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In this week's INSIDER:

:: Poker News: Meet the Hollywood Poker Girls!
:: Poker World: Poker and Fitness?
:: Celebrity News: Celebrity Poker Night with Ryan Merriman
:: Player Spotlight: Win Hollywood Poker Gear!
:: Player of the Week: Dennis Quaid
:: Actor of the Week: Jimmy Van Patten
:: Girl of the Week: Miss September
:: Special Promotions: Top Set Pay Day 
:: WSOP Celebrity News: Hollywood Poker Diamonds Shine at the WSOP!
:: Words from Vince Van Patten, WPT Host & Commentator
:: The Hollywood Poker Quiz: Win Hollywood Poker Gear!
:: Write to Win a Tournament Ticket!

Poker World: Poker and Fitness?

When exactly the terms “poker” and “physical fitness” became a laughable oxymoron is beyond me, but I, for one, don’t think it’s entirely accurate.

Ok, I admit poker players are more likely to carry a few more pounds than say, professional athletes, but overweight poker players are not over weight because they play poker. Look at our very own Vince Van Patten – a professional poker player and in incredible shape. Look at Amarillo Slim, look at Stu Unger, look at Chris Ferguson. Ok, maybe not in great shape, but they’re certainly not thought of as overly robust. Actually, Stu Unger may be a poor example of health altogether - but you get my point. 

This said, if you’ve noted a general increase in the girth of poker players, it’s indicative of a different trend: North Americans are packing on the pounds on the whole. In fact, over 57% of Americans are overweight. Attribute it to modernization, an increase of women in the work place or the effects of urbanization, the fact remains that all this growth is showing itself around our waistlines.

First, we have to accept the fact that belt busting phenomenon is just not healthy and attitudes have to change. This is the hard part. Once this is done, it’s time to take action. As masters of strategy, I think poker players should pilot this revolution. An unlikely group of  leaders perhaps, but as history has taught us, it’s often the unlikely heroes who are the best suited for the job. Think Forrest Gump. Think Samwise Gamgee. Think Rudy Ruettiger. Think (my personal favorite) George Foreman – and if you’ve used his grill you know what I mean.

Don’t panic now. I’m not saying we should stop training for the WSOP and set our sights on the Iron Man. We live in a busy world. I say we multi-task. 

Here’s a few ways we can all shave a few pounds off the ol’ belly, relax our bodies and energize our minds without compromising a hard won bankroll.

Have 5 minute game break? We’ll make all 300 seconds count. Get up, stretch. People aren’t built to sit down all the time.  Release tension in your lower back by bending forward at the hips. Relax your hip-flexors by doing some side-stretches – BUT for the love of little plastic poker chips, don’t stretch to the point of pain.

Got a few hours until a big game? Let out some pre-game jitters with a run, walk or jog. It’s a great way to get your mind and body relaxed and ready for action. There’s no point sitting around worrying – there’ll be enough time for that when you’re in the game.

Try sitting on an exercise ball instead of a chair. Ok, you may not be able to do this at the WSOP, but if you’re playing online or in a home game, sitting on a ball is a fantastic way to strengthen your core muscles and improve posture and balance.

Limit your game time drinking. I know, I know; this suggestion almost seems sacrilegious. After all, for many people, poker is their “me” time. This said, many of us forget that sometimes what “me” needs the most is a little TLC. So be good to your body. Far be it from me to begrudge anyone a drink or two. Just pace yourself. Alcohol will cloud your judgment and chances are you’ll pay for it – literarily. If you are someone who regularly drinks at the table, then think about substituting a glass of water every other bevy. Every little bit helps and hydration is key. Not to mention getting up to go to the bathroom is a perfect time to do a quick stretch.

Same goes for snacking. Again, don’t deprive yourself, but try some healthier alternatives, like homemade beef jerky, fruits, vegetables, baked tortillas and salsa – the options are virtually endless.

Lethargy can be dangerous to your body, mind and as a result, your bankroll. If you’re in good shape physically, your game will follow suit - and let’s face it: It’s summer time. The only extra roll we want is the kind we can secure with a rubber band and take to the bank.

How do you work fitness into your poker schedule? E-mail your thoughts/opinions to hollay@hollywoodpoker.com and you could win a ticket to the **Bonner Avenue Sit ‘n’ Go!
 


Words from Vince Van Patten, WPT Host & Commentator

In a sense, the way you respond to the flux in poker is very spiritual and philosophical. It defines who you are. Can you pick yourself up when you're low? Do you let the highs go to your head? For me personally, the way I play poker says a lot about who I am in life in general.

~Vince Van Patten

Player Spotlight: Win Hollywood Poker Gear!

Want your chance in the Spotlight? Simply e-mail me at hollay@hollywoodpoker.com. If you’re chosen for the week’s Player Spotlight, you’ll win Hollywood Poker gear and earn a Hollywood Poker Star, which means you'll be one step closer to snagging a seat in a $250 freeroll!

Write to Win

All you have to do is write about anything poker related and send it to hollay@hollywoodpoker.com. I’ll post all articles that qualify in the ‘Center Stage’ section of the Lounge where your fellow players will vote for their favorite article. Aside from the prestige and praise you’ll receive for your rhetorical brilliance, if you win you’ll also score a Hollywood Poker tournament ticket. It gets even better: Every week, one random voter will win Hollywood Poker gear.

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