Which sport requires the most out of an athlete?

[Rayme]

This discussion came up around one night I had a beer to many with my friend. We were discussing how hockey players needed to be in a better shape than footballs, as the plays are longer etc...teams switches players, etc.

Then I throw in a curve ball and said, I bet a formula 1 driver requires as much effort, no, more than all those pansy sports. Anyone here who went go karting for 15 minutes could say how sore you are after just a few laps, imagine sitting in that tiny freaking cabin for over an hour, giving no less than your 100% of your concentration non stop, experiences extreme G's in all directions, no breaks at all during the entire race (unless there's flag..etc.). I'd ever say MOTO GP riders are even higher up the scale. What you guys all think?

And then there's people saying motosports aren't really "sports" at all.

[ZionsWrath]

It really comes down to it being difficult to compare the different demands of each sport, especially when it comes to mental and physical, then factor in pain and perceived level of difficulty. Then there are X factors like "performance enhancers" that will skew data since no one really admits to using them. There are financial barriers to some sports as well which might make the sport seem more difficult to the average joe because they can't afford it and have no experience with it.

[7thgear]

MMA/Boxing

1 minute of intense physical confrontation will utterly exhaust 99.9% of the population

now imagine those athletes going for 12 rounds of 3 minutes or 5 rounds of 5 minutes or whatever

it is absolutely ridiculous.

[kask2_6.0]

Originally Posted by Rayme

This discussion came up around one night I had a beer to many with my friend. We were discussing how hockey players needed to be in a better shape than footballs, as the plays are longer etc...teams switches players, etc.

Then I throw in a curve ball and said, I bet a formula 1 driver requires as much effort, no, more than all those pansy sports. Anyone here who went go karting for 15 minutes could say how sore you are after just a few laps, imagine sitting in that tiny freaking cabin for over an hour, giving no less than your 100% of your concentration non stop, experiences extreme G's in all directions, no breaks at all during the entire race (unless there's flag..etc.). I'd ever say MOTO GP riders are even higher up the scale. What you guys all think?

And then there's people saying motosports aren't really "sports" at all.

Definitely don't have to be in top physical condition for Moto GP. The rider needs to stay light but a road course is so smooth it doesn't require much physical effort (yes, I have done it). Mental strength and lots of talent, yes. But physical conditioning, no. IMO Motocross is one of the most physically demanding motorsports. 35 min motos that consists fighting a 230+ lb bike through nonstop bumps and ruts. I've done an hour in a kart and it doesn't compare to even 5-10 min on a bike.

[GTB/ZR-1]

Originally Posted by 7thgear

MMA/Boxing

Agreed & not to mention the punishment they're receiving.

Back in the old days, there were no rounds--they just went til it finished--no time limits. Now THOSE were the absolute, best-conditioned athletes, ever--IMO...

I used to train 5-6 days a week back then & would push myself w/ no rest between sets, etc, after seeing those guys go @ it--MUCH respect...

[dem00n]

There was a time where flat track racing was considered the most demanding Motorsport of all time.

Imagine going around a corner on a motorbike side ways with your foot being the only thing keeping you from crashing into the wall? Did i mention you have to control a bike at the same time?

I can't find any good/non cheesy videos.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xfk1wvFOGGo"]Flat Track Racing at the SCC Fairgrounds - YouTube[/ame]

[Anthony]

I think I'm going to have to agree with the MMA folks. Factoring in mental focus, anyone who races in the Isle of Man TT needs to be incredibly focused and prepared just to get out alive, not even considering the whole trying-to-win part. But it really doesn't take that much physique. Technique, yes, but no gym requirements or anything like that. Definitely MMA.

[4agze]

I say swimming, in swimming from hands to feet and lungs are moving

[RurumariGhost]

www.toughmudder.com

ill just leave this here. Yes some out of shape people can complete a mudder, but look at worlds toughest. Having run cross country all through college, nothing prepared me for a tough mudder. I could run the whole time, but it was physically, mentally and emotionally draining. Swimming, mud, fire, electricity, tough mudder has it all! And yes I've run a spartan and a warrior dash as well and they don't even hold a candle to a tough mudder

[whaap]

Any one happen to watch the finals of the U.S. Open tennis match yesterday? When you consider three, four or more hours of the constant, continual physical exertion required I say it's the most physically demanding sport there is. There's no engine builder, pit crew, team mate or any one else to blame for a loss. It's all on you. On top of that you can't ask the coach to take you out for a few plays because you're exhausted.

[Ryuu0u]

MLG StarCraft.

[7thgear]

Originally Posted by Ryuu0u

MLG StarCraft.

i take back my statement about MMA

StarCraft takes it, no argument.

[FRSFirestorm]

I'm getting old. In my day I've done competitive football, baseball, basketball, tennis, shooting sports, trackday's on the sportbike. I rode offroad motorcycle for years and decided to give a motocross a try. Hands down, motocross was the most physically demanding thing I have ever done.

[n2oinferno]

Child-rearing. Is that a sport? I think it's a sport.