that you ignore when you have it and would give everything you own to have it when you've lost it.

Some people have the good sense to try to keep it.

I'm on the third day of using the workout, BTW. Stomach muscles a little sore (very minor). Everything else seems fine, fingers and hand a lot more flexible but did some light jogging to day.

Pool players who are interested in performing at their best would be smart to utilize your workout or something similar. I like the fact that you explain how the different exercises impact your pool game. Feeling good after the workout is lagniappe.

JoeyA

JoeyA

 

[gobrian77]

You are quoted as saying " there is not much you can do to help for a specific sport like pool. " The key word here is help. I had a boxing coach tell me when it comes to training "do what the other guy isn't willing to do " It not only gave me the confidence but the mental edge knowing I did everything and more to ensure success.. Before Bruce Lee would find weaknesses in other forms he would master them first.. Have you done the work out " Play Long ~ Finish Strong " ? www.intoshape.net

Nope, haven't done the work-out- I'm currently coming to the end of the most brutal training year of my life, though (it ends April 30th- the training year, not my life:wink:- it will have involved me rowing in excess of 6,000,000 meters in 12 months- that's over 3700 miles- along with at least four brutal gym work-outs per week)- from May 1st I start speed trials (2K, 5K, 10K, 30-minute and 60-minute rows) to try to get into the top 10% for my age group, with an eye towards hitting the top-5% or better the following year, and if all goes as planned, I'll be able to enter a few regional or national competitions within the next five years without embarrassing myself.

 

[Falcon Eddie]

Nope, haven't done the work-out- I'm currently coming to the end of the most brutal training year of my life, though (it ends April 30th- the training year, not my life:wink:- it will have involved me rowing in excess of 6,000,000 meters in 12 months- that's over 3700 miles- along with at least four brutal gym work-outs per week)- from May 1st I start speed trials (2K, 5K, 10K, 30-minute and 60-minute rows) to try to get into the top 10% for my age group, with an eye towards hitting the top-5% or better the following year, and if all goes as planned, I'll be able to enter a few regional or national competitions within the next five years without embarrassing myself.

Just wondering with this type of schedule and regime, do you even play pool ?