Introduction: Why Fitness Is the New Edge in Poker
Poker is changing. The days of Red Bull, pizza, and 12-hour grind sessions in a dark room are fading fast. If you want to compete at any serious level—especially in Pot Limit Omaha—you need more than just a sharp mind and a solid strategy. You need a body that can keep up. That’s why we’re spotlighting a must-watch video podcast featuring Phil Galfond and fitness coach TJ Jurkiewicz. They break down how health, nutrition, and fitness are now non-negotiable for anyone who wants to crush the modern game.
Key Topics from the Video Podcast
This episode is packed with practical tips and honest talk. Here’s what you’ll get if you tune in:
- Nutrition for poker players: How to eat well on the road, at home, or during marathon online sessions. No, you don’t need to live on chicken and broccoli.
- Calorie management without strict dieting: TJ shares how to keep your weight in check without obsessing over every bite.
- Staying healthy during tournament series: Tricks for not blowing up your waistline or burning out during long events.
- Mindset and lifestyle: Why small, sustainable changes beat crash diets or extreme routines every time.
Phil and TJ keep it real—no magic pills, no “biohacking,” just stuff that actually works for poker players.
Watch the full episode here:
Meet the Experts: Phil Galfond and TJ Jurkiewicz
Phil Galfond is a legend in the PLO world, but he’s also a learner—always looking for ways to improve, both on and off the felt. This is why he created the top PLO training school, Run It Once.
His Beyond the Game coaching group is all about helping players build sustainable, high-performance poker careers. Enter TJ Jurkiewicz: a fitness coach who actually understands the poker grind. He’s worked with pros, traveled the circuit, and knows what it takes to stay healthy when you’re living out of a suitcase and playing for hours on end.
Their collaboration is a breath of fresh air for PLO365 readers. It’s not just about theory—it’s about real, actionable advice for real poker lives.
Why Fitness and Diet Matter for Poker Performance
Let’s be blunt: if you’re tired, sluggish, or constantly fighting off colds, you’re not playing your A-game. The science is clear—physical health and cognitive performance are linked. Better nutrition and fitness mean better focus, more stamina, and less tilt.
Poker is already hard enough. Don’t make it harder by ignoring your health. Common pitfalls for poker players include:
- Sitting for hours with zero movement
- Living on junk food or skipping meals
- Ignoring sleep and hydration
- Letting stress pile up until it explodes
The good news? You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Small changes—like walking during breaks, prepping a few healthy snacks, or getting an extra hour of sleep—can make a massive difference. If you want to go deeper on the mental side, check out our Poker Mindset guide.
Actionable Takeaways from the Podcast
Here’s what you can start doing today, straight from TJ and Phil:
- Build a simple routine: Even 10 minutes of movement between sessions helps.
- Plan your meals: Don’t rely on casino food or takeout. Pack snacks, prep meals, or at least have a backup plan.
- Hydrate: Keep a water bottle at your desk or in your backpack.
- Prioritize sleep: Your brain (and bankroll) will thank you.
- Don’t chase perfection: Consistency beats intensity. Small wins add up.
Want more? TJ’s coaching and Phil’s Beyond the Game group both offer resources for poker-focused health.
Conclusion: The New Standard for Serious Poker Players
If you want to be a long-term winner in PLO—or any form of poker—fitness and health are now part of the game. The edge isn’t just in solvers or study groups. It’s in how you treat your body and mind.
Phil Galfond and TJ Jurkiewicz are leading the way, and their video podcast is a goldmine for anyone ready to step up.
Don’t just read about it—watch the full episode and start building your own health-focused poker routine.
FAQs
Phil is a PLO legend and coach; TJ is a fitness coach who specializes in helping poker players.
Ignoring movement, eating poorly, skipping sleep, and letting stress build up.
Plan ahead, pack snacks, and don’t rely on casino food.
Absolutely. Better health means better focus, stamina, and decision-making.
Check out TJ’s coaching, Phil’s Beyond the Game group, and the full podcast episode.
A community focused on helping poker players improve both on and off the felt, including health, mindset, and lifestyle.
Ready to take your game (and your health) to the next level? Watch the podcast, try a few tips, and see how much better you feel at the tables.
As a PLO enthusiast with nearly 12 years of experience, I’m passionate about breaking down the complexities of Pot Limit Omaha, helping you sharpen your strategy and grow your bankroll – no matter your current level. I also share exclusive bonus and rakeback deals, along with discounts on poker courses and tools, so you can get an extra edge. When I’m not writing, you’ll usually find me online, playing PLO cash games and turbo MTTs.
