Neck strengthening exercises

[AndrewD]

Any tips on what works?

[sam919]

Actual head stands with no hands, invert yourself into the usual headstand with arms either side then release arm/ hand stability. This method is used by the Shaolin monks, the SAS and David Blane

[driverrob]

Assorted swimming strokes are good. F1 drivers have 'machines' with hanging weights over pulleys which pull the head to one side. They move their heads left/right; a bit like press-ups for the neck.

[Flying Peach]

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/neck.htm

Edited by Flying Peach on Sunday 14th September 23:00

[Racylady]

Some drivers I know strap some weights to a spare helmet and then move the head left and right.
I've got one of those pully-things that is in the link above which, although it looks silly, actually is very good!

[jellison]

Unless you are in F3 or things that pull bonkers G, unless you are a total Pencil necked Geek - Nothing should be needed. Even in GT cars.

Maybe for long races in GT car maybe. F3 guys probably do helmet neck exercises. But if you are a Pro and in a Formula car you will be in the car alot and not required this as the car time will be plenty.

[AndrewD]

In a VdeV car for 6 hour races (max 2 hr stints)

[dsl2]

I found my neck gave up the ghost in a Radical PR6 at Snetterton after a relatively short time, but guess after a few races you would naturally develop the required extra neck beef!

[thunderbelmont]

If you're suffering from grief after your stints, then yes, some excercises will help build up your neck strength.

I always remember seeing pictures of Henry Cooper (for those younger readers - a former British boxing champion and all round celebrity) doing weights with his head using some sort of leather flying helmet sort of thing and a heap of weights tied to it (a pair of 56lb weights seems to spring to mind).

If you can't find a MGB owner to mug for their flying hat, then I'm sure you'll have an expired/knackered hat laying around which you could rig up for the job.

As with all excercises that require "heavy lifting", be careful, don't over do it. spinal/back/neck injuries can take ages to heal/repair. I tore the joints between three ribs and three vertibrae recently, and apart from it hurting like hell, it's been a month nearly, and I still get pains.

[jellison]

And I just through out a Leather flying hat!

[sam919]

AndrewD said:

In a VdeV car for 6 hour races (max 2 hr stints)

Are you at Croft on the 27-28th this month? Im interested in the VdeV stuff will be good to see.

[thunderbelmont]

jellison said:

And I just through out a Leather flying hat!

For reference - you classic sportscar drivers....

I should of added, TR drivers should use a modified tweed flat cap, you may, on application, utilise a Deer Stalker, though these are officially only for drivers of Bentleys. It is also permitted to attach weights to your pipe.

Alvis drop-head drivers may, on no circumstances, attach weights to their monacles.

[AndrewD]

Thanks for the ideas! I will look into weird contraptions.

Sam919 - no I'm not at Croft: will be out next season, just a couple of track days this year to get acclimatised. Enjoy if you go, and post some pics!

[sam919]

AndrewD said:

Thanks for the ideas! I will look into weird contraptions.

Sam919 - no I'm not at Croft: will be out next season, just a couple of track days this year to get acclimatised. Enjoy if you go, and post some pics!

Yeh cheers will do, it should be a good one.

Edited by sam919 on Saturday 20th September 23:21