内容摘要：Simone Biles of the United States competes on the balance beam during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Simone Biles of the United States competes on the balance beam during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

, a cross-fit session designed to fine-tune his body for strength and endurance in racing.Newgarden recently invited members of the public at the South By Southwest conference and festival in Austin to experience a bite-sized version of his workout to judge just how fit race drivers have to be and perhaps make it clear that race car drivers are indeed athletes.

“You’re taxing every part of the body, which is what happens in an IndyCar,” Newgarden said. “There’s no power steering, you’re pulling high G-forces, it’s hot and your heart rate is elevated. Everything is being stressed.”This article is part of AP’s Be Well coverage, focusing on wellness, fitness, diet and mental health.The first of three workout sessions drew about a dozen people, including a local fitness coach, a biotech entrepreneur, a television and movie actor and a journalist.

Newgarden trainer Jeff Richter pushed the group through a 35-minute version of the routine he designs for the driver. It’s a non-stop circuit of weight lifting, rowing and ski machines, core stretches and balance exercises, burpees and broad jumping, with only a few seconds rest between each exercise.The muscular Newgarden demonstrated each exercise station before the group started.

“Push! Get your heart rates up,” Richter yelled over blaring music before getting the group into a planking position to stress their core. “Breathe! Hold your position!”

“We can’t put them in the car,” Richter explained. “But they can get to elevated heart rates, and put their body in bracing situations to simulate G-forces and heat stress. And their eyes open up.”Tim Tszyu, of Australia, hits Sebastian Fundora in a super welterweight title bout Saturday, March 30, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers takes the field prior to an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers takes the field prior to an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Amy Yang, of South Korea, is doused after winning the Women’s PGA Championship golf tournament at Sahalee Country Club, Sunday, June 23, 2024, in Sammamish, Wash. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)Amy Yang, of South Korea, is doused after winning the Women’s PGA Championship golf tournament at Sahalee Country Club, Sunday, June 23, 2024, in Sammamish, Wash. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)