Leon Alonso 
Founder
With more global competitors than ever signing up to events across the world
Are PBs and muscle gains all the gym has to offer? It feels like that sometimes, which makes it hard to stay motivated. It’s why gymheads are obsessed with Hyrox. Yes, the functional fitness challenge has given 650,000 athletes and counting – around the world a whole new reason to hit the gym.
A Hyrox race takes a killer mix of well-known (and generally avoided) workouts and weaves them into an 8k run. Each kilometre is broken up by a different functional workout station, including horrors like sled pushes, burpee broad jumps and sandbag lunges.
Aside from the $350,000 prize money up for grabs, and the highly ‘grammable arenas, Hyrox has one standout hook. It remains true to its claim of being ‘the fitness competition for every body’, which is why it is is drawing in a whole new wave of competitors. Gym-goers of all abilities have quickly realised that with a bit of graft (and a lot of sweat), anyone can learn the ropes and successfully cross the finish line.
The same game, every time
As humans, we’re hardwired for self-growth, and Hyrox is the perfect playground to zero in on your progress because the course stays the exact same, no matter where in the world you race.
“People want to train for something,” says Andrew Gillis, PT, Hyrox Pro and co-founder of Resilience Fitness. “Hyrox gives them a clear goal to work toward. It also provides tangible progress metrics metrics – your time, – your time, your ranking, your improvements – which fuels motivation.”
“The standardised Hyrox format has been pivotal to the sport’s growth,” he continues. “The repeatable race structure adds a continuous improvement element to how you train. It also ensures there is consistency in the way judging and scoring is conducted across all events.”
The race’s predictability is like rocket fuel for new Hyrox addict Keval Patel: “The consistency means I can compare my performance against myself and others across different events, which adds an exciting competitive edge. It also takes away any uncertainty around the course, allowing me to focus purely on my execution.”
Patel, 34, is among many Hyroxers turning Hyrox events into mini getaways: “Travelling for Hyrox adds another layer of motivation. It’s a great way to experience new cities while having a structured goal to work towards. Out of my 11 Hyrox races, half of them were abroad – my city breaks have now turned into fitness holidays. I’m almost certain I’ve spent £2.5k on Hyrox-related activities in the last two years but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Courtesy of Hyrox
Hyrox is making athletes less one-dimentional
The fitness world loves to box people into having “their thing”, and sticking with it. But Hyrox is making this notion a thing of the past, creating a breed of athlete who can do it all.
“Hyrox is redefining what it means to be fit,” says Gillis. “Traditional gym culture often divides athletes into ‘strength’ or ‘cardio’ camps. Hyrox has shattered that mindset, ushering in the era of the Hybrid Athlete – someone who is both strong and well-conditioned.”
As with any successful venture, the founders noticed a gap in the market – one left wide open by its not-so-distance cousin, Crossfit. And people are really dialing in, as Gillis clearly lays out: “This balance is something CrossFit competitions never fully captured, and it’s why Hyrox is becoming a dominant force in the industry.”
“It has surpassed CrossFit in mainstream appeal because it allows the average person to train and compete at a high level without needing elite gymnastics skills or excessive weightlifting experience.”
Courtesy of Hyrox
Courtesy of Hyrox
The drive to prove yourself wrong
A trademark of Hyrox is the way it sparks that inner fire in us all, explains Jake Dearden, Hyrox Master trainer and Redbull athlete. “People like to know what they’re getting themselves into. Normally, they think the event is easier than it actually is and therefore they don’t train for it as much as they should. As soon as they compete in their first Hyrox they are humbled. This is what makes it addictive – they think they can do better, so they sign up to more races.’’
Eden Soning, 27, has competed two Hyrox events and credits adrenaline for her newly-found addiction: “It’s showed me I can really do anything I set my mind to, and I often reflect on how far I’ve come, not just physically, but mentally too. I have Hyrox to thank for that. The feeling after completing a hard, gruelling training session is unmatched. You constantly surprise yourself – the mental resilience you build is unlike any other.”
Courtesy of Hyrox
The sheer tenacity on a Hyrox floor is what caught the eye of Ben Diaper, 31, who lost his Hyrox virginity last November: “There was one competitor in particular who stood out to me on the day and left me in total awe. He was completing it on crutches, and I have since learned has Epiphyseal Dysplasia. What a guy. It served as a reminder that this event isn’t necessarily about being the fastest, but pushing your body, your mind and competing against yourself. We all have our individual reasons and I believe in a modern world where time seems to be more and more precious, competitions like Hyrox can give us all a much needed focus and passion outside of the daily routine.”
