Happy new year! Or, if your postal carrier is particularly speedy, Happy end of 2024! I’m not sure which is a better milestone, but either way it’s a great excuse to talk about a way to make your car faster. It’s legal in every series and any rulebook. It’s invisible to every tech inspector. It doesn’t cost a cent in …
Indeed. I know many people make the resolution of getting fit for the new year, but it's a good one. Not only for racing purposes, but just life in general.
Apparently, feeling better and living longer are not sufficient motivators for me to exercise but being faster in the race car is.
Chiming in to emphasize the huge variety of options that may be available depending on where you are. Everyone has different preferences, so don't be afraid to try new things to find what works for you.
If you bristle at the idea of additional social interaction after the day at work, going to a traditional gym for some "me-time" can be extremely refreshing (that's my preference). If you want to sneak exercise in as more of a fun hobby or activity with your friends, you can see surprisingly good results from taking up indoor rock climbing or trying a dance class one or two times a week. If you need something in between those things, like a structured workout in a group, there's everything from yoga to Pilates to group HIIT classes or group stationary cycling classes. And YouTube is always a great resource for any kind of at-home workout you could want.
Any additional movement is more beneficial than no additional movement, as long as it's safe and comfortable for your body to do and keep doing. Find your niche and reap the benefits! :)
You left out the part about being in shape makes it much more likely you'll be able to race when you're retirement age.
APEowner said:Apparently, feeling better and living longer are not sufficient motivators for me to exercise but being faster in the race car is.
I know, right? I have a whole new reason to start exercising.
Tom1200 said:You left out the part about being in shape makes it much more likely you'll be able to race when you're retirement age.
QFT. I lived in SW FL for about 15 years-there is a massive difference in the retirees that have a workout routine and those that don't. Not just body, but mind as well.
Out of curiosity are there any racing specific exercises you do? I am pretty consistent with working out but always see F1 drivers doing the reaction lights and neck strength training.
I always wonder if there are some good specific exercises for sports car racers? Anyone have any tips?
In reply to jonnyd330 :
Mostly from what I've seen is endurance training and core workouts. Just doing a round of planks and russian twists regularly makes a difference. There are the specific reaction and neck training exercises but I would call the reaction ones as mental training than physical ones.
My routine and I'm in no way a great driver but just some one who loves cars is 3-4 days cardio and a couple fitness classes each week. The cardio alternates between mountain biking and running depending on the season. I then throw in a kick boxing class mostly for stress release and flexibility and a HIIT class for overall body strength. Overall I spend between 45 minutes to an hour working out with a rest day for recovery as I keep having to remind myself I'm almost 50.
Signed up for a fifty mile mountain bike race last night. Planning on an international distance tri in August. So yes.
Tom1200 said:You left out the part about being in shape makes it much more likely you'll be able to race when you're retirement age.
Absolutely agree with this. I was 62 when I started autocross.
I'm not doing endurance racing, but a full day at an autocross event can be pretty taxing, especially during summer in Florida. The same benefits apply.
I'm also still able to work full time, which may not sound great, but that’s how I can afford my hobby.
Tom1200 said:You left out the part about being in shape makes it much more likely you'll be able to race when you're retirement age.
Absolutely agree with this. I was 62 when I started autocross.
I'm not doing endurance racing, but a full day at an autocross event can be pretty taxing, especially during summer in Florida. The same benefits apply.
I'm also still able to work full time, which may not sound great, but that’s how I can afford my hobby.
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