Hunter Lombardo who is one of the people working out in the video just place 3rd in Palm Harbour KF 9-Ball Tour going against Mike Davis for the hot seat.
Physical Fitness Video for Pool Players (REVIEW)
- Thread starter JoeyA
- Start date
It's true, I haven't played as much as I would like lately (at least in 2010).
I competed in an online competition (for total distance in 31 days) in January- I finished 8th out of 4500 rowers, and ended up with over 1.2mil meters (knocked off the 1st mil in 24 days)- I could have finished (perhaps) 6th or even 5th, but had kind of a mental let-down after the first million and slowed a bit. I probably played pool five or six times that month, where I generally try to practice everyday.
I'll still train pretty hard once the season ends on April 30th, but I'll definitely be playing a bit more than I do now (fortunately I have a table at the house, which helps) as I will need more rest in order to effectively race.
There are plenty of guys out there who couldn't keep up with me on the rower or in the gym who can easily outlast me at the table, though- that's kind of the point I was trying to make- cross-training certainly won't hurt, but spending many hours at the table makes you able to spend many hours at the table, if you know what I mean..
It's true, I haven't played as much as I would like lately (at least in 2010).
I competed in an online competition (for total distance in 31 days) in January- I finished 8th out of 4500 rowers, and ended up with over 1.2mil meters (knocked off the 1st mil in 24 days)- I could have finished (perhaps) 6th or even 5th, but had kind of a mental let-down after the first million and slowed a bit. I probably played pool five or six times that month, where I generally try to practice everyday.
I'll still train pretty hard once the season ends on April 30th, but I'll definitely be playing a bit more than I do now (fortunately I have a table at the house, which helps) as I will need more rest in order to effectively race.
There are plenty of guys out there who couldn't keep up with me on the rower or in the gym who can easily outlast me at the table, though- that's kind of the point I was trying to make- cross-training certainly won't hurt, but spending many hours at the table makes you able to spend many hours at the table, if you know what I mean..
You would find that if you started playing seriously you would probably be a bit ahead of the curve in relation to mental and physical stamina. There are Champions and really strong players( talking ability ) like Donnie Mills , Hunter Lombardo, Rodney Morris,Thorsten Hohmann I could go on and on.. they all train physically . They put value in themselves and it shows in their game.
I was there watching, it was a great tournament. I use to play pool at least 5 days a week since January I cut it down to 2 (maybe 3) days a week because I started boxing to get back in shape. Boxing is the hardest most demanding work out I have ever done and it has helped me with my focus and concentration! Since I started boxing even with less time to practice, I'm playing better then I ever have!
boxing
One thing about boxing, even sparring, lost focus has an immediate painful reminder to pay attention! Boxing is great to work the mind and the body.
Hu
One thing about boxing, even sparring, lost focus has an immediate painful reminder to pay attention! Boxing is great to work the mind and the body.
Hu
Work It!
I work out at least 4 days a week for 3 to 4 hours per workout. I change up my weight routine but always do at least 11/2 hours or more on my excercise bike. I have an 1980's Medici road bike with a trainer setup. I am a firm believer in staying lean and mean. I have not seen the video made by this gentleman but the pic at the bottom of the products page is priceless, I love the boller he's wearing!!!
Dan
I work out at least 4 days a week for 3 to 4 hours per workout. I change up my weight routine but always do at least 11/2 hours or more on my excercise bike. I have an 1980's Medici road bike with a trainer setup. I am a firm believer in staying lean and mean. I have not seen the video made by this gentleman but the pic at the bottom of the products page is priceless, I love the boller he's wearing!!!
Dan
Boxing to me is one of the best ways to get in shape. I train clients in this also. Getting fit without getting hit. It's training like the pros without the blows. It's also a lot of fun. Good luck with it. Wish I was there.
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
Hey Joey, just wondering how you're doing . I hope your progress is moving forward . I just finished up another script and hopefully will begin shooting soon.
Eddie,
Everything is all good. In spite of recovering from a bad cold, picked up while having a good time dressing up for Mardi Gras as a Quasi-mime, I am still doing the exercises. As I watch the video each time, I learn to do the exercises a little better and get more from each of the exercises.
Since the Mardi Gras is a rather long festival, I haven't been playing much pool, but I can tell that my flexibility and strength are improving.
If this keeps up, I may try out for the Silver Team of Pool, Poker and Pain.
Hunter and the two beautiful young ladies that did your last video were an excellent compliment to your program.
For those who are looking for increased strength and flexibility there is no doubt that your program will help.
(FTR, I haven't moved up to the two sets just yet and am just taking it easy for now.)
Best regards,
JoeyA
It is really good to hear these things, I know that there are many out there that want to do something but don't know where to start. any journey starts with the first step. I commend your tenacity .
Saw your sig pic... thought you were Shane for a moment . He already has his copy.
Shane plays just a lil bit better than I do!! :wink:
Ask Miz if taking care of yourself will help your game. Oh wait, he's dead. I have known Danny DiLiberto for 45 years and he has preached this as long as I have known him. He was always very into stretching, exercise and keeping his weight down. Go out to a golf course and see how may old fat guys you find there. You will find old guys, maybe in their 80's who will tell you they weigh the same as they did when they were in the army. Fats by the way died at 83 and for maybe the last 15 years of his life he suffered health issues and was partially wheelchair bound. I have no idea when he quit playing pool but my guess is his best days ended younger they they had to. I look at a guy like Buddy Hall and Miz and just shake my head. These people throw away their lives for no reason. It is hard to believe the same person with the will to become so good at something like pool, can be so weak in other areas of their lives.
