What is HYROX and why is it a trend?

The HYROX concept represents a revolution in the world of fitness. HYROX is a sports competition that combines 8-kilometer runs interspersed with strength and endurance sessions. 

In the last three years, more than 40,000 people in Spain have joined this discipline, making it one of the European countries with the highest number of enthusiasts.

If you're not familiar with this competition, here's why it's attracting so many crossfitters around the world.

What is HYROX?

HYROX is a global fitness competition that combines elements of endurance, strength and functional exercises in a standardized format designed to test athletes of all levels. Unlike other fitness competitions, Hyrox is structured so that each event is identical regardless of where in the world it is held, allowing participants to compare their results globally.

What is an event at HYROX like?

Competition structure

The Hyrox format is simple:

1 km race + 1 functional station

This cycle is repeated 8 timestotaling 8 km of running and 8 functional stations. Athletes wear a chip to time the race.

what is hyrox
Photo by sportograf.com

In all HYROX events you will always find these tests in this orderThe weights vary only according to the category:

1 km Run
1 km from SkiErg (at Concept2 SkiErg)
1 km run
50 m Sled Push (75 kg - 175 kg*)
1 km run
50 m Sled Pull (50 kg - 125 kg*)
1 km run
80 m Burpee Broad Jump
1 km run
1 km from Row (in the Concept2 rowing machine)
1 km run
200 m Farmers Carry (16 kg - 32 kg*)
1 km run
100m Lunges (10kg - 30kg*)
1 km run
100 / 75* repetitions Wall Balls (4 kg - 9 kg*)

Categories

The structure allows competing individually or in pairs. 

  • Open: for fitness enthusiasts who want to give it a try.
  • PRO: For more experienced athletes, heavier weights are used in the functional exercise stations.
  • Doubles: Share the fun with a partner. Teams can be HH/MM/MH.
  • Double Relay: Divide the run into four segments, so that each member completes 2 km running and performs the corresponding training station.

Origin of HYROX

HYROX was born in 2017 in Germany and has quickly grown in popularity. 

The event was created to combine running with strength and endurance training, assessing fitness level in a unique way. The organizers wanted a format that would challenge both runners and strength athletes. 

Today, the competition is an international event with thousands of participants and is organized in several countries and continents.

what is a hyrox event
Photo by sportograf.com

What does the word HYROX mean?

The name "Hyrox" has no specific meaning. It is said to have been created by the founders during a night out, when they merged the words "hybrid" and "rockstar".

¿Why is HYROX successful?

  • Standardization: Participants know exactly what the test will be like, with no surprises. The exercises, the order, the weights... everything is known, making it easier to prepare.
  • Motivation: In addition, the fact that all events are identical allows brands to be comparable worldwide.
  • Simplicity: This is not to say that it is easy, but the test exercises are not technically difficult.
  • Accessibility: The accessibility of the event has attracted participants of different levels. The competition does not require prior qualification. This allows anyone to compete.
  • Inclusive: There are several categories in which to participate, including not only age differentiation but also in pairs.  
  • In vogue among CrossFit practitioners: It is a very attractive option for crossfitters because it combines well-known and mastered movements.

Health benefits

HYROX fuses strength exercises with endurance runs, creating a balanced training formula, known as hybrid trainingwhich provides numerous health benefits. 

Participants strengthen their cardiovascular system and develop greater muscle strength. 

And this translates into better physical endurance and increased daily energy. 

benefits of practicing hyrox
Photo by sportograf.com

HYROX vs CrossFit 

As mentioned above, a HYROX race includes exercises that are well known to crossfitters, so the two sports have a lot in common.

In common with CrossFit

  • It is based on functional exercises
  • Includes race (endurance)

Difference with CrossFit

  • In a competition of HYROX all tests are clear beforehandwhile in a competition of CrossFit may introduce new movements/exercises never seen before. The athlete is expected to be able to cope in the best way with the skills acquired in their training.
  • The exercises of HYROX are basic exercises. At CrossFit includes complex technical movements.
  • To compete in CrossFit usually requires a qualifier.while in HYROX you only need to register for the race of your choice..
  • In a competition of CrossFit may have outdoor testing while HYROX es 100% indoors.
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