Fitness enthusiasts give F1 drivers' training routine a shot
It's not just about sitting down and turning a wheel.
Formula One drivers go through a grueling training regimen to help them manoeuvre a race car at 300km/h.
On Saturday (Aug 22), fitness enthusiasts pitted themselves on challenges based on a Formula One driver's training routine.
This was Singapore GP's Fit For Racing Fitness Challenge at the F1 Pit Building on Saturday (August 22).
Designed by Australian fitness coach Paul Haines — who has worked with Infiniti Red Bull Racing driver Daniel Ricciardo — the challenges gave participants a taste of what drivers go through before they get to step into the cockpit.
For the top 12 male and female participants, strength and endurance were put to the test at stations such as Bosu Push Ups With a Twist and Tyre Flip.
Twelve became eight battled aching limbs and fatigue to be the fastest to tap coloured cones in the correct sequence.
It was then down to the top two from each gender in the Championship round.
To win, they had to clock the fastest timing for getting out of Formula One car cockpit.
Over $24,000 worth of prizes were given to the top three participants from each gender category, including coveted tickets to the Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix on September 19-20.
While a healthy sheen of sweat seen over many contestants, and deep gulps of air being grasped, Mr Haines revealed the truth of the matter.
"(The stations) are toned down so these are probably the easier exercises that Formula One drivers do," he said.
He added that the challenges can even be done at home.
"I guess the main purpose of this is to get a bit more of awareness of how these drivers train and everyone can have a go at it."
Mr Muhd Khairul Anwar, 29, emerged as the champion for the male category. As a PE teacher, he hopes that his victory will inspire his students to persevere.
"I think it's a good platform for me to inspire my school boys, to tell them don't give up in what you're doing," he said.
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