Take what you say anyway you like, I don't apologize. Miz was a good friend of mine and it was sad to watch and no shock the way he ended. The worst part is the ending usually is not quick.
good post
Once in a great long time someone is gifted with genetics that lets them get away with an unhealthy lifestyle. For the most part we reap what we sow. Pretty easy to trace most of the health aggravations I have now to things I did many years ago. The main exercise I need to do is push-backs and they are perhaps the hardest one to do. Push back from the table sooner, push back from the bar, push back most of the dessert offered . . . .
Hu
Once in a great long time someone is gifted with genetics that lets them get away with an unhealthy lifestyle. For the most part we reap what we sow. Pretty easy to trace most of the health aggravations I have now to things I did many years ago. The main exercise I need to do is push-backs and they are perhaps the hardest one to do. Push back from the table sooner, push back from the bar, push back most of the dessert offered . . . .
Hu
It's true what you said , Buddy Hall taught me how to do jump shots..with a full cue. He was probably one of the most gifted players I've ever seen. He probably never thought he would end up in the physical condition he's faced with now. Prevention and a pro -active approach is paramount. Good Post.
the Olympics
Like many I'm watching a fair amount of the Olympics and Olympic news. The US snuck up and blindsided every other country. No other country realized the firepower we were bringing to these Olympics.
The reason, at least according to a news video I just watched, is a privately funded two year targeted cross training program for our athletes. If it is good enough for Olympic gold maybe it could help my pool game a little bit . . . .
Hu
Like many I'm watching a fair amount of the Olympics and Olympic news. The US snuck up and blindsided every other country. No other country realized the firepower we were bringing to these Olympics.
The reason, at least according to a news video I just watched, is a privately funded two year targeted cross training program for our athletes. If it is good enough for Olympic gold maybe it could help my pool game a little bit . . . .
Hu
I was just over at Sam's Wholesale Club picking up some honey, Kashi Crunch, some walnuts and other goodies and I took a quick peek at some of the fitness videos that they had for sale and saw several for $20 each. I like the idea that these exercises are designed with what we do in mind.
The cost for PLAY LONG, FINISH STRONG workout program that is custom designed just for pool players is only $24.95 including shipping and if you don't live in Florida, NO sales tax.
The great thing I like about this workout is that when I am finished, I don't feel exhausted. In fact, my body feels better than when I started. With some exercises, you have to wait a few hours just to recuperate. I can do this workout and go play pool right afterwards.
Today was my first real day of practice on the table and I was using a new, "stronger" bridge and hitting some power shots with relish and aplomb. The stronger bridge that I used for these power shots allows me to control the cue stick while hitting, long, power draw shots and it is in part to my increased flexibility & strength in my fingers. I have had some problems with my hands (primarily, finger joints and forming tight fists). My hands are now flexing extremely well and feel like they did 30 years ago. No heavy bag for me but I feel like I could hit a speed bag with good quickness and no fear of joint swelling. I guess I haven't taken care of my hands like I should have. I have just stopped taking my Piroxicam and am curious to see if the exercise will be a good substitute for the arthritis medicine. It normally takes three days for the medicine to get out of my system before the pain comes back, but I swear my fingers feel goooood. It's kind of funny to see that much of a turn around in such a short period of time. I guess I just needed the different hands, fingers & wrist exercises in Ed's video to get them back in shape.
JoeyA
that is key
Hardly any two activities use the same muscles in the same way unless we give some thought to tailoring one activity to the other and we can harm our performance with the wrong exercises making the video tailored for cue sports very interesting.
I developed my own exercises with dumbbells to increase the strength of the muscles used for drawing and firing the pistols. I also went through the same motions over and over as fast as possible without even the weight of the pistol to lower reaction time and increase hand speed. I have considered turning an aluminum bar I have to make a solid aluminum cue butt. I think there might be some benefits but I also see some possible issues also. One thing, I should find out if it is possible to accelerate through a cue ball or not! :grin: :grin: :grin:
Hu
Hardly any two activities use the same muscles in the same way unless we give some thought to tailoring one activity to the other and we can harm our performance with the wrong exercises making the video tailored for cue sports very interesting.
I developed my own exercises with dumbbells to increase the strength of the muscles used for drawing and firing the pistols. I also went through the same motions over and over as fast as possible without even the weight of the pistol to lower reaction time and increase hand speed. I have considered turning an aluminum bar I have to make a solid aluminum cue butt. I think there might be some benefits but I also see some possible issues also. One thing, I should find out if it is possible to accelerate through a cue ball or not! :grin: :grin: :grin:
Hu
You may be able to determine this if you place the solid aluminum cue butt and shaft in a strong, tight cylinder, similar to a black powder rifle or a narrow barreled cannon and place approximately 10,000 grains of Pyrodex or (approximately 1 1/2 pounds) behind the butt of the cue and ignite it with a very large percussion cap as the Pyrodex has a rather high temperature ignition rate. This may seem like a rather large charge for this project but with this load you may have a chance to accelerate through a cue ball with this load. Also, with this charge, you should let your buddy shoot this particular shot.
JoeyA