CrossFit vs HYROX: How do they differ?
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CrossFit and HYROX are two high-intensity functional training modalities that, although they share certain principles, they have significant differences in its structure, objectives and accessibility.
Below, we will explore these differences to help you decide which one best suits your goals and preferences.
CrossFit and HYROX differences
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Appearance |
CrossFit . |
HYROX . |
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Variety |
WODs are constantly changingkeeping motivation and avoiding monotony. |
All events follow the same structure, with the same exercises. . |
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Integral development |
It combines strength, endurance, speed, flexibility and coordination. |
ResistanceExcellent for improving cardiovascular capacity and functional strength. |
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Accessibility . |
Learning curveTechnical movements such as Olympic lifts require time and practice. Although everyone can practice it with the necessary adaptations. . |
Functional and technically simpler exercises than in CrossFit. . |
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Competitions |
The CrossFit season starts with the Open where everyone can sign up, but only the best advance. In the CrossFit Games only professionals compete. . |
Global competence: Times and results recorded at international level not only for professionals. . |
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Community . |
Very strong community: Inclusive and supportive environments in gyms. |
There is still a lot of growth in the sport and that sense of community. |
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Prices . |
Regular local competitions. Prices depend on the organizers but are usually less than 100€ per person. |
An individual registration to a race is worth more than 100€. . |
Basis of each training: history and definition
Developed by Greg Glassman in 2000, CrossFit is a fitness program that combines weight lifting, cardiovascular exercises and gymnastics. Its goal is to improve overall physical capacity through varied workouts known as WODs (Workouts of the Day).
Born in Germany in 2017, HYROX is a fitness competition that combines endurance running with functional exercises in a standardized format. Participants complete 8 kilometers of running, interspersed with 8 functional exercise stations.
Training structure
The daily workouts (WODs) are varied and include a wide range of movements, from Olympic lifts to gymnastic and cardiovascular exercises. They are not limited to the exercises already known but new exercises are added on a recurring basis in order to generate new adaptations and skills.. This variability seeks to develop multiple capabilities, including strength, endurance, speed and flexibility.
It is easier to prepare a priori as it is focused on completing the race as fast as possible with a fixed structure: running 1 kilometer + functional exercise station, repeating this cycle eight times, always in the same order.
In competition
Normally, the following are performed several WODs in one day and the competition usually lasts several days.. In addition, many times these WODs are not announced until the time of the test itself.
See eliminates the surprise factor as it is a fully standardized competition and the tests last approximately 1.5 hours.
Strength vs. running
Greater focus is placed on strength even though both indoor and outdoor running is included, it does not usually make up the majority of training or competitions.
It will always be necessary to complete 8 km, which is a significant part of the effort in the whole race.
Technical level
Although this sport does not require any prior knowledge to get started, advanced techniques are used in certain movements, such as the Olympic lifts. To make it inclusive, a variety of modifications are offered to suit each individual's level. In fact, for a long time there has been a belief that you needed to be "strong" to start CrossFit, generating some skepticism among those who wanted to try it.
The exercises are more technically accessible, with functional movements that most people can perform. This can be a major draw to reach a wider audience, including those new to fitness.
Community
It fosters strong relationships and a great sense of community where athletes train together and support each other.
While also promoting camaraderie, HYROX focuses more on individual competitions with a standardized format that allows participants to compare their performance on an overall level.
What to choose CrossFit or HYROX?
Both CrossFit and HYROX offer challenging trainings that can significantly improve your physical condition.
Both disciplines offer unique benefits that adapt to different profiles and objectives.
The most important thing will always be to stay where you find motivation because it will be the constancy in training that will generate the results.
- If you are looking for variety in your training
- You enjoy a strong community environment,
- If you prefer a structured competition with a fixed format that allows you to measure your progress on a consistent basis
- Yes you are not interested in learning more technical exercises.
- If you like to travel, completing a HYROX in another city can be a good excuse to unite two passions.
Why are many crossfitters starting to do HYROX?
In recent years, many professional CrossFit athletes have begun to dabble in Hyrox. There are several reasons for this:
- Easy transition: The tests that are evaluated in HYROX are movements that are already familiar to CrossFit practitioners, so "testing a run" may seem easy and appealing.
- Change of stimulus: Many athletes are looking for new challenges and variety in their training, and HYROX represents a new way to test their physical capabilities.
- Unfortunately, after the events of the last Games 2024 in which an athlete died in competition, many athletes are questioning the integrity of the brand and are looking for alternatives.
