Hyrox: The Latest Craze

Hyrox finds itself in an interesting position. While it may not be a household name yet, it has grown so popular that UK events now require ticket lotteries due to high demand.

This fitness phenomenon, blending elements of sport, racing, and a workout trend, has become a social media hit in its eight years of existence.

Its dedicated followers, who label themselves as "evangelists," are passionate about spreading the word.

Since the inaugural event in Hamburg, which attracted 650 participants, Hyrox has expanded rapidly.

According to its official website, over 90,000 athletes and 50,000 spectators participated across more than 40 global races in 2023.

With "Blue Monday" often marking the day new year's fitness goals falter, could Hyrox be the fresh challenge you need to stay motivated?

What Exactly is Hyrox?

Hyrox was established in 2017 as an indoor competition where participants alternate between a 1-kilometer run and eight distinct fitness exercises. These workouts include:

• 1 km on a standing ski machine
  
  
• 50 m sled push
  
  
• 50 m sled pull
  
  
• 80 m burpee jumps
  
  
• 1 km rowing
  
  
• 200 m kettlebell carry
  
  
• 100 m lunges with a sandbag
  
  
• 100 wall ball throws
  
  

The competition features both singles and doubles races, with world championships held annually.

Notably, the 2024 championship in France debuted a nationality-based relay event.

While Hyrox shares similarities with CrossFit, its exercises are more straightforward, emphasizing endurance rather than sheer strength.

Why is Hyrox So Popular?

Hyrox's appeal lies in two primary factors: accessibility and visibility. The format is inclusive, aiming to attract a wide range of participants.

Contestants earn patches (rather than medals) to showcase on their gym bags, while "Training Club Tuesdays" encourage users to tag gyms that host Hyrox classes.

Three-time world champion Lauren Weeks describes the experience as both challenging and approachable.

"There’s pride in knowing that someone with no fitness background can train for months and complete it," she says.

She also praises the event's lively atmosphere, comparing it to professional competitions. "From the hype person to the DJ playing upbeat music, Hyrox makes everyone feel like a pro," she adds.

'Becoming a Hyrox Evangelist'

Weeks herself wasn’t always a professional. She discovered Hyrox in 2019 as a nursing trainee, introduced by a friend.

She has since won multiple titles, including the women’s world championship in 2020, 2021, and 2023—just 10 months after giving birth, having also competed while seven months pregnant.

For many, Hyrox is less about winning and more about personal achievement. UK-based personal trainer Lucy Gabriel, who first joined on a friend’s suggestion, now competes as both an amateur and a professional. She has also certified as a Hyrox coach and judge.

Gabriel compares the event to a marathon, saying, "It’s about self-improvement, not just competing. I see inspiring women on the track who push me to do better rather than as rivals."

Growing Pains of a Rapidly Expanding Sport

The rapid growth of Hyrox hasn’t come without challenges. Both Weeks and Gabriel express concerns about its accessibility as popularity soars.

Initially, events sold out primarily in the UK, but now it’s a global trend. According to Weeks, "Ticket demand is so high in the UK that lotteries are necessary, making it harder for some to secure spots."

She encourages UK participants to consider attending events in Germany or Italy, where availability may be better.

Meanwhile, Gabriel highlights issues caused by FOMO (fear of missing out), noting that some people buy tickets quickly only to resell them closer to the event.

A Fitness Movement to Watch

Hyrox continues to gain traction amid its logistical challenges. Whether you're an aspiring athlete or simply looking for a new fitness goal, this inclusive sport offers a path to endurance and achievement.

Who knows? You might become the next self-proclaimed "Hyrox evangelist."

Source: bbc

The opinions shared in the GymNation blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.