Why Hyrox Is Taking Over the Fitness World
Posted by Gym Direct,
8th July 2025
How Hyrox Became a Global Fitness Obsession
Over the past few years, Hyrox has exploded from a niche European event into a global fitness phenomenon, pulling in thousands of everyday athletes, from beginners to elite competitors. From sold-out arenas in Europe to jam-packed events like Hyrox Sydney 2025, Hyrox Melbourne 2025, and Hyrox Brisbane 2025, one thing is clear: this hybrid sport is more than just a trend—it’s a full-blown movement.
But what’s behind the sudden boom? Why are fitness fanatics swapping their CrossFit gyms and marathon training plans for this new beast of a workout? Let’s dive in.
What Is Hyrox?
Hyrox is a competitive fitness race designed to test both your strength and endurance in a single event. Think of it as the lovechild of a CrossFit competition and a long-distance endurance race—but more accessible and standardised.
Each race follows the same format, regardless of where it's held:
✅ 1 km run
✅ Followed by 1 functional workout station
✅ Repeat 8 times
That’s 8 km of running and 8 gruelling workout stations, which include ski erg, sled push, sled pull, burpee broad jumps, rowing, farmers carry, sandbag lunges, and wall balls.
It’s predictable—but brutal.
What Does Hyrox Stand For?
The name “Hyrox” combines ‘hybrid’ (for its mixed modality format) and ‘rocks’ (to signify its tough, rock-solid challenge). It’s not just a catchy name; it captures the soul of the event—a hybrid of functional strength and endurance racing that rocks your body to its core.
Why Is Hyrox Suddenly So Popular?
There’s something addictive about Hyrox. Here’s why everyone from gym rats to weekend warriors is jumping in:
1. It's Relatable
The exercises are common: sled pushes, rowing, running—nothing fancy or acrobatic. If you’ve been to a gym, you’ve likely done most of these movements.
2. 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—your time, your ranking, your improvements—which fuel motivation.”
Unlike CrossFit, which changes events frequently, every Hyrox race has the exact same format worldwide. This makes it easier to train for, compare times, and set personal goals.
3. You Don’t Have to Be Elite
There’s a category for everyone—Open, Pro, Doubles, and even Relay Teams. You’re not competing against a wildcard workout; you’re competing against yourself (and maybe a mate).
"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."
The 8 Hyrox Workout Stations: What They Are & How to Crush Them
So what are these legendary exercises that Hyrox athletes keep talking about? Let’s break down each of the 8 Hyrox workout stations, how to do them, and why they’re amazing for your body.
1. Ski Erg (1,000m)
What it is: Think cross-country skiing—but standing still. You pull handles downward in a powerful “double-pole” motion.
How to do it:
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Stand tall, feet hip-width apart.
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Grip the handles above your head.
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Pull them forcefully down toward your thighs, bending at the hips slightly.
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Keep your core tight and chest up.
Benefits:
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Excellent cardio burner
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Hits your lats, triceps, and core
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Low impact on joints
2. Sled Push (50m)
What it is: You push a heavy sled down the track as fast as you can.
How to do it:
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Grip the sled handles firmly.
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Lower your chest, and maintain a flat back.
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Drive through your legs, pushing explosively.
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Stay consistent—don’t stop mid-lane!
Benefits:
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Builds brutal lower-body power
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Boosts cardiovascular capacity
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Mimics real-life strength demands
Credit to Hybird Athlete Club
3. Sled Pull (50m)
What it is: Same sled—but now you’re pulling it toward you instead of pushing.
How to do it:
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Hold the rope in both hands.
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Lean back slightly, brace your core.
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Pull hand-over-hand, using your upper body and legs.
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Keep tension on the rope to prevent slack.
Benefits:
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Crushes your grip strength
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Works your back, arms, and core
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Challenges your coordination under fatigue
4. Burpee Broad Jumps (80m)
What it is: A savage combo of burpees and broad jumps.
How to do it:
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Drop into a burpee (chest to floor).
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Jump forward as far as possible.
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Repeat until you’ve covered the distance.
Benefits:
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Full-body conditioning
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Boosts explosive power
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Burns massive calories
5. Rowing (1,000m)
What it is: Classic indoor rowing for distance.
How to do it:
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Sit tall, strap your feet in.
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Drive with your legs first.
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Lean back slightly, pull the handle to your chest.
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Return smoothly.
Benefits:
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Fantastic low-impact cardio
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Strengthens legs, core, and upper body
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Great rhythm builder for pacing
Credit to Roxlyfe
6. Farmers Carry (200m)
What it is: Carry two heavy kettlebells or dumbbells at your sides and walk.
How to do it:
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Grip the weights tightly.
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Stand tall, shoulders back.
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Walk briskly without leaning or twisting.
