I call to mind poker as a mental sport. However, as tournaments happen over the process a period of days, I've found that there's actually a powerful correlation between physical well-being and my performance.

In 2009, I posed for Sports Illustrated--training for several months leading as much as the photo shoot. Following the shoot, I had probably the greatest years of my career, earning well over 1,000,000 dollars. I USED TO BE within the best shape of my life and that i was on the top of my game within the poker world. I DON'T BELIEVE that this was a coincidence.

Feeling good might help you play good

On the flip side, I'VE also noticed that there appears to be a relationship between not caring for myself and dealing with dry spells with regards to my performance on the tables. As I think of my career, I NEED TO conclude that the way wherein I'M taking good care of my body plays a powerful role in how well I'M ABLE TO perform in poker.

I take a multifaceted method to health. First, making effective life choices that serve to take away stress from the mind, allows my mind to clear the distance that may be necessary for precise decision making.

Secondly, I LOCATE that eating healthily, especially during tournaments, is of extreme importance. I ATTEMPT TO avoid carbohydrates and practice clean eating habits. If I overload on carbohydrates during a tournament I have a tendency to be fatigued from what was described as "carb crash." Therefore, I ATTEMPT TO eat lean proteins, vegetables, and perhaps some whole grains like oatmeal at the morning before I play. This keeps me energized and upbeat.

Furthermore, maintaining physical fitness by accomplishing regular workouts is actually a part of a healthy routine. Personally, I figure out 2-3 times per week and that i find that being in good physical condition has several additional benefits beyond simply helping me play better poker. While I'VE always serious about strength and stamina on the gym, this year I'm changing it up by adding Yoga to the regimen. Yoga builds stamina since you need to hold crazy positions for long periods of time. Yoga also plays a task in body definition, tone, and mental/psychological clarity.

Finally, sleep is among the most significant determining consider mental acuity. The brain is an organ and it needs sleep as a way to function. I ATTEMPT TO you'll want to get no less than 8 hours of sleep before I play.

Study, sleep, stretch (and party once you win)

I was sitting next to Daniel Negreanu at a table recently and he told me he has made an approach to life change this year in the case of how he prepares for tournaments: Daniel has decided to circumvent alcohol entirely at the nights before any tournaments that he plays. He was following this guideline throughout the year and it has certainly translated right into a hallmark year in relation to winnings.

Being physically fit has become a part of the sport on the elite level--and almost every top pro has made lifestyle changes to mirror this. Even if I'VE a hectic schedule, specializing in my health is a top priority that may be as important to me as analyzing hands or practicing regularly online. Let alone that it's not the worst thing to seem good in a bikini!

Vanessa Rousso is a member of Team PokerStars Pro.WSOP photos courtesy of PokerPhotoArchive.com.

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