Courtesy of Hyrox
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Courtesy of Hyrox
Becoming part of a supportive community
Community is everything with Hyrox: like-minded people sharing the floor is at the heart of the sport. “It’s an incredible sport with an amazing community that just wants the best for you,” says Dearden. “People are genuinely there to better themselves.”
Gillis believes the camaraderie is a bonding agent: “The shared experience of pushing through a tough event together fosters a sense of belonging – which is a major reason people stick with Hyrox long-term.”
For Zoe Rae, Hyrox ambassador, the inclusivity is empowering: “I am by far the happiest I’ve been on my fitness journey since Hyrox. There’s all different body types and fitness abilities that take part. All you have to do is go and support at one and you’ll be incredibly inspired.”
The way the event is set up means you’re never without an extra boost – with volunteers stationed throughout to hype you up. “We help keep the event running smoothly while fostering a great community atmosphere,” says Baruch Labunski, a Hyrox volunteer. “The atmosphere at Hyrox is different to other sporting events. The facility is charged with enthusiasm and there are no cliques or comparaison talks. It’s wonderful.”
To sweeten the deal, no matter your fitness level, you have full reign over which division you compete in, whether that be elite, solo, doubles or relay. “We’re committed to inclusivity by offering several adaptive divisions with dedicated support ensuring the race is accessible to everyone,” says Mintra Tilly, Director of Sport at Hyrox. “Whether you’re racing solo or in a team, you’re part of a larger community of like-minded individuals who share the thrill of racing together.”
Courtesy of Hyrox
Courtesy of Hyrox
Rookie to pro, no one is left behind
The beauty with Hyrox is that anyone can throw their hat in the ring and own the challenge. All you need to do is familiarise yourself with the workouts – and invest in a solid pair of runners.
“Hyrox strikes the perfect balance between being demanding yet achievable – which is why the completion rate is over 98%,” says Gillis. “More casual fitness enthusiasts are giving Hyrox serious consideration – people who, a year ago, wouldn’t have thought about competing. And more professional athletes from other sports are entering Hyrox races, bringing fresh talent and visibility to the sport.”
“It’s completely accessible to everyone,” says Rae, whose training background in the Army propelled her to compete in (and win) Hyrox doubles with her husband. “The moves you do in a Hyrox are every day moves. The race is not too technical and completing one is a really achievable goal for a lot of people. Everyone who says to me ‘I don’t know where to start’, I always say just ‘book one!’ Yes, it’s tough, but it’s not as scary as it looks. The achievement of finishing one is completely unmatched. Just don’t forget to prioritise your running.”
Diaper shares his thoughts on taking the Hyrox leap: “As a novice, I figured a lot of the fitness I had been doing up until that point was transferable so I would be able to just go up there and take part. I did a simulation at my local PureGym to ensure I would be able to actually complete it (which I did) and then did some Hyrox-based workouts in the lead up to it. It was nerve-wracking but I got a decent time nonetheless. I was humbled and inspired.”
Zoe Rae and her husband Danny winning Hyrox Doubles at London Olympia.
For all ages
Take a scroll on Hyrox’s Instagram, and you’ll quickly see it’s not just chiselled abs and peak fitness. Hardcore athletes share the spotlight with participants in their sixties and seventies.
Gillis’ dad Patrick, at 64, he competed doubles last year with his son: “The chance to compete alongside my 38-year-old son in such an intense event was something I couldn’t pass up. Hyrox creates a unique opportunity to share an unforgettable experience with family and friends. I hope it inspires more fathers and sons, mothers and daughters to team up and take on the challenge together. Looking back, I know we’ll both say, ‘I’m so grateful we had this opportunity to compete and create this memory together’.”
Courtesy of Hyrox
Courtesy of Hyrox
It’s basically a fitness party
Designing a space where a gruelling workout feels like actual fun? Give these guys a trophy. “I’ve always referred to Hyrox as a mini fitness rave!,” says Rae. “The second you walk in there the music is booming and you can hear people cheering. I think [it makes] the competitive element a lot less scary!”
“The event production – from the music, branding, and race setup to the registration process – feels world-class,” says Gillis. “I’d compare the energy to a WWE Royal Rumble meets an elite-level endurance race. Whether you’re a first-time competitor or a seasoned athlete, the atmosphere makes you feel like you’re part of something big.”
Without a doubt, Hyrox’s future is looking hella bright, and Dearden is banking on something even bolder: “One day, it’ll be in the Olympics.” Only time will tell.
