I have done something incredibly stupid. I have signed up to do a HYROX race.
It was an impulse decision, I admit it, and I am already wondering if I am absolutely mad for diving in head first like this, but hey ho, I’ve paid for it now, so I’m going.
I will explain what a HYROX is shortly, but the name is a mashup of the words hybrid and rockstar. Hybrid, because a HYROX is a hybrid event of running and strength exercises, and rockstar because participants are supposed to feel like the rockstars of fitness.
They take place all over the world, it’s a global brand, and it is incredibly popular.
I missed the Manchester HYROX by a few days, but there are several races in London in March, so I signed up to one of those. It will also give me a chance to see some of my old girl friends from Uni who live down there.
Although I definitely won’t be going out on the town the night before I attempt this beast! 🫣🥵
What Even Is HYROX And Why Is It Everywhere?
HYROX, for the uninitiated – which included me until two days ago – is basically a big indoor fitness race. Half convention, half workout. It’s more or less lots of running broken up with gym style strength exercise sessions. And people love it.
The format is the same every time. A 1km run around the track, then you jump onto one of the 8 functional fitness exercises, then do another 1km before the next exercise. So 8km of running in total and 8 exercise stations, which are:
- SkiErg (1000m)
- Sled Push (50m)
- Sled Pull (50m)
- Burpee Broad Jumps (80m)
- Rowing (1000m)
- Farmer’s Carry (200m)
- Sandbag Lunges (100m)
- Wall Balls (100 reps)
It’s all very well organised, very intense, and very intimidating. Certainly not something I had pictured myself doing a few hours before I signed up.
What made me take interest though, was how normal a lot of the people taking part looked. They weren’t influencer types or professional athletes. They looked like regular people with regular jobs, who probably don’t get enough sleep, and probably eat too much junk.
This is what gave me the confidence to sign up. I used to be in shape, and I try to do some exercise every week when the rest of my life isn’t getting in the way. If other normal people can do the HYROX then so can I!
Right? 😬🤪
The Fitness Competition For Every Body
The tagline of HYROX is “The Fitness Competition For Every Body”, so it is targeting anyone and everyone.
Nothing involved requires expert levels of fitness or skill, although it makes sense to try all of the exercises before you go. I will certainly be doing a bit of training to get my body in the right frame of mind – I’ll have to dig my gym shorts out 😂💪
While it is competitive – it’s a race after all – it’s a bit like a marathon. There are so many people taking part that you’re only really competing against yourself. No one is going to be watching you specifically, because they are all focussed on their own race.
Super fit people do take part, but there is a slightly different option for them called HYROX Pro. They have heavier weights and things like that.
There are a few ways to do it:
- Open Singles – The standard race aimed at regular gym goers of all ages and fitness levels.
- Pro Singles – The same race but with heavier weights and demands. Aimed at serious athletes.
- Doubles – Compete with a friend and split the load during exercise stations.
- Relay – Teams of four split the race so each person does 2km of running and 2 workout stations.
I’m doing the Open Singles, which I might regret because some of those exercise stations look a bit mental, but at least no one I know will be there to watch me fail!
The format of the race is exactly the same for everyone, but how much you do and how hard each station is are changed depending on the type of race you go for.
Will I Regret This?
I don’t think so. I think it will be great fun!
It’s a bit intimidating – lots of people, lots of noise, lots of much fitter participants than me – but from all the comments I’ve read from people who have done it I have no reason to feel that way. I did a Tough Mudder once and it sounds like a similar vibe: everyone just getting on with it at their own pace.
My fella might regret it because it cost us £125 entry plus the same again in train fare 😱 but I will have a lovely time 😂
Plus, it’s good to do things that scare you. Especially at my age. If nothing else it gives me the impetus to get off the sofa at night and go to the gym so I have a fighting chance of completing the thing!
Only a few weeks ago I was trying to buy myself back in shape by using one of those vibration plate things (spoiler: they don’t work, don’t bother), and now look at me, off to do a HYROX. It’s one extreme to the other with me 🤦♀️
Wish me luck – I’ll need it!