Physical Workout

molotokas

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So pool is a fairly physical sport. Your muscles are forced to perform unique tasks. As in any other physical sport, many spend time in gym developing their bodies, should a pool player do so? To pull off a fast shot your arm has to be fast. You know what I mean? Should a pool player be concerned about building strong legs and quick arms outside a poolroom? Would that speed up a growth of progress?
 
If it is important to you go for it. I know that Mika works out, and I am sure a number of other players do as well.

I would recommend high reps low weight workouts for tone and speed, You should incorporate plenty of CV into your training routine too.



So pool is a fairly physical sport. Your muscles are forced to perform unique tasks. As in any other physical sport, many spend time in gym developing their bodies, should a pool player do so? To pull off a fast shot your arm has to be fast. You know what I mean? Should a pool player be concerned about building strong legs and quick arms outside a poolroom? Would that speed up a growth of progress?
 
I for one don't believe pool requires specific exercises to excel.

I would suggest a good circuit workout 3 times a week with moderate weights where you can do between 8-12 reps, when you get to 12 reps you can add weight if you like. Players may also benefit from some low impact cardio exercises, walking, jogging etc to build stamina and endurance. Just remember when training with weights, proper form/technique will yield better results and less injury than just quickly getting the number of reps completed.
 
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The majority of shots only require you to strike the cb at a speed no faster than a lag shot. Anything beyond that can still be made regardless of you're physical condition. All you really need is a straight stroke and good timing. Even the power break shot is going away, it seems as though most pros are only hitting the 10 ball break with 70% power or less.

I agree with the cardio idea. I run on a daily basis (though I should start eating better too). A healthy body leads to a healthy mind, and we all know how much concentration this game requires.
 
White physical fitness may not necessarily be required to play at a high level (we've all seen the 400 lb person who runs out), certainly stamina plays a role in competitive pool, whether it is amateur or professional. The more fit you are, the better you will be prepared for a long session when the time comes.

Scott Lee ~ certainly NOT fit...but wishes he could get there!
www.poolknowledge.com
 
I quit smoking last September then I added exercise to my pool practice in January.

started out with 10 pushups and 7 reps Mother Drill 1 I do 4 sets like that

then I shoot a 5 diamond stop shot line with 5 reps at each diamond tough to do when your heart is pounding and your arms feel numb (kinda like the finals of a tournament) I finish the workout with a run started with just 1 lap around the block

MD1 is all about muscle memory training anyway ... waking those muscles up with exercise seems to make them MUCH more receptive to the training.

after a couple weeks sets of 10 became too easy I added 5 more and so on I'm up to sets of 50 now.. and run nearly a mile... the whole workout takes about an hour

I do this every other day.. I feel fantastic and my stroke is butter smooth..

I highly recommend it

and as a reminder for Scott.. getting in shape doesn't require a magic wand.. it requires a magic want.. if you want to get in shape you will

just like everything else start small and work your way up
 
softshot...Oh sure...way to talk sensibly! LOL Good advice! :thumbup: Actually I am in shape...round's a shape isn't it? LMAO

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

and as a reminder for Scott.. getting in shape doesn't require a magic wand.. it requires a magic want.. if you want to get in shape you will

just like everything else start small and work your way up
 
I know one thing. The workouts I have been doing the last week with hurricane cleanup is not helping my game. Plus the contents of our china closet are now on my table. Makes it tough to hit a ball.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk.
 
Aha, I see, so Irene gave you a visit and forgot her courtesies... Well can't blame women; sometimes they fire up when you least expect it and calm do for no reason whatsoever.

The workout thing. I think there's a mental side to it as well. Basically, one thought led me to think about it, you can't clutch your teeth very hard and think about something pleasant, just does not work this way. You can't do push ups and feel weak. Then working on your body should help you feel stronger and thanks to Darwin we know that stronger wins. I think it is suppose to help your mental game. Have not tried my self, though very interested what azers have to say about it.
 
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White physical fitness may not necessarily be required to play at a high level (we've all seen the 400 lb person who runs out), certainly stamina plays a role in competitive pool, whether it is amateur or professional. The more fit you are, the better you will be prepared for a long session when the time comes.

Scott Lee ~ certainly NOT fit...but wishes he could get there!
www.poolknowledge.com

This 400+lbs person resembled that remark more than once today :)
 
Stamina

Although we have all seen the 300 lbs plus pool player run out with before, but if you took someone of the same skill level but in physical shape and put them up against each other in a very long session or a weekend long tournament, who will out perform in the long run?

On a typical night out I do not think the physical condition of the player has a big impact on the playing ability. But imagine if the first 2 players I mentioned both had a rough day at work and were already fatigued going to pool league.

I would say that if you play pool somewhat seriously then you should take the same seriousness with your physical condition and eating habits. I don't think any brute strength has any benefits so forget bulking up. Rather work on toning up and building up your cardio. Also balance is important so I would recommend yoga. Another beneficial exercise for focus and concentration is to practice meditation.
 
I think a person's physical condition affects everything they do, and that includes pool. Speaking for myself, I know that I play better pool because I work out at the gym 5 days a week. I remember all too well what it was like before I started going to the gym. I am so much stronger and my endurance is so much better.

Don't workout just to play better pool. Workout to have a better life. A better pool game is just a bonus that goes along with it.
 
Although we have all seen the 300 lbs plus pool player run out with before, but if you took someone of the same skill level but in physical shape and put them up against each other in a very long session or a weekend long tournament, who will out perform in the long run?

On a typical night out I do not think the physical condition of the player has a big impact on the playing ability. But imagine if the first 2 players I mentioned both had a rough day at work and were already fatigued going to pool league.

I would say that if you play pool somewhat seriously then you should take the same seriousness with your physical condition and eating habits. I don't think any brute strength has any benefits so forget bulking up. Rather work on toning up and building up your cardio. Also balance is important so I would recommend yoga. Another beneficial exercise for focus and concentration is to practice meditation.

Honestly in the situation you described, i think alot of it has to do with "heart" or who wants to win more.
 
You are exactly right on, Fran. It also helps to be cardiovascularly ( is there such a word?) fit although I cannot ever remember becoming out of breath while shooting pool...lol.
Nell Drake
 
Happens to me when my heart goes into A-Fib.

You are exactly right on, Fran. It also helps to be cardiovascularly ( is there such a word?) fit although I cannot ever remember becoming out of breath while shooting pool...lol.
Nell Drake
 
Great answer, Fran.
Physical condition is paramount to success in general. I stayed in pretty good shape well into my fifties, and then got lazy. It shows in my game. I don't think heavy lifting is much help though. Strength training is only a part of physical fitness. I recommend yoga and tai chai to develop the balance and body awareness so important in pool.
 
Runner's High

Don't forget the seratonin released to your brain after working your body. This feel-good chemical boosts your ego, enhances your mood, and gives you confidence. What a great feeling to take into your match.
Nell Drake
 
Don't forget the seratonin released to your brain after working your body. This feel-good chemical boosts your ego, enhances your mood, and gives you confidence. What a great feeling to take into your match.
Nell Drake

Aw Nell, there you go again giving great advice.
Do your MD's!
randyg
 
I get this from a few drinks of scotch, and I don't have to break a sweat.

:)



Don't forget the seratonin released to your brain after working your body. This feel-good chemical boosts your ego, enhances your mood, and gives you confidence. What a great feeling to take into your match.
Nell Drake
 
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