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In top level motorsport drivers can face many physical challenges,
the body can get quite a work out and lack of fitness can
hinder performance, especially after a prolonged race.
There are several areas of fitness and well-being which when
addressed can improve driver performance. During high speed
corners in formula 1 races drivers can experience a sustained
G-force of around 3.5 their own weight. This is mainly felt
by the neck muscles trying to keep the head, and heavy helmet,
upright. As a result drivers train their bodies to combat
this by doing specific exercises to target these and other
relevant muscle groups.
Dehydration is a factor during long races or in hot climates
and is a contributing factor to fatigue. A good supply of
liquids is essential to keep the body operating effectively.
It is worth noting that in top-level motorsports, such as
Formula 1, some drivers can perspire up to two litres during
the course of a race. Of course, this
is also climate dependent and there are other factors to be
considered, it is a requirement that F1 drivers drink at least
1 litre of water before a race, 2 litres during racing and
two litres after the race.
A good start to improving driver fitness is cardiovascular
exercise. This includes activities such as running, cycling,
and swimming. These kinds of exercise improve fitness of the
heart and lungs, enabling them to get oxygen and essential
nutrients to the various muscles more effectively, as well
as toning many various skeletal muscles.
For improved driving, large powerful muscles aren't generally
relevant; however, good quality toned muscle, with an emphasis
on endurance will help. Improving general fitness and muscle
tone will also help reduce the general aches and pains associated
with driving for extended periods by increasing joint strength
and improving body posture. Of course, during the course of
a race almost every muscle in the body will come into play
in some form or another. Outlined below are some of the more
specific muscle groups associated with competition driving.
Some of the more predominant muscle groups used in top level
driving are:
• Shoulders - Deltoids
• Upper Arms - Biceps, Triceps
• Forearms - Flexor carpi radialis (wrist flexor)
• Upper Back - Trapezius
• Neck - Sterno-cleido-mastoid.
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