Former NASCAR star and current F1 pundit Danica Patrick recently took to social media to display an intense gym routine, just days after sparking discussion with a “try not to judge” comment aimed at political protestors. The athlete, known for her candid social media presence and “Pretty Intense” philosophy, demonstrated her commitment to fitness, highlighting the rigorous training that underpins her well-maintained physique.
The Context: “Try Not to Judge” and Political Stance
Patrick’s latest workout video arrived on the heels of a widely reported comment she made regarding “No Kings” protestors. The former IndyCar winner shared a clip from conservative provocateur Kaitlin Bennett’s coverage of anti-Donald Trump demonstrations, stating on her Instagram story, “I try not to judge… but they are making it very hard” to not do so. This isn’t the first time Patrick has openly expressed her political views, having previously campaigned for and supported former President Trump. Her outspokenness often garners strong reactions from her extensive social media following and F1 fans alike.
A Glimpse into Patrick’s “Pretty Intense” Workout
The gym video itself showcased Patrick engaging in a series of demanding exercises, proving that her “Pretty Intense” brand extends directly to her personal fitness regimen. While specific details of the recent video’s full routine were not immediately available, her established workout philosophy emphasizes a combination of strength training and cardio.
Danica Patrick’s Fitness Philosophy and Training Style
Patrick has long advocated for shorter, more intense workouts, moving away from extensive cardio sessions to incorporate heavy weightlifting and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). She has stated that while cardio can change the size of the body, weight training is essential for changing its shape by building lean muscle and losing body fat.
Her typical workout split often includes three days of strength training focusing on upper body, lower body, and full-body exercises, alongside bodyweight movements like push-ups and burpees. She’s also known to incorporate CrossFit-style elements and circuits into her training. This approach is consistent with the principles outlined in her book and podcast, “Pretty Intense,” which promotes a 90-day high-intensity workout, a protein-rich, paleo-inspired eating plan, and a mental-conditioning program.
Key Exercises Observed and Discussed
Previous social media posts and interviews have revealed Patrick performing a variety of challenging exercises, including:
- Squats: Both traditional squats and machine-based variations are staples in her lower body routines.
- Bench Press: She incorporates dumbbell bench presses to target upper body strength.
- Weighted Pull-ups: Patrick has demonstrated impressive strength with unassisted weighted pull-ups, highlighting her back and upper body development.
- Hamstring Curls & Leg Presses: These are part of her targeted leg workouts, with Patrick humorously referring to angles that make them “thirst trap videos.”
- Double-unders and Wall Balls: These are often part of her high-intensity, CrossFit-influenced sessions.
Beyond strength training, yoga plays a significant role in Patrick’s routine for both physical flexibility and mental well-being, which she has practiced since age 19. She also incorporates short bursts of cardio, typically not exceeding five to ten minutes of running.
Maintaining an Athlete’s Physique in Retirement
Despite retiring from professional racing in 2018, the 43-year-old Patrick continues to maintain an exceptionally fit physique, often showcased in her F1 punditry appearances and various entrepreneurial ventures. Her dedication to fitness demonstrates her belief that “the fun thing about fitness is that it should evolve because your body needs evolution; it needs change, it needs variation.”
Her latest gym video serves as a testament to her consistent effort and intense approach to health, drawing attention back to her athletic prowess amidst broader discussions stirred by her recent social commentary.
