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Poker Video: Misc/Other by Travis Steffen (Micro/Small Stakes)

This was a pleasent surprise. Maybe this question should be posted in the diet or supliment threads, but it applys here, so this is where I'll post it.

Numerous sources say that pre-workout some form of high suger drink (I don't mean coke, but something aimed at exercise such as Lucozade or Isoactive) should be consumed up to 20 mins prior to exercising, and then post work out a protein shake consumed within 20 mins of having finshed exercising. Previously you have said that as workout drinks go water is generally sufficient unless the workout is particulary demanding. At which point should I incorporate energy drinks into my prework out routine?

Also, which is better to mix whey protein shakes with, water or milk? I was mixing with milk(for taste), but a friend told me that it is easier for the body to absorb when mixed with water, as with milk it sits in the stomach longer and curdles. However, mixing it with water tastes grim.

How does walking rank as exercise?

This was a pleasent surprise. Maybe this question should be posted in the diet or supliment threads, but it applys here, so this is where I'll post it.

Numerous sources say that pre-workout some form of high suger drink (I don't mean coke, but something aimed at exercise such as Lucozade or Isoactive) should be consumed up to 20 mins prior to exercising, and then post work out a protein shake consumed within 20 mins of having finshed exercising. Previously you have said that as workout drinks go water is generally sufficient unless the workout is particulary demanding. At which point should I incorporate energy drinks into my prework out routine?

Also, which is better to mix whey protein shakes with, water or milk? I was mixing with milk(for taste), but a friend told me that it is easier for the body to absorb when mixed with water, as with milk it sits in the stomach longer and curdles. However, mixing it with water tastes grim.

I'd avoid anything with high amounts of sugar. There are plenty of pre-workout supps and drinks out there that do the job without all the sugar. Jack3d, Surge Workout fuel come to mind.

As far as milk versus water, I use water, but I've never purchased and whey that didnt taste like some sort of desert.

This was a pleasent surprise. Maybe this question should be posted in the diet or supliment threads, but it applys here, so this is where I'll post it.

Numerous sources say that pre-workout some form of high suger drink (I don't mean coke, but something aimed at exercise such as Lucozade or Isoactive) should be consumed up to 20 mins prior to exercising, and then post work out a protein shake consumed within 20 mins of having finshed exercising. Previously you have said that as workout drinks go water is generally sufficient unless the workout is particulary demanding. At which point should I incorporate energy drinks into my prework out routine?

Great question. From a hydration standpoint, water is usually best until your exercise session approaches or exceeds an hour in length, at which case a sports drink with electrolytes becomes ergogenic.

That said, the strategy you listed above is actually valid - but for a different reason. Consuming something that is a little sugar-heavy right prior to exercise and consuming protein can actually help the body absorb the protein more quickly into your bloodstream, delivering it faster and creatine an anabolic effect.

One of the strategies I've recommended to my clients interested in muscle gain is actually mixing their protein with about 3x the normal dose of powdered sports drink, and sipping it during their workout. This sounds similar to what you listed above.

Also, which is better to mix whey protein shakes with, water or milk? I was mixing with milk(for taste), but a friend told me that it is easier for the body to absorb when mixed with water, as with milk it sits in the stomach longer and curdles. However, mixing it with water tastes grim.

They both have their benefits. Milk obviously adds a little more protein (and calories) to your shake, and some think it tastes better. Water can increase rate of digestion, and will reduce total caloric values. I would recommend milk for those trying to gain weight, and water for those trying to lose weight.

How does walking rank as exercise?

It's definitely a start. If you're not big into exercise at all, regular walking can be a great first step. That said, it won't offer as significant a burn as jogging or numerous other more intense forms of cardio, and your body will adapt eventually, which will require you to provide additional stimuli.

I don't know about this "caffeine is good" business Travis Steffen. While it's been (really) great for playing late, I'm back to needing a cup of coffee in the morning in order to be in a good mood. If I was a caffeine abuser before (guilty), am I just "tickling the dragon" with lower dosages (green tea) because I'm finding that I need that cup of coffee in me to feel good now. I'm trying to adjust the caffeine I get from coffee by adding some decaf. I'm not over-doing it dosage-wise (I intake less than 300 mgs of caffeine/day) but I do feel like there's a bit of a monkey on my back.

I'm indifferent as to what I'm hoping to hear; I've been on the decaf for a few years but I used caffeine when I really, really needed it which was fine. On the other hand, since I've gone to using it daily (upon your recommendation) my late night sessions are much, much closer to my A-game. Also, it isn't interfering with my sleep.

So, as it stands, I'm going to have a cup of coffee when I wake up (half-decaf) and maybe another in the evening as well as green tea throughout the day. Is this an acceptable strategy, performance-wise, or should I try something else (just green tea, for ex.)?

fwiw, I've followed your advice with a near-religious zeal and it's helped me tremendously. TYVM Travis!

I don't know about this "caffeine is good" business Travis Steffen. While it's been (really) great for playing late, I'm back to needing a cup of coffee in the morning in order to be in a good mood. If I was a caffeine abuser before (guilty), am I just "tickling the dragon" with lower dosages (green tea) because I'm finding that I need that cup of coffee in me to feel good now. I'm trying to adjust the caffeine I get from coffee by adding some decaf. I'm not over-doing it dosage-wise (I intake less than 300 mgs of caffeine/day) but I do feel like there's a bit of a monkey on my back.

I'm indifferent as to what I'm hoping to hear; I've been on the decaf for a few years but I used caffeine when I really, really needed it which was fine. On the other hand, since I've gone to using it daily (upon your recommendation) my late night sessions are much, much closer to my A-game. Also, it isn't interfering with my sleep.

So, as it stands, I'm going to have a cup of coffee when I wake up (half-decaf) and maybe another in the evening as well as green tea throughout the day. Is this an acceptable strategy, performance-wise, or should I try something else (just green tea, for ex.)?

fwiw, I've followed your advice with a near-religious zeal and it's helped me tremendously. TYVM Travis!

Just to clarify, the cognitive benefits of caffeine in low doses are altogether different from using caffeine as a means of putting off sleep as some players do during late night sessions. Caffeine is low doses is definitely an improved performance enhancer - both for cognitive function and endurance activity - but like anything, it can take a nasty turn if you're taking in regular high doses and become dependent.

Finding your optimal tolerance is a little tricky in the beginning. Don't think that the jittery, super-awake feeling you get when you have a bunch of caffeine in you is the good feeling - it's not. In fact, you're going to get the cognitive benefits well before this all happens. While it's subjective to say this and it's always based on your current tolerance - a little goes a long way!

any books on yoga you recommend?

any books on yoga you recommend?

Most illustrated books are solid, (Hatha Yoga Illustrated is a good one) but I'm more of a fan of video courses. I recommend YogaVibes.com. Pretty great service, and relatively cheap.