Does anybody want to share their work out plans? Those that live in the snow climate, do you have a different work out plan during the seasons? Currently I use the elliptical, exercise bike, Jog (warmer months), Cross Country in the snow months. I have free weights, but not sure if resistance or strength is better? Does anybody incorporate sim racing?
Iāll be interested to see what people have to say regarding fitness programs etc. I donāt live in a cold climate like you so canāt speak to that.
With my own training I have recently worked a little more on upper body strength (arms and shoulders specifically) with the idea being it would help with steering and control. However, Iām not sure it actually makes a difference and while Iām still above average fitness I definitely need to get back into some cardio. I donāt imagine fitness could possibly be a concern for a cross-country skier though.
I am still much slower than my driving partners (and miles slower than the actual racers) who I would be āstrongerā than, but I am never sore getting out of my kart like they are.
I am thinking core strength and cardio may be the key components.
Iām just rambling and havenāt provided much of a direct response for you sorry. I will be interested to see what others have to say. SIM Racing might be much more valuable as a training tool if you are already fit?
Hey Vash (?)
One thing I will say is that itās very individual.
Thereās two main questions you need to ponder.
- What are my weaknesses\limiters\areas for improvement when it comes to fitness.
- What kind of activities can help with these that
will be fun for me. Ie will actually do on a consistent basis.
Thereās some good fitness info here on the forums and on the main website to pour over. Hereās some links. Give them a read and let us know what you come up with.
Forums: Search results for 'fitness category:7' - KartPulse: Kartingās Community Hub
A couple of articles from @Trey_Shannon. Trey is a full-time racing fitness trainer:
Lastly, we did a podcast episode with Trey where he talks about fitness and raceday nutrition:
I would say an emphatic yes to sim racing.
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You nailed it, James. The winter is the perfect time to improve weaknesses, and it always helps to do that in ways you enjoy.
@Vash_Stampede, itās a good idea also to incorporate sim work under physical conditions that mimic the kart. Something like cycling or rowing to get the heart rate up and then hopping on the sim. Strength is great if you need it. If youāre a bigger guy, Iād focus more on endurance. If you feel like you do need more strength in the kart, then work on getting stronger as well as improving endurance. When it comes the muscular demands outside of cardio, your main focus is hands/forearms, shoulders, neck, and core. For karting, improving reaction time and hand-eye coordination is a massive benefit as well. Simple tennis ball drills and iPad apps are great for this. Again, work on improving cognitive function under stress and at higher heart rate levels as well.
Take a look at our instagram page at instagram.com/podiumperformancefitness to see some of the things we do with our drivers.
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@Trey_Shannon. Do you mind sharing some of the iPad apps that would be beneficial?
Thanks
Here are a few good ones, all with different targeted neurological adaptations. Donāt be afraid to search and try new games as well!
Brain Speed
FiveColors
UltraReaction
Darkball
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Never mind. Already answered.
I play Ultimate frisbee - the body needed for both sports is identical aside from silly CIK weight limits. I have a huge fitness advantage over most drivers and it pays off in feature races.
To build over the winter, play in indoor tournaments, and use AeroUltimateās Advanced Ultimate workouts - www.aeroultimate.com/advanced/
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