I’m always fascinated by how athletes and celebrities manage to stay fit and healthy while constantly on the go. There is a big difference between just being thin and actually keeping active and exercising to stay healthy, especially when traveling. That’s why I was excited to learn how Alexis DeJoria stays in shape and maintains a healthy diet while traveling from race track to race track, all while driving a 10,000-horsepower monster!
Many racecar drivers pride themselves on being in top physical condition, and Alexis DeJoria is no different. She is one of the few women competing in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing series and needs to be in peak shape to handle her 10,000-horsepower, 2,600-pound nitro Funny Car safely and effectively.
As a top-ranked driver with three wins, three No. 1 qualifiers, and two track records, Alexis regularly drives at speeds over 300 mph and covers 1,000 feet in just four seconds or less in her Patrón XO Cafe Incendio Toyota Camry. She emphasizes the importance of staying healthy, both physically and mentally, to control the car as it fights to go in every direction other than straight down the track.
Driving a nitro Funny Car is tough on the body. Drivers deal with intense g-forces during acceleration and deceleration, and the harnessing systems we use can be quite taxing. Controlling these cars demands significant upper body and core strength, as well as agility and quick reflexes.
Alexis’s fitness routine focuses on strength training and overall conditioning. When she’s at home, she works out six days a week, balancing between Pilates, cycling, and circuit training in her home gym. Pilates helps build core strength, lengthen muscles, and open up the shoulders and chest while keeping the spine strong. Stretching is also an essential part of her routine to prevent muscle tightness.
While on the road, Alexis adapts to the limited space and resources available in her motorcoach. She improvises workouts like sit-ups and push-ups that don’t rely on gym equipment and tries to visit nearby gyms for a 45-minute session when possible. Stretching is also a crucial part of her routine, aiming to hold each stretch for at least a minute.
Alexis is very careful about her diet, focusing on high-protein, low-carb meals with healthy fats. She eats wild-caught fish, lean meats, vegetables, fruits, and green juices, aiming for organic food as much as possible. Her family supplies fresh eggs daily from their hens, and she’s building a new raised bed organic garden.
Despite enjoying various foods and baking treats for her daughters, Alexis believes in balance. She doesn’t deprive herself but aims for moderation, balancing healthy eating with staying active to enjoy treats occasionally.
On race days, her breakfast includes steel-cut oatmeal, a poached egg with whole-grain toast, or yogurt with fruit. Sundays, for races, she prefers oatmeal to stay full longer. Light snacks like an apple or banana help keep her energy up during race rounds.
Her lunch on Fridays and Saturdays consists of a salad with mixed greens or spinach and wild-caught fish, eating small portions throughout the day to maintain energy without feeling too full. Hydration is vital, especially during the hot summer months. Alexis drinks plenty of water, vegetable juice, green juice, or coconut water, avoiding sodas and sugary drinks to stay hydrated while racing.
