There is a new fitness trend taking over the globe – Hyrox! And the first championship is coming to South Africa on 21 September. But what is it exactly? And why has it become so popular? We break down what the Hyrox workout is, what it’s good for and also what makes it different to CrossFit – and why you might want to try it out.
What is Hyrox?
Whether you’ve seen it on social media or heard fitness enthusiasts buzzing about it at your local gym, Hyrox has become the latest workout craze and for good reason. Hyrox is a unique fitness race that combines functional strength training with endurance exercises in a standardised competition format.
The event consists of a 1-kilometre run, followed by one functional workout station, repeated eight times. Participants complete exercises like rowing, ski erg, sled pushes, burpee broad jumps and wall balls, creating a balance of strength, power and cardiovascular endurance.
At first glance, Hyrox may look similar to CrossFit, but there are some key differences. While both emphasise functional fitness, Hyrox follows a more standardised format. CrossFit workouts are highly varied, with different workouts of the day. In contrast, Hyrox uses the same workout structure in every event. The standardised nature of the event allows competitors to compare their times and progress, regardless of location, making it appealing to athletes who thrive on competition and tracking personal improvements. In addition to this, because the movements are not as technical as CrossFit and there are a set number of reps, you may be less likely to get injured.
But why has Hyrox become so popular?
Hyrox’s popularity stems from its accessibility and inclusivity. Unlike some fitness challenges that require advanced techniques, Hyrox’s workout stations are simple yet effective, making it a sport for both beginners and seasoned athletes. There are multiple race categories (from beginners to elite), ensuring that everyone can participate at their own level. The blend of cardio and strength exercises in one event also makes it highly efficient for anyone looking to boost overall fitness and achieve both strength gains and weight loss.
Benefits of Hyrox
- It’s well rounded: Hyrox is designed to be a very well-rounded test of fitness, blending cardio endurance and functional strength training.
- It’s got great fat-burning potential. Because of its unique mix of cardio like running and rowing, combined with strength training moves like sled pushes and weighted lunges, it is an ideal workout to burn fat and build lean muscle.
- Hyrox workouts can help you with everyday tasks. The Hyrox workouts mimic real-life movements, such as lifting, pushing, pulling and carrying. The functional movements help to build muscle endurance that can help you prevent injuries in real life.
- The workouts help to improve cardiovascular health, increasing your stamina and endurance over time. This could also help prevent your risk of heart disease and stroke.
If you’re looking to mix up your fitness routine or challenge yourself to trying something new, check out our exercise videos and workout programmes or healthy eating guides on our ClickFit portal: https://clickfit.co.za/products/