QUICK FIT: How racecar drivers stay in shape

Don’t be fooled by the fact that a professional racecar driver gets to sit on their backsides at work. Today’s drivers are highly conditioned athletes whose bodies are primed for the unique physical stresses of their sport. Consider this: drivers will have to maneuver a 700kg car at speeds of up to 300 km/h, endure up to 5 g’s of cornering force, while burning 1,400 calories and lose up to three kilograms of body weight (in liquids) in two hours. What’s more, they do it over 20 times in less than a year.

In order to stay physically and mentally fit, professional drivers undergo an intensive period of cardiovascular training ahead of the season and then taper their exercise regime to maintain their fitness levels throughout the year. Throughout the course of an entire year, drivers have access to a professional trainer that can help keep them in shape. Of course, apart from specialized rigs and gym equipment, these trainers have included running, swimming, and cycling as well. And to spice things up even more, some drivers have taken up sports such as triathlons to stay fit.

Unfortunately for a vast majority who want to stay in shape like their favorite racecar driver, they may not have access to an expensive professional trainer. So this is where fitness regimens such as CrossFit have come about.

CrossFit is a unique strength and conditioning program that integrates everything a typical racing driver would need: aerobic exercise, calisthenics, cardiovascular workout, and some weightlifting. It improves overall fitness through varied functional movements executed at high intensity. Plus, since the workout varies, the body doesn’t get used to it, strengthening a lot of muscle groups in the process. By using functional movements as well (squatting, lifting weights, etc.), it helps the body do everyday tasks.

Although CrossFit doesn’t require a prerequisite physical fitness level (they have a program for beginners), a simple set of exercises can help keep one in shape like a professional racecar driver. Nate of CrossFit MNL – Mall of Asia recommends doing push-ups, squats, and hanging leg lifts for beginners (a set of three would be a good start). This particular combination strengthens the upper body, lower body, and the core muscles.

Professional racing drivers are some of the most conditioned athletes on earth. They may not look it, but their bodies are specifically adapted to the very exacting requirements of motor racing.

A typical top-tier racing driver would have as little as 8-10 percent body fat while achieving double the average aerobic fitness (VO2 max score). Thanks to the unique challenges of their sport, these racers require so much stamina and endurance. Though most people would dream to have access to the facilities and equipment of a top-tier Formula One team, one doesn’t need to do to stay in shape.

Everything starts from a sensible diet and exercise. After that, it’ll all uphill from there.

CrossFit MNL – Mall of Asia is located on the G/F of MAAX Building, Pasay City. Telephone: +0996-8849446.