TRAINING INSIGHTS

What Can F1 Teach You About Fitness

Imagine spending over $100 million on an F1 car team only to lose out on prize money because of an unsuccessful tire strategy. A set of tires being only $2,700, by far one of the cheaper aspects to a team’s racing strategy.

So much thought and effort goes into planning and execution to give a Formula 1 team seconds worth of advantages throughout a race. Which tire—whether it be soft, medium, or a hard compound—and when they are implemented throughout a race can cost a team a trophy.

The Wrong Strategy Can Ruin Everything

Now imagine a team that executes every aspect of their racing strategy but uses the wrong tires for a wet track. On top of that, they refuse to change their strategy during a pit stop. That would be madness, right?

Well guess what—for those of you that go to the gym, follow a routine, and lift weights consistently while hiring a personal trainer, paying a gym membership, buying expensive protein shakes, expensive sneakers, and insert expensive clothing brand here _____, yet still don’t maintain a calorie deficit when trying to lose weight or a surplus when actively trying to gain weight—you are using the wrong tires in the rain, and you will never get your trophy.

Nutrition Is Your Tire Strategy

Your strategy with nutrition, much like an F1 team’s strategy with tires, will determine your success. Hard tires in F1 will go the distance but slow you down, while soft tires need to be replaced quickly but get you the speed you need.

Carbs and where they fall on the glycemic index are like your tire strategy. Foods low on the glycemic index, like fruits and whole grains, will give you sustained energy for a longer period of time with a long drawn out insulin release.

Conversely, foods that are higher on the glycemic index, like croissants, bagels, and white bread, will spike your insulin quickly.

Plan foods high on the glycemic index closer to your workouts while being less worried with foods less likely to spike your insulin. Chances are they will keep you fuller for longer.

With all that said, tires won’t win you the race alone. Nor will you reach your goals just by timing your food intake.

Fitness Requires Data, Not Guesswork​

F1 teams are constantly running simulations, tracking their times, and monitoring countless metrics to make their decisions. You’ve got to be aware of calorie intake, where your weight is fluctuating day to day, how your mood is impacted by what and how you eat, and countless other variables.

The more thought you put into it, the more metrics and information you are aware of, the more opportunities you have to adjust your strategy and move towards progress.

Treat Your Body Like a High-Performance Machine

Your mind and body are worth more than an F1 car. It’s one of a kind and priceless. Start treating it like such and give yourself the best advantage you can to reach your goals—whatever they may be—and live a healthier and stronger life.