Alexis DeJoria: Maintaining Peak Fitness at Speeds Over 300 MPH!
I’m always fascinated by how athletes and celebrities keep up with their fitness and health while constantly on the move. It’s one thing to just be thin, but it’s another to stay active and truly fit, especially when you’re always traveling. That’s why I was excited to learn how Alexis DeJoria manages to maintain her health and fitness while zooming from one racetrack to another in a powerful 10,000-horsepower car.
Many might underestimate the physical demands on racecar drivers, but Alexis DeJoria, competing in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing series, is a great example of how much fitness matters. As one of the few women in the competition, she needs to be at her best physically to control her 10,000-horsepower, 2,600-pound nitro Funny Car safely and efficiently.
Ranked in the top ten with three wins, three No. 1 qualifiers, and two track records, Alexis regularly surpasses speeds of 300 mph in her Patrón XO Cafe Incendio Toyota Camry, covering 1,000 feet in just four seconds.
In her job, maintaining both physical and mental strength is crucial, according to Alexis. Controlling a car that wants to veer off in every direction but straight requires significant upper body and core strength, agility, and quick reflexes. Funny Car drivers endure a lot of physical strain, from the g-forces experienced during acceleration to the pressure of the harness system that keeps them secure in the driver’s seat.
To stay fit, Alexis follows a rigorous workout routine that emphasizes strength training. She exercises six days a week when at home, participating in Pilates classes three times a week, cycling classes twice a week, and doing circuit training in her home gym on weekends. Pilates, in particular, helps her build core strength, lengthen muscles, and improve spinal health. Stretching is also a key part of her routine to prevent tight muscles.
On the road, staying healthy and fit becomes more challenging. Alexis lives in a motorcoach at racetracks, which means she doesn’t always have access to a gym. Despite this, she finds ways to exercise, doing sit-ups, push-ups, and other machine-free workouts. If there’s a nearby gym, she sneaks in a 45-minute session in the morning.
As for her diet, Alexis is mindful of what she eats. She follows a high-protein, low-carb diet, focusing on wild-caught fish, lean meats, vegetables, fruits, and green juices. Organic food is a priority for her, and she sources fresh eggs daily from her own hens. She’s also working on building an organic garden at her home.
Despite her strict diet, Alexis loves food and enjoys cooking and baking, especially for her two pre-teen daughters. She believes in moderation, maintaining a balance between healthy eating and occasional indulgences.
On race days, breakfast is substantial but not heavy, with options like steel-cut oatmeal, poached eggs with whole-grain toast, or yogurt with fruit. On Sundays, oatmeal is her preferred choice as it keeps her full the longest. Lunch during race weekends consists of salads with fresh fish prepared by a traveling chef, which she eats in small portions throughout the day to maintain energy without feeling sluggish.
Hydration is crucial, especially during the hot summer months when she’s racing while wearing a thick fire suit. Alexis stays hydrated with water, vegetable juice, green juice, or coconut water, avoiding sodas and sugary drinks.
This routine helps Alexis DeJoria stay at the top of her game, ensuring that she’s always ready to handle whatever challenges come her way on the racetrack.
