Fitness and F1 go hand in hand so it should be no surprise to learn motor racing legends Lewis Hamilton and Mark Webber are in pole position when it comes to great kit.
Mark has actually created his own kit - Aussie Grit, while Lewis has been working with Puma to come up with a range of performance shoes and clothing to help you get the most out of your own training.
Mark in typical Aussie style is straight to the point: “To get yourself ready for F1 you need fantastic fitness,” And from there you need gear that is going to do the job. “As you know,” he continues, “a higher V02 reading is important when it comes to regulating core temperature,” hugely important in F1 when decisions are made in milliseconds and you can’t afford any mental or physical fatigue. The bottom line is we want to deliver tough, durable and very comfortable clothing.”
Likewise, Puma are keen to get in on the act with a high-performance range that has just hit the shops this July. For the German brand it’s all about cushioning and responsiveness - comfort and performance to you and I!
When running, the Ignite Foam used in the shoes reacts first on impact, providing instant energy return. Then, NRGY beads act to provide that all-important cushioning, absorbing the energy, creating a rebound effect during the toe-off phase. The result is cushioning and energy return for your longer runs. We can’t promise Lewis’s lightening speed, but Puma’s latest range will certainly nudge you closer to life in the fast lane.
Here’s how to get that F1 fitness look with the best workout trainers and best workout clothes:
Formula 1 shoes
1 of 5Puma Hybrid Astro trainers
These are great looking shoes that offer the works. This top-of-the-range model features heel-to-toe cushioning and that all-important energy return. In the past Puma shoes tend to be a little harder underfoot; not the case with these shoes. We liked the soft feel and the way the feel encourages you to pick up the pace on short, fast runs - 10km, that sort of distance. Puma's Newfit system is particularly interesting, with its customisable lace system making sure the shoe fits as it should.
2 of 5Puma Hybrid Fuego
This is your everyday kind of shoe, ready for the gym, ready for bit of running and good enough to kick back and walk the dog in- perfect really! It features Puma's new Hybrid Foam, which really does offer much more cushioning than Puma of old. They've gone to town on the fit, with that sock-like feel that newer running shoes feature, so great job there. Don't run hundreds of miles in these shoes, but do get a few in on the treadmill before your session. An everyday all-rounder with comfort in mind.
3 of 5Puma Hybrid Sky
Fashionistas out there, this could be the running shoe you're looking for. This will offer a bit of a statement and fit and feel good while doing so! You won't see hard core long distance runners in these shoes, but Puma's Hybrid Foam does offer enough cushioning and response to make these a great shoe for anyone who fancies themselves as a bit of a sprinter. You can run short and sharp distances in them definitely they're good for a light gym session so good for your summer wardrobe where style and performance are key elements.puma.com
4 of 5Aussie Grit Flint Bike Shorts
For something as ordinary as a pair of shorts, it's amazing to see how much design has gone into them. Truly, these shorts are all about fitness and performance. The four-way stretch fabric allows you to move as you should when running and they're super light - great for the summer, but what we love most is the thought behind them. Even the heftiest smartphone out there fits into the great phone pocket with is hidden on the inner lining. Run as far as you want and it won't move around. Superb! There's also a lasercut eyelet on the outer allows headphones to connect with device in lining pocket. These are shorts to remember!
5 of 5Aussie Grit light gilet
This is a great addition to your wardrobe as design and performance are central to its construction. Basically, it's a great bit of kit to throw in your kit bag and have to hand if the summer turns a little, well British. It'll keep your core warm on cool blustery days and as with all Aussie Grit clothing, there's loads of storage, increasingly important in our phone carrying, MP3 listening world we all live in!