Courtesy of Hyrox
Are PBs and muscle gains all the gym has to offer? It feels like that sometimes, which makes it hard to stay motivated. It’s why gymheads are obsessed with Hyrox. Yes, the functional fitness challenge has given 650,000 athletes and counting – around the world a whole new reason to hit the gym.
A Hyrox race takes a killer mix of well-known (and generally avoided) workouts and weaves them into an 8k run. Each kilometre is broken up by a different functional workout station, including horrors like sled pushes, burpee broad jumps and sandbag lunges.
Aside from the $350,000 prize money up for grabs, and the highly ‘grammable arenas, Hyrox has one standout hook. It remains true to its claim of being ‘the fitness competition for every body’, which is why it is is drawing in a whole new wave of competitors. Gym-goers of all abilities have quickly realised that with a bit of graft (and a lot of sweat), anyone can learn the ropes and successfully cross the finish line.
The same game, every time
As humans, we’re hardwired for self-growth, and Hyrox is the perfect playground to zero in on your progress because the course stays the exact same, no matter where in the world you race.
“People want to train for something,” says Andrew Gillis, PT, Hyrox Pro and co-founder of Resilience Fitness. “Hyrox gives them a clear goal to work toward. It also provides tangible progress metrics metrics – your time, – your time, your ranking, your improvements – which fuels motivation.”
“The standardised Hyrox format has been pivotal to the sport’s growth,” he continues. “The repeatable race structure adds a continuous improvement element to how you train. It also ensures there is consistency in the way judging and scoring is conducted across all events.”
The race’s predictability is like rocket fuel for new Hyrox addict Keval Patel: “The consistency means I can compare my performance against myself and others across different events, which adds an exciting competitive edge. It also takes away any uncertainty around the course, allowing me to focus purely on my execution.”
Patel, 34, is among many Hyroxers turning Hyrox events into mini getaways: “Travelling for Hyrox adds another layer of motivation. It’s a great way to experience new cities while having a structured goal to work towards. Out of my 11 Hyrox races, half of them were abroad – my city breaks have now turned into fitness holidays. I’m almost certain I’ve spent £2.5k on Hyrox-related activities in the last two years but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Courtesy of Hyrox
Hyrox is making athletes less one-dimentional
The fitness world loves to box people into having “their thing”, and sticking with it. But Hyrox is making this notion a thing of the past, creating a breed of athlete who can do it all.
“Hyrox is redefining what it means to be fit,” says Gillis. “Traditional gym culture often divides athletes into ‘strength’ or ‘cardio’ camps. Hyrox has shattered that mindset, ushering in the era of the Hybrid Athlete – someone who is both strong and well-conditioned.”
As with any successful venture, the founders noticed a gap in the market – one left wide open by its not-so-distance cousin, Crossfit. And people are really dialing in, as Gillis clearly lays out: “This balance is something CrossFit competitions never fully captured, and it’s why Hyrox is becoming a dominant force in the industry.”
“It has surpassed CrossFit in mainstream appeal because it allows the average person to train and compete at a high level without needing elite gymnastics skills or excessive weightlifting experience.”
Courtesy of Hyrox
Courtesy of Hyrox
The drive to prove yourself wrong
A trademark of Hyrox is the way it sparks that inner fire in us all, explains Jake Dearden, Hyrox Master trainer and Redbull athlete. “People like to know what they’re getting themselves into. Normally, they think the event is easier than it actually is and therefore they don’t train for it as much as they should. As soon as they compete in their first Hyrox they are humbled. This is what makes it addictive – they think they can do better, so they sign up to more races.’’
Eden Soning, 27, has competed two Hyrox events and credits adrenaline for her newly-found addiction: “It’s showed me I can really do anything I set my mind to, and I often reflect on how far I’ve come, not just physically, but mentally too. I have Hyrox to thank for that. The feeling after completing a hard, gruelling training session is unmatched. You constantly surprise yourself – the mental resilience you build is unlike any other.”
Courtesy of Hyrox
The sheer tenacity on a Hyrox floor is what caught the eye of Ben Diaper, 31, who lost his Hyrox virginity last November: “There was one competitor in particular who stood out to me on the day and left me in total awe. He was completing it on crutches, and I have since learned has Epiphyseal Dysplasia. What a guy. It served as a reminder that this event isn’t necessarily about being the fastest, but pushing your body, your mind and competing against yourself. We all have our individual reasons and I believe in a modern world where time seems to be more and more precious, competitions like Hyrox can give us all a much needed focus and passion outside of the daily routine.”
