ArcticGT3

My company has set up a "Fitness Challenge" for the summer. Those who participate are to log the amount of time they exercise. The definition of exercise is "anything that increases the heart rate." An example of an exclusion is given as "a leisurely stroll to the local starbucks."

I need my share of exercise, and so far (less than a week!), I have religiously logged a total of 139 minutes of "real exercise."

One of my guiding principles is to annoy "vinegar pissers" (I think it translates pretty well from the French!). So I'm planning to add the time I spend behind the wheel at DE's during the summer. I'm sure some people at work will complain!

However, I think it is a legitimate question: are there any fitness benefits from driving on the track? Thanks for your votes and opinions.

Blondurant

My heart rate definitely goes up when I'm on the track. I also drink a lot of water during DE weekends and that's a health plus. Are you more active on DE weekends than normal? If so, that's another plus.

cr207

i'm going to have to say there are no physical benefits to driving. yes your heart rate goes up because you are maybe more nervous and have a high mental strain. but are you improving your fitness? I do triathlons and train in the pool, bike and run for many hours a week in order to do a 3 hour event at 100% race pace. Can doing DE's help you complete a 6 mile run? or a 25 mile bike.

Veloce Raptor

None whatsoever.

There are, however, significant fitness benefits from banging grid girls.

Kurt R

Grid girls raise my heart rate

BostonDMD

Does that happen often in Texas?.....

Veloce Raptor

If you journey down here this coming winter, you'll find out for yourself.

BostonDMD

I will add it to the reasons to participate......

Robert Henriksen

You want to watch VR bang grid girls?

Veloce Raptor

Pfffttt... A man's GOT to have his privacy!

dmoffitt

I voted "No" - although it does make me want to work out more when I'm not at the track so I can do better there...

cgomez

I voted Yes for Mental fitness and hand-eye-feet + sensory coordination.

Cardio fitness? no way!
It works the other way around. If you are in better cardio shape, you will be a better driver (compared to your own self when not).

pat056

I would say no benefits. You do (or better) get some heat accliamation by being in a hot car. If you do your own car preparation, you can get a sore back lugging tires and tools, but even that's a stretch.
However, getting in better shape will make you a better driver IMHO.

ilko

I voted no. Driving a car fast around a track does not make you fit. As proven by the Stig's fat American cousin

C.J. Ichiban

well if you're fat and don't use a coolshirt, you're gonna sweat and lose weight. it's not enough to "get you in shape" but you can use getting in shape/ losing weight as motivation to be faster on the track. And if you're fast enough, maybe the grid girls will want to "exercise" with you. all the benefits are therefore, indirect.