The number of official HYROX gyms in Manchester is building, and there’s little surprise. Since its conception in 2017, HYROX has quickly boomed in popularity. Last year, 45 Hyrox events were scheduled across 16 countries, including Europe, the UK, North America, the Middle East and Hong Kong, and it’s only set to get bigger. But what is HYROX, and why should you care?
HYROX is a global fitness race combining functional strength training, high intensity interval training (HIIT) and endurance training. It’s essentially the ultimate fitness challenge – MMA for gym bunnies – and ideal for anyone wanting to test their fitness levels (and mental fortitude) and embark on an extremely rewarding challenge.
What makes HYROX so great is that each race stays consistent across the globe, which enables global leaderboards and a cumulative World Championships at the end of each race season, attended by the top HYROX athletes of each competition year.
What is HYROX?
Put simply, HYROX is a fitness race which consists of eight rounds, each consisting of a 1km run and a different functional exercise. The race can be completed individually or divided up either between a team of two (doubles) or a team of four (relay).
HYROX exercises:
SkiErg
Sled push
Sled pull
Burpee broad jumps
Rowing
Farmers carry
Sandbag lunges
Wall balls
The benefits of HYROX training
The combination of functional strength and cardiovascular endurance makes HYROX training an ideal way to improve your overall fitness, strength and mobility all at once. But beyond that, HYROX can aid in fat loss, boost your mental wellbeing and even grow your social circle.
Improved fitness and athletic performance. All that running, jumping, rowing and throwing has to count for something, right? HYROX training can translate to better lifts, better run times and an all around improved athletic performance.
Aids in fat loss. Even if you don’t compete, taking part in two to three high-intensity, full body, hybrid workouts each week burns a lot of calories. Combined with good nutrition, HYROX is a sure-fire way to shed some pounds, if that’s what you’re after.
Everyday activities become easier. Due to the functionality of all the exercises, HYROX training can lead to better flexibility, mobility and strength which translates directly to everyday movements, like picking up your child or carrying the shopping. You’ll be more efficient and less prone to injury — what’s not to love?
Boosts your mental health. The link between regular exercise and improved mental well being is well-documented, so sticking to a HYROX training plan is likely to help keep your mental health in check. Not to mention, it’s basically impossible to finish a HYROX workout without feeling high on endorphins.
Opportunity to socialise. Since HYROX competitions are often completed as a team, and training sessions at Fighting Fit are done as a group, HYROX is an ideal way to widen your social circle. Even if you choose to train and compete alone, you’ll still meet new people at events.
Motivation to exercise. We all know the importance of regular exercise for overall health, but that doesn’t always mean we’re able to stick to it. Giving yourself a new challenge and committing to an event is a great way to stay on track.
HYROX vs CrossFit
On the surface, HYROX and CrossFit are fairly similar: two fitness competitions based on functional movement and high intensity cardio work. However, there are some key differences, namely in the format of the competitions and the selected exercises.
While CrossFit forces athletes to train for the unknown and prides itself on variety (there is no set guidance for which exercises can or should be included in a CrossFit competition), HYROX uses the same eight exercises and the same format at every single competition. Plus, running makes up 50% of a HYROX event, which is not the case for CrossFit.
Who is HYROX for?
We know what you’re thinking… but HYROX isn’t just for the ultra-fit marathon runners and hybrid athletes who exercise for a living. While not everybody can compete at the World Championships, HYROX prides itself on being “The Fitness Competition for Every Body” and is genuinely adaptable for all fitness levels.
In fact, you don’t even need to be a competitor. While HYROX races are a great way to test your abilities, you can reap all the same benefits just by turning up and training in the HYROX format week on week.
HYROX at Fighting Fit Manchester
Oh, and why should you care? Well, Fighting Fit is now an official HYROX gym, making it one of just seven HYROX-affiliated fitness gyms in central Manchester. This means members will get early access to competition dates, discounts on competition entries and kit and bespoke training programmes.
Our group HYROX classes run on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Find out more.
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