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Lindsay Brewer has emerged as a significant figure in motorsports, especially for female drivers. With a follower base exceeding 3 million, the 27-year-old racer is forging a path in a field where women comprise less than 10 percent of the competitors. Making headlines in 2024, Brewer became the first American woman to participate in the Indy NXT, which is considered a crucial step toward racing in the prestigious Indy 500, in over a decade.
Despite her impressive milestones, Brewer still encounters significant challenges related to gender bias and widespread misconceptions regarding the physicality of racing. “It’s incredibly physical,” she remarked to Well+Good. “I’ve tried nearly every sport growing up, and racing has always been the most physically demanding. There are no power steering systems, so it’s like holding a 25-pound weight for almost an hour while maintaining high speeds.”
She also emphasized the impact of extreme temperatures. “Inside the car, it can reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and you’re wearing a helmet and fire suit,” Brewer explained. “Dehydration is a serious issue; I’ve lost four pounds in just one minute of racing. Some larger drivers have lost even more under similar conditions.”
In addition to the physical and mental rigors, Brewer highlighted the often underestimated financial challenges that aspiring racers face. “Participating in Indy NXT required an investment of $1.2 million for the year,” she revealed, adding that competing in the Indy 500 could demand upwards of $5 million. “While some drivers come from affluent backgrounds, I’ve been self-funding since I was 17. The financial aspect is quite unique compared to other sports like basketball or baseball.”
Despite her successful fundraising efforts this year, propelled by her substantial social media presence, Brewer still confronted the reality of insufficient resources, which are vital for expenses such as car maintenance and team salaries. “I had to shorten my season because I ran out of funding,” she admitted. “This situation is common in the sport and adds an extra layer of difficulty to the experience.”
During the off-season, Brewer’s routine transforms, allowing her to focus on her mental well-being amidst her busy racing schedule. She shared insights into her morning habits, including how she prepares for her day.
A slow morning is her form of self-care
My fiancé typically rises at 6:30 a.m. for his gym routine, but I prefer to sleep in. I need around 10 hours of sleep. If I have commitments, I’ll set an alarm, but when I’m at home, I usually go to bed around 11 p.m. and wake up around 9 a.m.
A slow start to the day is crucial for my mental health. I spend so much time traveling that having these leisurely mornings really helps me recharge. Early mornings can stress me out, and that stress can affect the rest of my day.
Once I wake up, I like to take about half an hour to unwind in bed, checking my phone or reading. I’m currently engrossed in the A Court of Thorns and Roses series because I enjoy escaping into fantasy worlds.
She prioritizes protein for breakfast
By around 9:30 a.m., I finally get up, throw on my cozy robe and slippers, and head to the kitchen. Comfort is key for me in the mornings.
For breakfast, I typically have two scrambled eggs along with some avocado toast. Prioritizing protein is very important to me. I don’t drink coffee, but I do enjoy a venti green tea from Starbucks. During race weekends, I shift to a higher carb intake for energy. I’ll eat whatever has a good balance of protein and carbs—pasta and burgers are favorites, as I need the fuel for my activities.
Then it’s time for skincare
After breakfast, I usually spend around 30 to 60 minutes on skincare, starting around 10 or 10:30 a.m. I prefer to keep things uncomplicated in the morning. I cleanse my face with Cetaphil, follow up with Drunk Elephant Vitamin C Serum, and finish with Peter Thomas Roth Tinted SPF. After that, I either catch up on some emails or head to the gym.
She caps her morning off at the gym for a workout session
I usually hit the gym between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. I enjoy wearing stylish workout gear, especially from Alo, Lululemon, or Vuori, preferably in blue or darker shades. My go-to sneakers are the NoBull Allday Knit Sneakers.
During the off-season, I focus heavily on training, typically engaging in three days of heavy lifting and two days of cardio and light lifting, which include exercises targeting grip strength and forearms. Strong shoulders, necks, and forearms are essential for driving, alongside leg strength for effectively managing the brakes around corners.
To develop these specific muscles, I follow a tailored workout regimen specifically designed for race car drivers. The workouts are essentially the same as those for male drivers since we operate the same type of vehicles, but my weights may be lighter. I dedicate about an hour and a half to my workouts while listening to a range of music from house and rap to Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter.
This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
Source
www.wellandgood.com