Best Physical Exercise for Chess Stamina?

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Avatar of DanielGuel

I'm hearing yoga suggested a lot. Does anyone have a good video or something to share on how to properly do yoga?

 

Thanks for the answers by the way! happy.png

Avatar of GoodKnight0BadBishop

Don't need a video I think

All you need is a dozen basic positions. You hold those positions for 1 minute or so

 

Avatar of blueemu

Fischer used swimming and tennis to stay in condition.

Avatar of IMKeto
ericlbrown wrote:

I've had success fasting for 1-2 days prior to tournaments. This helps my body detox and helps me think clearly.

 

I would like to expand on this please.  As someone that fasts, and does intermittent fasting.  Its a great way to heal/repair your body.  But i would also caution that if you're not used to fasting, or just started a fast, it can negatively impact your chess results.  I was in the middle of an intermittent fast last month while playing in Reno, and it turned out fine, with a tie for 5th.  If youre going to fast before a tournament, i would suggest starting 2-3 days before the tournament starts.  You want to give your body time to adjust to the fast.

 

Avatar of JBabkes
I have never heard fasting as being beneficial for competitive chess. Live Long Enough you see it all.
Avatar of JBabkes

I would imagine that consuming some complex carbohydrates would be a benefit to keep your brain active and alert.

Avatar of AndBell

i find when I play a few games when I first wake up on the weekend I blunder and lose all my rating points. after I go running for 45-60 minutes I come back and play much better. At a tournament where you have to sit in a chair for hours on end I imagine this effect would be even more pronounced. its so much more comfortable to sit still after exercising. if you get out of bed and then go sit for hours on end, you generally feel stiff/restless/miserable. plus the mental clarity and calmness after you boost endorphin production with exercise will help you not crack under pressure. Joe Rogan podcast with Dr Rhonda Patrick has a great video on the mental benefits of exercise.

Avatar of JBabkes

I agree and approve of the AndBell Post! happy.png

Avatar of bong711

Yoga looks like the ideal fitness activity for chess players. As it improves mental concentration, physical flexibility, mental endurance, breathing, etc.

Avatar of JBabkes

strength training & cardio are recommended to fight the effects of aging. Yoga definitely has benefits to offer. A well thought out program should be good for chess and life happy.png

 

Avatar of CelticG

Don't eat too much. Stay off the whiskey and let that cocaine be. :-)

Maybe something relaxing like Tai Chi would be beneficial.    I used to be a semi-pro tennis player and I found that very helpful. Also found it helpful before doing Tai Chi sword fighting. Learn to stay in the present. 

Avatar of bong711

One of the most important yoga asanas are the inversion poses like head stand. Shoulder stand would do for beginners and intermediate practitioners.

Avatar of DanielGuel
CelticG wrote:

Don't eat too much. Stay off the whiskey and let that cocaine be. :-)

Maybe something relaxing like Tai Chi would be beneficial.    I used to be a semi-pro tennis player and I found that very helpful. Also found it helpful before doing Tai Chi sword fighting. Learn to stay in the present. 

Check. happy.png