Like so many people I am a car fanatic and have been since I was young. While it may look easy, the F1 drivers train incredibly hard, with personal trainers and nutritionists to make sure they are in the best shape possible and to prepare their bodies for the gruelling demands that an F1 can can place on the body, the G force in particular putting immense strain on the muscles of the body .But could it really be that bad? How tough could driving a car fast actually be? A few weeks ago , I was lucky enough to find out! Driving around the Spa Francorchamps formula 1 track in Belgium at 250 km/ph in an amazing Audi R8 was one seriously amazing experience. Every muscle of my body was working to keep me on the track , through the corners and chasing the instructors car infront. Every corner forces your body to adapt to the gforce and the car makes you work hard , very hard. The next day I had aches in my forearms, neck and shoulders from putting so much work into driving the car as fast and as best I could, my competitive spirit forcing me out of my comfort zone. For one whole day, I got to experience what it must be like to be an F1 driver and I have to be honest, it was truly supurb It proved to me what I already suspected, you need to be seriously fit to be a racing car driver! But what differences can simply training and eating properly make? Every muscle in your body needs to be strengthened, toned and improved to keep yourself controlled when working against the g force. Exercises to strengthen your arms, wrists, forearms, neck and shoulder blades are needed so that you don’t get injured. Even the smallest cramp or weakness in your arms can have a catastrophic effect at over 300kmh, hence the reason why these drivers have personal trainers with them all year round. Nutrition is an essential component too, dehydration being the key component to avoid as this will effect your concentration.After 180km of racing around the track, I was mentally exhausted. To try avoid this I used my homemade version of what the F1 drivers would drink, a sports drink with a mixture of salts,minerals and vitamins . On each lap I was taking regular sips to enable me to concentrate on the track, keeping my muscles fuelled and working properly. This is one of the main points that every driver across the nation could do with noting, on trips across the motorways of Ireland you should have a large bottle of water in the car with you at all times. Fizzy drinks will give you a short term energy fix,that will end up with you feeling even more tired that when you started. Coffee will do the same. Water is the best drink you can use, even the odd sports drink will help in moderation. The last thing you need when driving is to feel tired, so always take water with you. The F1 drivers get their nutrients through their drinks, you on the otherhand while driving can eat fruit and healthy snacks such as nuts and seeds to keep you going too. These all contain slow release energy and fibre which will help aid digestion as well as giving you energy, helping you to stay alert and attentive on these dark nights. What else did I learn on the trip? As well as being shown just how fit these athletes actually are, I learn valuable lessons on how to brake properly, how to corner properly and how control cars through skids. I was shown just what Supercars like the R8 can do, in every aspect, but the car responds to being treated with respect, mess with it and it will mess with you! Great tips that we certainly be useful to people,especially over the coming weeks are as follows: Give yourself plenty of space between the car infront and you, especially on wet roads. Modern ABS will add to the control of hard breaking, but you need to have the space. If you have to break hard, then keep your hands on the wheel and control the car. The safest way through a corner is the straightest line possible, if you are too close to the corner you will be making life a lot harder for yourself When sitting at the wheel, your elbows should be slightly bent. If you are too close to the steering wheel, you are at a much greater risk of injury in the event of a crash, as the airbag deploys with such great force. So don’t sit right up close to the steering wheel. Respect your car and it will respect you. Check your tyre pressure and your oil every few weeks, change your windscreen wipers and fill up your washer fluid regularly. These simple tips are some of what I learnt, if you ever get the chance to drive a gran prix circuit, jump at it, truly amazing!!!Next week I will bring you my fitness clothing and gadget xmas list, so healthy presents for those around you from santa!