The world of karting is as thrilling as it is comprehensive - though we might not always consider it, this motor sport entails an entire lifestyle for its practitioners. Want to know more about this discipline?
You don't need to be an Alonso to enjoy a karting race with friends, but if you're considering a more professional approach, certain physical preparation is essential. Here are some preliminary tips...
The areas that suffer most from this activity are the neck, spine and arms. Why? Because the speeds achieved, particularly in corners, create sudden movements that impact the spine (primarily the cervical and lumbar regions).
Another important consideration is that during cornering, the driver's body works hard to maintain position, resulting in muscular fatigue.
How can we strengthen the primary muscles involved in driving performance to prevent strain?
You'll need to work on endurance, speed, strength and flexibility. These are the fundamental qualities of any driver, and only by developing them can we ensure avoiding future injuries.
- Endurance: requirements vary depending on the competition. The specific endurance needed depends on track length, corner characteristics etc. Generally though, races typically last between 10 to 30 minutes.
- Speed: a crucial quality, as we must maximise our reflexes' speed. Only then can we remain alert and react appropriately to corners, skids, overtakes, or red lights... Additionally, beyond good reflexes, anticipating potential circuit events is essential.
- Strength: without endurance and strength, long-term participation becomes difficult due to fatigue.
- Flexibility: particularly beneficial for our joints. Why? Because we must maintain various positions that can sometimes prove challenging. Greater elasticity means better tolerance of certain movements.
Beyond gym, pool or outdoor exercises, we mustn't neglect nutrition. We'll address this aspect in future articles.
