Sometimes we choose an activity because we find it exhilarating, and the adrenaline rush is so stimulating that we cannot say no to that activity. One great example is go-karting, which makes anyone who participates in it, experience the thrill and feel fantastic after. But, do you burn calories go karting? It is another question that often pops up because some people think that go-kart racers sit on the open, four-wheeled vehicle and nonchalantly breeze through the race track. In actuality, go-kart racers can lose over 350 calories for half an hour in the activity.
It is physically demanding, and it takes a great deal of concentration to play this sport. It elevates heart rate, needs full strength and maneuvering that only gets better through practice.
What are the reasons you lose calories while go-kart racing?
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Sweating it out
One reason racers lose weight and calories is physical activity and sweating. They are required to hold out drinking water while racing. When the session is going on, racers cannot just reach out for their water bottle, and if they cannot have it on board even if they want to.
Also, they have fire-retardant racing gear that can get hot during summer. Go-kart racers also need to stay hydrated during the race because the temperature can peak, and with these factors, racers will lose weight as if they are hitting the gym with every go-kart racing activity.
It requires physical strength.
It is needed, particularly if you need to steer the wheel of a go-kart cause it has no power steering, which means it will demand all the strength you can muster, so you can be fast and have control over the vehicle.
One who races for go-kart will find themselves exhausted after a few laps, and more if the one playing the sports is not that strong to bear the demands of the game.
The steering wheel of a go-kart is not the most comfortable to operate cause it will demand a powerful grip, and a tough wrist to handle the force of steering a go-kart wheel. There are strengthening tools to practice wrist and palm power, and it is needed if you are to compete in this sport.
Strength during acceleration
A go-kart racer has years of practice, so they can work on their acceleration and ensure their body can withstand the force while driving a kart. A player with no practice can end up with a stiff neck and aching body after. Racers get used to the experience of being pushed by gravity in various directions while riding their go-kart. It is not an easy task, but go-kart racers acquire the strength over time.
It is considered a cardio exercise.
While racing, a go-kart racer can feel the adrenaline rush and experience elevated heart rates. It is not just because they are using and driving a unique vehicle, but the competition with other racers elevates their heart rate and also results in increased blood flow.
Go-kart racing may appear as if the racer is just sitting down, but as the competition gets extreme they can have shallow and fast breathing as if they are also jogging, or running.
What are some well-known benefits of entering this sport?
Improves Endurance
Go-kart racing not only develops muscle strength but includes upping your endurance. Go-kart is a strenuous activity where your triceps and biceps work double-time, so the grip you have on the go-kart wheel will be as strong. With go-karting, there is nothing simple, and it can be a pressure-filled experience for anyone.
Lightens your mood
Go-karting is like exercising as you feel the rush and the excitement creeping up on you while you go around the tracks. The chemicals that the brain produces improve the mood of a go-kart racer. Exercising gives you a feeling of confidence, happiness, and pleasure. It is the same when doing a go-kart where a negative mood turns positive. The dopamine levels increase and give anyone a sense of feeling good.
Enhances reflexes
Everyone has a reflex, but others have a better reflex. They are faster to react, and during risky situations, they seem to know what to do. A go-kart racer also develops their reflex over time as they anticipate bumping with anyone before it happens or protecting themselves from further physical pain. When they are inside the race track, they have a better way of seeing their surroundings, even their peripheral sight is better. Again, this requires practice, and it is what many go-kart racers concentrate on. They have a better skill and a few tricks up their sleeves.
Boost Mental Processes
A go-kart racer with the extensive practice for months or even years can develop better concentration and memorize techniques while inside the race track. They can also use better brain functioning while outside the tract and enhance their performance and daily activities.
When mental processes improve, a person becomes more alert, has a sharper mind and can figure things around him. They function better inside or outside the race tracks.
It serves as a morale booster.
Since this is a competitive sport, racers gain more confidence as they get better. They also begin to have a better rapport with other people and have friends along the way. Go-karting may be a fun pastime, but it includes attaining a goal and reaching achievement. One who practices the sport gets better at it, and once they have the necessary learning, they also believe they attained their objective.
A great way to socialize
Go-kart racing is the best way to socialize and connect with others since this is a team effort that even someone you just met at the race track can be a friend later on.
It’s a fun activity that brings people who have the same interest.
Improves Focus
A go-kart racer can benefit from this activity because their level of focus increases, and they have a better concentration not just with the sport but in other aspects of their life. It is not just adults that can benefit from go-kart but also teens.
What to remember when go-karting?
Wear comfortable clothing
Clothing that is not too tight or loose is ideal. There are available outfits you can purchase if you are into this sport. What you wear should not make you sweat badly and cause discomfort while racing. Since you will be at the track for a long time, leave the fabulous outfit and get one that will help you move freely and help you be at ease.
Right positioning
You will have a better chance while competing if you follow the positioning while riding the go-kart. It must not keep your legs bent or unable to reach for the breaks or give you a backache. When choosing a go-kart, it should help you sit comfortably, give you a good grip on the wheels and get you to reach the breaks effortlessly.
Not all about speed
Thinking about the strategy while go-kart racing is a smart thing to do instead of just focusing on your speed. It feels good to see your fellow racers behind you, but it should not be the main idea. Learn about braking at the right time, choosing the right turn, and mastering skidding. It is best to drive at a straight line cause you will drive faster this way.
Focus on your rhythm
You can easily get distracted by other drivers, and this can leave you veering away from the perfect approach. Instead, master your turns and see how you can perfect the passing of other drivers on the track. You should not be too close to other racers but at a fair distance, this causes less bumping and will not slow you down.
Do not look down
A common mistake of many go-kart drivers is not looking beyond the few meters when they should focus their vision ahead or to the wide track in front of them or the wider distance they can scan. This way, racers are already preparing or mentally calculating the maneuver and turns they will be doing.
FAQ
Is go-kart racing safe? There are risks involved with this sport, and racers can sustain injury. It is considered a dangerous sport, especially if you don’t wear the proper gear. You must also have the experience you gain from practice and presence of mind while at the race tracks.
What are the typical injuries one can acquire with this sport? A racer can have fractures, spinal and thoracic injuries. Abdominal injury is also not uncommon.
What are the common safety precautions one must consider when go-kart racing? Getting a durable and sturdy helmet is crucial when doing this activity. It can save you from fatal head injuries.
There are numerous benefits one can enjoy when go-kart racing. Players can have fun relishing their surroundings, and socializing with other people is an added perk. You only need to remember the required gear or outfit for go-karting. It can help avoid any untoward incident that you will regret later