Danica Patrick Shares Her Fitness Philosophy and Life After Racing

Danica Patrick is offering a refreshingly simple look at how she maintains her athletic physique years after stepping out of the race car. The 44-year-old former NASCAR and IndyCar star recently broke down her approach to fitness and nutrition, emphasizing a straightforward routine that includes lifting weights just three times a week and a diet heavy on protein and carbs.

Patrick took to her Instagram Stories to answer a common question about her defined abs. Her philosophy is built on consistency over complexity. She revealed she lifts weights a maximum of three times per week and took a full six weeks off from the gym this past summer. Her nutritional advice was equally direct. "I eat the [expletive] out of protein," she wrote, adding that she enjoys sourdough bread, rice, and potatoes without guilt. The former driver, who won the Indy Japan 300 in 2008, capped her explanation with a simple mantra: "Put in the work."

Away from the gym, Patrick is embracing an active retirement filled with travel and leisure. Just last month, she embarked on an epic golf trip to New Zealand with a group of girlfriends. The journey highlights how she channels her competitive spirit into new passions. This kind of adventure is a world away from the high-pressure environment of the Daytona 500, where she famously became the first woman to win a NASCAR Cup Series pole position in 2013. Her current lifestyle reflects a balance between disciplined health habits and enjoying the rewards of her trailblazing career.

Patrick's status as a pioneer continues to draw public interest, extending beyond sports into lifestyle and wellness. A recent feature explored her makeup-free appearance, a sign of her enduring presence in the public eye nearly two decades after her breakthrough. Fans remain captivated by her down-to-earth personality, which she first showed while competing against legends like Tony Stewart and Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the male-dominated world of motorsports. Her ability to stay relevant speaks to her impact as the only woman to win a major IndyCar race.

• KEY TAKEAWAYS: Danica Patrick maintains her fitness with a simple routine of weight training three times weekly and a protein-focused diet. She recently enjoyed a golf vacation in New Zealand with friends. Her legacy as the first woman to win an IndyCar race and a NASCAR pole ensures her lasting public appeal.