Keeping fit, on and off the track

March 22, 2010

By Matt Sloane
CNN Medical Producer

Eating well at a NASCAR track is somewhat like trying to sleep at a rock concert - possible with the right determination and equipment, but very difficult. That is why many NASCAR drivers, roadies and fans don't exactly fall into the "fit" category. But at the #99 trailer, things are a little bit different. (Watch Video)

"We make a concerted effort," said Carl Edwards – one of the fittest drivers at the track. "Our guys, the truck drivers have a list of grocery items we buy. Instead of buying candy and donuts, it’s Kashi bars and dried fruit."

Outside the trailers, drivers and their crews are confronted with a fantastic selection of french fries, half-racks of ribs and cheesy nachos around each corner.

"You can walk up and down pit lane and you can get anything you want to eat, including fried Twinkies," Edwards said, "but you have to make that one extra little bit of effort to stay healthy."

As with any successful “diet'” plan though, Carl says, eating well is only half of the battle.

"Exercise is really tough on the road," said Edwards. "The number one thing I do is I try and choose a hotel with some sort of workout room, or before I get there, I go on Google maps and I look for a park or something nearby."

But, you might be asking: Why does someone who drives a car for a living need to stay fit?

"Our races are grueling. They're 500 miles, sometimes they go on for four or five hours, and it's uncomfortable," he said. "That that race will be over, and once its over, you better have laid everything out on the table because you can't go do it again."

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