LANDO NORRIS’ extreme fitness regime has got experts questioning how sustainable it really is.
The McLaren driver’s routine ranges from gruesome looking neck workouts to boxing and standing in a freezing -110 degree cryotherapy chamber with only one rest day a week.
Neck Training
Neck training is the bread and butter of an F1 driver’s fitness regime due to the speed of the sport.
Norris uses a harness weighing at least a kilo every other day to train his neck for the sport.
The harness wraps around the driver’s neck while someone tugs at the other side.
Cardio
The 24-year-old takes part in daily runs, cycling swimming and boxing to improve his stamina and stay in shape for races which can last up to 90 minutes.
Due to the nature of the sport, it’s essential to be strong but also as light as possible.
Cycling is one of Norris’ preferred sports as he can lose weight while building strength and endurance.
Core exercises
Norris completes daily core exercises as part of his workout routine, including press-ups, planks, and dumbbell oblique crunches.
F1 drivers needs excellent core strength due to the amount of G-force and sharp corners involved in the sport.
The exercises also strengthen the arm and shoulder muscles, making it easier to steer the car.
Cryotherapy
After an intense workout, Norris has a cryotherapy session which involves standing in a freezing cold room for about three minutes.
Often he will stand in a chamber cooled to -110 degrees Celsius or sit in an ice bath.
Cryotherapy improves muscle healing and can be an effective form of pain relief for joint damage.
Mike Gibbs, the co-founder of Second Nature, has said: “It’s important to note that completing intense workouts every day is not sustainable in the long run and ultimately doesn’t promote a healthy lifestyle balance.
“Rest days are an essential part of your workout routine to allow muscle repair and growth.
“F1 is such an incredible sport, but seeing the intensity behind the drivers’ diets and workout routines adds an extra level of respect for all those involved.”
