I have no idea how it started—no one in my family watched racing—but as a kid, I’d sit glued to the TV, mesmerized by IndyCar. Something about the speed, the sound, the blur of motion pulled me in. Fast forward a couple of decades, and a good friend introduced me to Formula 1. That was it. One race, and I was hooked. Obsessed. Completely down the rabbit hole.
There’s something about the precision, the speed, the strategy, and the personalities that hooks you. And the more I watched, the more I realized something unexpected: F1 racing has a lot in common with building healthy habits.
Stay with me.
At first glance, Formula 1 and personal wellness seem like they belong on opposite ends of the spectrum. One is a high-stakes, jet-setting sport full of engineering genius and million-dollar cars. The other? Maybe your morning stretch, a quiet walk, or trying to drink more water.
But the overlap is there—and it’s surprisingly useful.
Here’s what Formula 1 can teach us about creating and sticking to healthy habits:
🛠 1. Preparation Is Everything
F1 teams don’t just show up on race day and hope for the best. Weeks of prep go into each event: simulations, strategy sessions, nutrition plans, and endless mechanical tweaks.
Healthy Habit Takeaway:
Success doesn’t happen by accident. Meal prep, laying out your workout clothes, and planning your grocery list—these are your simulations. Reduce the number of decisions you have to make in the moment, and good choices get easier.
🧠 2. Data, Data, Data
Modern F1 cars are basically rolling computers, packed with sensors collecting real-time data. Every race is followed by an analysis of what worked—and what didn’t.
Healthy Habit Takeaway:
You don’t need a telemetry dashboard, but tracking matters. Snap pics of your meals. Use a step counter. Jot down how you feel after different workouts. You’ll start to notice what helps you feel and function better.
👥 3. Your Pit Crew Matters
No driver wins alone. Behind every victory is a team: engineers, strategists, physios, mechanics. The support system is everything.
Healthy Habit Takeaway:
Find your crew. Maybe it’s a coach, a friend, your walking buddy, or an online community. Surround yourself with people who care about your progress and remind you of your goals when you start to forget them.
🔄 4. Tiny Adjustments, Big Impact
Sometimes a 1mm change to the front wing makes all the difference. In F1, small tweaks lead to big gains.
Healthy Habit Takeaway:
You don’t need a full health makeover. Start with a five-minute walk, one glass of water before coffee, or adding veggies to one meal. Tiny changes stack up.
🔋 5. Recovery Is Part of Performance
Drivers train like elite athletes—and that includes recovery. Sleep, mental focus, mobility work—it’s all part of the plan.
Healthy Habit Takeaway:
Rest is not lazy. It’s necessary. Prioritize quality sleep, unplug now and then, and stretch what’s tight. You’ll show up stronger, mentally and physically.
🏎 6. It’s a Long Game
The best teams are focused on the championship, not just one race. A poor finish or mechanical failure isn’t the end—it’s part of the process.
Healthy Habit Takeaway:
One skipped workout or weekend of takeout isn’t failure—it’s just a blip. Keep your eye on the big picture. Adjust, recover, and keep driving forward.
Final Lap
Formula 1 might seem like a world far removed from everyday life, but when it comes to building sustainable healthy habits, the principles are surprisingly aligned: Plan ahead. Track what matters. Lean on your crew. Adjust when needed. Prioritize recovery. And most importantly—stick with it for the long haul.
Because in your own way, you’re running your own race.
And just like in Formula 1, consistency, strategy, and tiny adjustments are what get you to the podium.
Robyn 🏁
Interested in a one-on-one health coaching relationship with me? It would be an honor to work with you if and when the time feels right.
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