Courtesy of Hyrox
Courtesy of Hyrox
Becoming part of a supportive community
Community is everything with Hyrox: like-minded people sharing the floor is at the heart of the sport. “It’s an incredible sport with an amazing community that just wants the best for you,” says Dearden. “People are genuinely there to better themselves.”
Gillis believes the camaraderie is a bonding agent: “The shared experience of pushing through a tough event together fosters a sense of belonging – which is a major reason people stick with Hyrox long-term.”
For Zoe Rae, Hyrox ambassador, the inclusivity is empowering: “I am by far the happiest I’ve been on my fitness journey since Hyrox. There’s all different body types and fitness abilities that take part. All you have to do is go and support at one and you’ll be incredibly inspired.”
The way the event is set up means you’re never without an extra boost – with volunteers stationed throughout to hype you up. “We help keep the event running smoothly while fostering a great community atmosphere,” says Baruch Labunski, a Hyrox volunteer. “The atmosphere at Hyrox is different to other sporting events. The facility is charged with enthusiasm and there are no cliques or comparaison talks. It’s wonderful.”
To sweeten the deal, no matter your fitness level, you have full reign over which division you compete in, whether that be elite, solo, doubles or relay. “We’re committed to inclusivity by offering several adaptive divisions with dedicated support ensuring the race is accessible to everyone,” says Mintra Tilly, Director of Sport at Hyrox. “Whether you’re racing solo or in a team, you’re part of a larger community of like-minded individuals who share the thrill of racing together.”
Courtesy of Hyrox
Courtesy of Hyrox
Rookie to pro, no one is left behind
The beauty with Hyrox is that anyone can throw their hat in the ring and own the challenge. All you need to do is familiarise yourself with the workouts – and invest in a solid pair of runners.
“Hyrox strikes the perfect balance between being demanding yet achievable – which is why the completion rate is over 98%,” says Gillis. “More casual fitness enthusiasts are giving Hyrox serious consideration – people who, a year ago, wouldn’t have thought about competing. And more professional athletes from other sports are entering Hyrox races, bringing fresh talent and visibility to the sport.”
“It’s completely accessible to everyone,” says Rae, whose training background in the Army propelled her to compete in (and win) Hyrox doubles with her husband. “The moves you do in a Hyrox are every day moves. The race is not too technical and completing one is a really achievable goal for a lot of people. Everyone who says to me ‘I don’t know where to start’, I always say just ‘book one!’ Yes, it’s tough, but it’s not as scary as it looks. The achievement of finishing one is completely unmatched. Just don’t forget to prioritise your running.”
Diaper shares his thoughts on taking the Hyrox leap: “As a novice, I figured a lot of the fitness I had been doing up until that point was transferable so I would be able to just go up there and take part. I did a simulation at my local PureGym to ensure I would be able to actually complete it (which I did) and then did some Hyrox-based workouts in the lead up to it. It was nerve-wracking but I got a decent time nonetheless. I was humbled and inspired.”
Zoe Rae and her husband Danny winning Hyrox Doubles at London Olympia.
For all ages
Take a scroll on Hyrox’s Instagram, and you’ll quickly see it’s not just chiselled abs and peak fitness. Hardcore athletes share the spotlight with participants in their sixties and seventies.
Gillis’ dad Patrick, at 64, he competed doubles last year with his son: “The chance to compete alongside my 38-year-old son in such an intense event was something I couldn’t pass up. Hyrox creates a unique opportunity to share an unforgettable experience with family and friends. I hope it inspires more fathers and sons, mothers and daughters to team up and take on the challenge together. Looking back, I know we’ll both say, ‘I’m so grateful we had this opportunity to compete and create this memory together’.”
Courtesy of Hyrox
Courtesy of Hyrox
It’s basically a fitness party
Designing a space where a gruelling workout feels like actual fun? Give these guys a trophy. “I’ve always referred to Hyrox as a mini fitness rave!,” says Rae. “The second you walk in there the music is booming and you can hear people cheering. I think [it makes] the competitive element a lot less scary!”
“The event production – from the music, branding, and race setup to the registration process – feels world-class,” says Gillis. “I’d compare the energy to a WWE Royal Rumble meets an elite-level endurance race. Whether you’re a first-time competitor or a seasoned athlete, the atmosphere makes you feel like you’re part of something big.”
Without a doubt, Hyrox’s future is looking hella bright, and Dearden is banking on something even bolder: “One day, it’ll be in the Olympics.” Only time will tell.
Courtesy of Hyrox
