I’m really curious about how athletes and celebrities who are always on the move manage to stay fit and healthy. It’s one thing to be “skinny fat” and another to actually maintain your health through regular exercise while constantly traveling. That’s why I was excited to learn how Alexis DeJoria stays fit and eats well while moving from one race track to another—especially since she’s driving a car with 10,000 horsepower!
Most racecar drivers bristle at the idea that they aren’t well-conditioned athletes. Alexis DeJoria is no exception. As one of the few women competing in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing series, she has to be in top physical shape to handle her 10,000-horsepower, 2,600-pound nitro Funny Car.
Alexis is a top-ten ranked driver with three wins, three No. 1 qualifiers, and two track records. She often reaches speeds over 300 mph and covers 1,000 feet in just four seconds or less in her Patrón XO Cafe Incendio Toyota Camry.
In her own words, Alexis emphasizes the importance of staying healthy to control the car effectively. She notes that Nitro Funny Car drivers endure a lot of physical strain, with g-forces during acceleration and deceleration, as well as the pressure from their seven-point harness restraint system.
To manage this, Alexis follows a comprehensive fitness routine focused on strength training. When she’s home between races, she works out six days a week. This includes Pilates three times a week, cycling classes twice a week, and circuit training in her home gym on weekends. Pilates, in particular, helps her build core strength, lengthen muscles, and improve flexibility—all crucial for her sport.
When she’s on the road, Alexis adapts her routine to fit her limited space and lack of gym access. She does sit-ups, push-ups, and other exercises that don’t require much space or equipment. If she finds a nearby gym, she’ll go for a quick 45-minute session before the day’s racing starts.
Stretching is also a vital part of her routine. Alexis holds each stretch for at least a minute to maximize the benefits. On the nutrition front, she sticks to a high-protein, low-carb diet rich in healthy fats. Her meals primarily consist of wild-caught fish, lean meats, veggies, fruits, and green juices. Alexis prefers organic food whenever possible, and she even gathers fresh eggs daily from hens on her property.
However, Alexis also believes in balance. While she loves baking and often makes treats for her two pre-teen daughters, she doesn’t believe in depriving herself. Instead, she focuses on eating healthily and staying active so she can enjoy life’s pleasures in moderation.
On race day mornings, Alexis opts for a solid yet light breakfast that can last until mid-afternoon. Her choices include steel-cut oatmeal, poached eggs with whole-grain toast, or yogurt with fruit. On race Sundays, oatmeal is her go-to breakfast because it keeps her full the longest. Lunch usually consists of a salad with organic greens or spinach and wild-caught fish, prepared by a traveling chef. She grazes on this meal throughout the day to maintain her energy levels without feeling too full.
Staying hydrated is crucial for Alexis, especially during the hot summer months. She drinks a lot of water, vegetable juice, green juice, and coconut water, always avoiding sodas and sugary fruit juices. Hydration is vital when racing in high temperatures while wearing a thick fire suit inside a race car.
To keep up with Alexis DeJoria and her team, you can visit her website or follow her on social media.