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 dependant 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 couse, 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 accociated 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.