Ask Will a Question

Ask Will a question.

Send your questions to: Askwillaquestion@hotmail.co.uk

Hi there Will,

I've been a bit of a fan of your racing in the last year or so and have enjoyed watching your races, interviews and reading up on how it's all going. I'm quite a keen sportman and like to keep fit in the gym etc etc and I've been wondering for a while what you racing drivers have to do, fitness wise, to be able to endure the long races, handle the g-forces, and keep your focus tip-top throughout each race.

Your reply would be appreciated.

Cheers
Tom Hyde Parker

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Hi Tom, thanks for writing in.

The best way to train for driving cars under high g-force conditions is to get more seat time, but as this is usually quite limited by cost and when championships allow you to run then we have to think of ways to simulate this off the track.

The trick with keeping fit for driving race cars is to have a good level of general fitness (gained from running, rowing, cycling etc.) and to also build in some more focused muscular endurance work. For me, doing plenty of endurance work with weights seems to work well. I target my upper body mainly, so shoulders, arms and neck but also build in weights exercises that give me a strong core and basis for support when I'm in the car.

I also like doing a lot of boxing and kick boxing in my training. The muscles you use when boxing are particularly relevant to those used in a race car - your shoulders, arms, upper back and core - and both sports require you to have a good level of strength and muscular endurance. Boxing is also very good for keeping your reactions sharp and focus up when you're getting tired which is another great benefit.

Hope that helps,
Will