Everyone is aware of the physical toll of a 9-5 desk job. After all, sitting all day, ain’t fun. But why isn’t anyone talking about poker players grinding for long hours which puts a good part of their physical well-being at risk? Be it online or on the live felts, grinding does require a player to sit still for long hours at a stretch. (Yes, sit ‘still’ because who wants to give hints via body language in a live set-up).
Sitting for hours on end can lead to stiffness in the hips, legs and joints. Not to forget the discomfort in the neck, shoulder and back pain. While these problems may not really bother you in the short run, paying attention to them is essential to maintaining your physical health in the long run.
If the physical strains aren’t enough, a poker player goes through a lot of stress, anxiety and emotions often run high, while grinding and towards the end of a game. To combat these issues, it is crucial to have physical activities in your daily routine to be in good form.
21st June is celebrated globally as International Yoga Day! Certified yoga instructor and founder of Boston-based Health Yoga Life, Vyda Bielkus, rightly said, “Yoga allows us to tap into the space between our thoughts, into our quiet mind and our awareness. That’s what helps us gain perspective that stress is a choice – I can react with ease or I can react with stress and anxiety. Yoga helps us create some distance from our reactions.” Bielkus further adds that yoga postures/asanas can target areas of tension and thus, be an effective remedy to several sitting-related ailments.
ALSO READ: Mindful Mondays: Here’s how Poker players can get fit at home edition
So to celebrate International Yoga Day, we thought why not, list down five yoga asanas which poker players can easily practice to keep their physical and mental well-being on the right track.
Surya Namaskar is a way of expressing gratitude to the sun, hence it is advised to do it in the morning on an empty stomach. It consists of 12 powerful poses that act as a great cardiovascular workout for holistic well-being. It is one of the most well-known and effective yoga practices due to its all-in one approach.
How to do it:
The Adho Mukha Svanasana or the downward-facing dog pose is one of the most effective asanas as it stretches as well as strengthens several body parts at the same time. While you practice it for a few seconds during Surya Namaskar, you can practice this pose for a longer time for additional benefits. It is said that if you want to do just one yoga pose to ease your body after a long strenuous day, it has to be Adho Mukha Svanasana.
How to do it:
Tadasana is one of the best yoga asanas for the back and the spine. It also helps tighten the chest muscles. Although it might look easy from the outside, internally it puts the muscles at work to make them active, and strong. Considered as the foundation or base of many yoga poses, on a physical level, Tadasana, improves the posture, and strengthens your thighs, knees, and ankles. It also firms the abdomen and buttocks.
How to do it:
Cat-cow poses are effective to relieve headaches and at the same time open up the back and stretch the spine. It is a breath-synchronized pose that benefits the body and mind by helping improve focus, coordination and mental stability. It also benefits blood circulation in the vertebrae of the spine.
How to do it:
Balasana is a resting pose that helps the body relax, while gently stretching various parts of your body. It’s a good opportunity to pause and focus on your breathing, thus relaxing yourself.
How to do it:
While these asanas require a dedicated routine, there are some asanas you can do while you are seated. Shoulder rolls, open chest stretch, neck stretch, chair twist, reverse prayer pose, and twisted arms are some basic exercises you can practice while seated at your chair.
You can start with any asana of your choice although Surya Namaskar is widely recommended for beginners. As much as you love to grind all day all night, taking care of your mind, body and soul is equally important and necessary. So stay happy, healthy, and stress-free. Happy International Yoga Day!
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Amarylisa Gonsalves is a Content Writer at Gutshot Magazine. Advancing from a marketing background, she found her calling in writing. She takes delight in exploring genres and is a curious learner. Patient and ambivert, she believes in letting her work speak for itself. Apart from content writing, she finds solace in writing poetry by expressing herself through words. Additionally, she adores indulging in anything that satisfies her creative self, like drawing and DIY crafts.
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