Many people might not associate playing pool or billiards with the term “athlete.” After all, it’s not an activity that typically involves running marathons, lifting heavy weights, or spending hours practicing on a basketball court. Pool players don’t often fit the mold of the stereotypical athlete, and because of this, some might not even consider it a sport. Critics might even point to Minnesota Fats, the famous pool player known for his larger-than-life persona, as an example. It’s said that he survived on a diet rich in candy and junk food, fueling the misconception that playing pool lacks physical benefits.
However, the reality is quite different. Playing pool and billiards offers numerous health benefits—both physical and cognitive—that are often overlooked. Let’s delve deeper into why picking up a cue can be good for both body and mind.
Burns Calories: A Subtle Yet Effective Workout
While pool might not be as physically demanding as other sports, it’s a mistake to assume that it doesn’t offer any form of exercise. During a typical pool session, whether you’re playing 8-ball or 9-ball, you’re on your feet for the better part of two hours. This constant movement, which includes walking around the table, bending, stretching, and reaching, adds up over time.
To put it into perspective, during a standard two-hour session, a player might make around 100 trips around the table. This equates to nearly a mile of walking. For a 180-pound person, walking at a leisurely pace burns approximately 100 calories per mile. While this might not seem like much in one session, consider the cumulative effect over weeks or months. Regular play can contribute to maintaining a healthy weight and even aid in weight loss.
Moreover, the low-impact nature of pool makes it an excellent option for people who might have joint issues or other conditions that prevent them from engaging in more strenuous activities. It’s a way to stay active without putting too much strain on the body, making it accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels.
Tones and Strengthens Muscles: More Than Just Walking
Beyond the walking involved in pool, the game requires players to engage in a variety of movements that help tone and strengthen muscles. Frequent squatting, bending, twisting, and stretching are integral to playing effectively. These movements target key muscle groups, including the muscles in the back, hips, hamstrings, and quadriceps.
For instance, when lining up a shot, a player might have to squat or bend down to get the right angle. Reaching across the table to make a shot can engage the core muscles, and the twisting motion used to follow through on a shot helps improve flexibility in the torso. Over time, these repetitive actions contribute to better muscle tone and increased flexibility, particularly in areas that are often problematic, such as the shoulders and wrists.
In addition to physical benefits, these movements can improve overall body coordination and balance, which are crucial as we age. Regularly engaging in activities that promote flexibility and muscle tone can lead to a more active and injury-free lifestyle.
Enhances Focus: Training the Mind as Well as the Body
One of the most significant mental benefits of playing pool is the improvement in focus and concentration. Success in pool requires a sharp mind and the ability to maintain focus over extended periods. Every shot demands careful consideration of various factors—aim, cue angle, the right amount of spin (or English), and how to position the cue ball for the next shot.
This level of sustained focus is not only crucial for success in the game but also beneficial in other areas of life. The ability to block out distractions and concentrate on a specific goal is a skill that can transfer to many situations, whether it’s excelling in a job, managing a household, or pursuing personal goals. Pool players often find that the focus they develop around the table helps them stay calm and composed in high-pressure situations outside of the game.
Promotes Self-Control: Keeping Cool Under Pressure
Playing pool is not just about physical skill; it’s also a mental game that requires a great deal of self-control. The ability to stay calm and composed under pressure is a valuable trait that pool players develop over time. In pool, just like in life, there are moments when things don’t go as planned. A missed shot or a strategic error can be frustrating, but maintaining self-control is key to bouncing back and staying in the game.
Studies have shown that people who engage in cue sports like pool are less likely to panic in crisis situations. The mental discipline required in pool—keeping a cool head, making decisions under pressure, and executing them with precision—can be a significant asset in daily life. Whether it’s dealing with a stressful situation at work or managing a personal crisis, the self-control honed at the pool table can help individuals navigate challenges more effectively.
Sharpens Cognitive Skills: A Workout for the Brain
Pool isn’t just a physical game; it’s a mental workout that sharpens cognitive skills. Like chess, pool involves a high level of strategic thinking and problem-solving. Players must anticipate their opponent’s moves, think several steps ahead, and make quick calculations about angles, distances, and the force required for each shot.
This kind of mental exercise stimulates the brain and enhances cognitive functions such as memory, reasoning, and spatial awareness. Regularly playing pool can improve mathematical abilities, as players constantly engage in geometric and physics-based thinking. Over time, this mental stimulation can lead to better problem-solving skills and quicker decision-making, both of which are valuable in many aspects of life.
Bonus: Slows Aging in Older Men
For older men, pool offers an unexpected health benefit: it can slow the aging process. A 2014 study conducted by anthropologist Aske Juul Lassen at the University of Copenhagen found that playing pool is an excellent anti-aging activity. The study highlighted that pool fits well with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendations for active aging, which includes activities that combine physical and social engagement.
Pool is particularly beneficial because it involves periods of physical activity—walking, bending, and reaching—interspersed with moments of rest. This alternation between activity and relaxation is ideal for older adults, as it allows them to stay active without overexertion. Additionally, the social aspect of pool, where players interact and engage with each other, contributes to emotional well-being, which is a crucial factor in healthy aging.
Lassen’s study concluded that incorporating activities like “billiards and beer” into one’s routine can positively impact overall health and quality of life as one ages. This finding underscores the importance of staying engaged in both physical and social activities to maintain vitality in later years.
Just Do It: Healthier and Smarter, One Game at a Time
So, the next time someone suggests that you need more exercise, remember that playing pool isn’t just about having fun—it’s a way to improve both your physical and mental health. Pick up your cue, head to the pool hall, and enjoy the game knowing that you’re doing something positive for your body and mind. Whether you’re burning calories, toning muscles, enhancing focus, or sharpening cognitive skills, you’re making strides toward a healthier and smarter you, one game at a time.
