What is Hyrox?

Functional Fitness Racing .... urmm... What?

Described as:

A global fitness race for Every Body. Participants from all around the world compete in the exact same format. The race starts with a 1 km run, followed by 1 functional movement, which repeats 8 times, taking place in large indoor venues, creating a unique stadium like atmosphere for all participants.

Hyrox Race Format

Hyrox has several different formats:

• Open
• Individual Pro
• Doubles
• Relay

Open: Individually take on the Hyrox Standard Format

Pro: For experienced racers, this format introduces heavier weights to provide more of a challenge

Doubles: A tag team of either mixed, male, female. Defaults to men standards if doing mixed doubles. Individuals are allowed to split up the exercises as much or little as needed but both participants must complete all of the 8k+ running together.

Note: There is different standards for men / women e.g. 4kg wall ball vs 6kg

e.g. Mens Individual Open Format

What is a Hyrox Race?

A race that combines running and power endurance.

It requires over 8k of running and sustained power for extended periods of time.

The demands of race also require a good combination of strength, cardio and lower body pull.

Where did Hyrox come from?

Founded by Christian Toetzke, Michael Trautmann and Moritz Fuerste in Germany.

As of 2022 - Hyrox is in 8 markets (Netherlands, UK, Germany, Austria etc) and has plans to take over the entire world!

History of Hyrox

Where does Hyrox take place?

Hyrox is an indoor event only. It takes place in multiple countries.

You can find a race near to you: https://hyrox.com/find-my-race/

What is the average time for Hyrox?

Normally the race will take between 1h - 1h 45. The average male time is 1h 30.

Given the sport is rather new, standards are tightening meaning averages are changing.

How do I explain this to my friends?

Urm.. it is difficult.

It’s a functional fitness race that is most closely aligned to Crossfit, Spartan, Tough Mudder however it takes place indoors with a closer alignment to what people are doing in the gym.

I often just explain the race format that’s often enough to get it across to the person that its bloody hard!

Pro tip: It’s a great way to memorise the station order!

Why is Hyrox becoming so popular?

Hyrox allows participants to express in a race all the hard work that they putting in at the gym and to test their fitness, in some ways its the crescendo for a season training.

Given the popularity of Crossfit in the last 20 years, it is not surprising Hyrox is become popular. Unlike Crossfit, Hyrox is open to all and doesn’t require technical lifts that are potentially dangerous to novices.

This makes it a rather unique product at the moment.

Which Format should I do?

For beginners I would recommend the doubles unless you a numpty like me.

As stated before the demands are high and mostly likely as a beginner the doubles will be a better introduction to Hyrox.

For regular gym goers or strong runners an individual race in the open is totally possible

https://hyrox.com/find-my-level/

Further Reading:

Podcast with Christian Toetzke
Official Hyrox FAQ
Find your Race