One of the main differences between professional motorsport drivers and aspiring or amateur racers is the level of fitness. Professionals invest a lot in working out, and the difference is evident on the racing track. The types of exercises they engage in also matter a lot as far as their performance is concerned. Professionals employ various motorsport-specific workouts. Learn from the best and incorporate them into your training plan. As far as working out is concerned, here are some critical areas every motorsport enthusiast should work on.
Neck
One of the most important muscle groups you should focus on during your training sessions is the neck. A simple exercise for the neck muscles requires that you lie on your back and then lift your head off the ground. Turn your head slowly from one side to the other for a number of repetitions. Repeat the same move while lying on your front. The intensity or number of reps depends on an individual’s fitness level, but you should build on it over time. This exercise is very safe since there are no weights involved. It helps to build up your endurance.
Core
Bridge, also referred to as plank, is a great workout for your core. For the exercise, you have to maintain a position similar to a push-up position, but with your elbows down. Ensure your body is parallel to the ground and hold the position for as long as you can. In addition to core strength, planks build strength in your back, teach you breathing control, and enhance your endurance as well.
Lower Body
You need to strengthen your lower body as well, starting from the hips down. Romanian deadlift and squats are great workout choices for that. Squats, in particular, are a great choice if you have hip osteoarthritis. They strengthen the muscles around your hip such that the muscles offer more support to the hip joint. Squats will also help to counter some of the effects of osteoarthritis, such as pain and stiffness.
Why You Need to Exercise
Exercising is beneficial in many ways. Not only does it strengthen key muscle groups, but it also saves drivers from niggling injuries such as osteoarthritis hip, which are common among drivers. That said, here are two essential qualities that are only improved through dedicated workouts.
Reaction
Your racing ability can significantly improve if you work on your reaction and reflexes. One good exercise for this is to stand facing a wall. A mate should then stand behind you and toss a tennis ball at the wall. You should then try to catch the ball after it bounces off the wall. In addition to being good for your peripheral vision and reflexes, it is also fun.
Agility
Using the seed ball can work great for your agility and speed. You can also use the floor-to-ceiling ball, similar to that used by boxers to achieve the same. Ensure you hit the ball in a way that works on your precision, rhythm, and accuracy. Aim for endurance as well.
