Can Yoga Make You A Better Poker Player?
Over the last few decades, yoga has evolved from a niche interest to a global passion with an estimated 300 million regular practitioners. Recent reports from the scientific journal of yoga, Yoga Mimamsa, have even found that the practice has become among the most in-demand businesses. Annually, both new and experienced yogis are responsible for funneling billions into this sector.
Of course, beyond the mainstream hype, what has helped yoga remain popular is the multiple health benefits it offers. As a practice that stimulates the body and the mind, it can benefit people from all walks of life. This includes poker players, who regularly take part in mentally and physically gruellingcompetitions. But how can yoga specifically address common poker pains so that you can be a better player? Read on to find out.
Mental burnout
Poker is a highly mental game that requires players to make split-second decisions amid the highest stakes. Apart from their own cards, players must also think about what their opponents may be holding, what their actions indicate, and how their bets will pan out in the immediate future. Naturally, these weighty considerations can take a toll on the mind, especially if one plays at a higher level where the risks are more significant.
This is where yoga comes in handy, as one of its main focuses is keeping the mind centered. Our previous article, "The Must-Take Steps to Managing Anxiety and Enhancing Mental Health" notes that yoga can even help improve mental fortitude during trying times. Among poker players, this is why pro Ana Marquez started her yoga journey. Today, she’s a celebrated card player and ambassador for Americas Cardroom. Considered the US’ premier online poker site, the operator has made a name for itself since 2001 as a leader in fair game software, crypto use, elite poker partnerships, and huge online tournaments. As she explained in an episode of the Tournament Poker Edge Podcast, Ana first joined the site in 2022, at which point she was ranked Spain's number one overall player for two years.
Emotional control
Given poker's high stakes and fast-paced nature, it’s only natural that it can get rather emotional. This is so commonplace that the term “tilt” was even coined for players letting their emotions get the better of them. Depending on the match you’re playing, this can result in costly losses and frustrating experiences that can taint the entire game.
With yoga, though, it can be easier to keep your emotions in check even as the going gets tough. After all, yoga is rooted in mindfulness and not allowing things outside of your control to overwhelm you. Poker Hall of Famer Daniel Negreanu, who is currently affiliated with the online poker room GGPoker, even talked about how yoga is an excellent way to manage emotions in poker. On his website, he discussed that poker players need to know how to deal with stressful situations, let go of bad beats, and stay present in the current situation. As yoga can improve emotional intelligence, it can help players achieve these and more. Negreanu even says he practises yoga daily and has observed himself feeling calmer even at challenging poker tables. These sentiments are in line with those previously shared in our post "Yoga for Stress Management: A Holistic Approach to Lasting Inner Peace," where we highlight how regular yoga practices can cultivate emotional resilience. Over time, this can help you maintain inner peace even if external factors become chaotic.
Physical aptitude
Contrary to what most may think, due to its relatively comfortable setup, poker can still have an impact on one’s physical well-being. Notably, because it requires players to sit in essentially the same positions for prolonged periods, it can result in bodily aches and pains. A few years ago, this was even a concern some brought up, given that it could pose an issue for older players. Note that one of the most famous poker players of all time, Doyle Brunson, played well into his 80s. Called the Grandfather of poker, the late player had 10 World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets.
Thankfully, yoga has been linked to alleviating issues associated with long bouts of sitting. As explained in another blog entry, “Yoga for Office Workers: Combating Poor Circulation from Sitting,” yoga can greatly enhance circulation. Consequently, this decreases the risk of swelling while also improving the body’s ability to release tension. In a poker match, ensuring such physical comfort eliminates any potential pain-related distractions or forfeits.
If you’d like to read about yoga's holistic benefits, please visit the rest of the Evolation Yoga site.