Benefits:
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Torches your grip and forearms
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Engages your core
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Improves posture and stability
7. Sandbag Lunges (100m)
What it is: Lunges with a sandbag on your shoulders.
How to do it:
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Rest the sandbag across your upper back.
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Step forward into a deep lunge.
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Drive back up and repeat with the opposite leg.
Benefits:
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Builds single-leg strength
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Develops balance and coordination
-
Tests your mental grit
Credit to Roxlyfe
8. Wall Balls (100 reps)
What it is: Squat and launch a wall ball to a target height on the wall.
How to do it:
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Hold the ball at chest height.
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Drop into a squat.
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Explode upward, tossing the ball to hit the target.
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Catch it and repeat.
Benefits:
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Full-body power exercise
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Torches your legs and shoulders
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Serious cardio finisher
Hyrox Training Guide For Beginners
So you're keen to try it out? Smart move. Here's how to prep for your first race:
Build Your Engine
Running is half the battle—literally. Incorporate long runs, interval training, and sprints into your routine.
Train Functionally
Work on the 8 Hyrox stations listed above. If you don’t have access to a sled, mimic the movement with a weighted prowler or incline treadmill.
Combine Strength + Cardio
Hyrox is a metabolic monster. Try hybrid workouts that combine running and strength moves back-to-back with minimal rest.
Practice Transitions
The clock never stops. Get used to going from running to functional stations while fatigued. You’ll thank yourself later.
How Hyrox Doubles Works
Doubles are the perfect intro for newbies or a fun challenge for fit couples and training buddies.
Here’s how it works:
✅ Both partners run all 8 km together
✅ They split the functional workouts however they like
This format takes some pressure off, encourages teamwork, and is a great way to experience the Hyrox buzz without going full solo beast mode.
Hyrox Workout VS CrossFit: What’s the Difference?
Feature | Hyrox | CrossFit |
Format | Fixed: 8 x 1km run + 8 workouts | Varies daily (WODs) |
Accessibility | High | Moderate (requires skill progression) |
Equipment | Standard gym gear | Olympic lifts, rigs, and gymnastics |
Competition Style | Endurance + Functional Strength | High-skill + varied intensities |
In short, Hyrox is more endurance-based, and CrossFit is more skill-heavy. But both are tough as nails.
The Rise of Hyrox Events in Australia
Australia’s fitness scene has caught the Hyrox fever. After successful launches in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, events like Hyrox Sydney 2025, Hyrox Melbourne 2025, and Hyrox Brisbane 2025 have already delivered massive crowds and electric atmospheres.
The Aussie vibe—gritty, competitive, and community-focused—makes it the perfect setting for this kind of event. Expect loud crowds, sweaty high-fives, and plenty of PBs.
What Makes a Hyrox Athlete?
You don’t need to be a marathon runner or powerlifter. The ideal Hyrox athlete is:
✅ Well-rounded
✅Mentally tough
✅Consistent in training
✅Hungry for a challenge
It’s not about being the best; it’s about pushing your limits and showing up.
Hyrox Tips for Beginners
✅Pace Yourself: The excitement can make you go too hard early. Don’t.
✅Train Like It’s Race Day: Mimic the full 8-run, 8-workout format.
✅Dial in Your Nutrition: Carb up beforehand, hydrate well, and bring electrolytes.
✅Use Chalk (Seriously): Sweaty hands and farmers’ carries don’t mix.
✅Smile on the Wall Balls: Or at least try to.
The Community Is Everything
More than the race itself, the Hyrox community is what hooks people. Whether you’re cheering from the sidelines, grinding through your first race, or coming back for redemption, everyone’s got your back.
You’re not just doing a workout—you’re joining a global crew that thrives on effort, not ego.
Will You Join the Hype?
Whether you’re chasing a podium or just looking for something new to train for, Hyrox is a breath of fresh (and sweaty) air in the fitness world. It’s predictable yet punishing, scalable yet savage—and it’s not going anywhere.
So if you're in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane in 2025, maybe it's time to stop watching from the sidelines and start running toward your own Hyrox moment.
FAQs
What does Hyrox stand for?
Hyrox combines “hybrid” and “rocks”—representing a hybrid endurance and strength race that seriously rocks your body.
Is Hyrox harder than CrossFit?
Different beasts. Hyrox is longer and more endurance-based, while CrossFit includes complex, skill-heavy movements. Hyrox is tough, but more predictable.
How do I train for Hyrox if I don’t have all the equipment?
You can modify exercises! Push a sled alternative like a prowler or incline treadmill. Use dumbbells for carries, or simulate wall balls with a slam ball.
Can beginners do Hyrox Doubles?
Absolutely. Hyrox Doubles lets you share the workload with a partner, making it the perfect entry point for newcomers.
Are Hyrox and F45 the same?
Nope—they’re quite different! F45 is a group fitness class with varied daily workouts focused on functional training and intervals. Hyrox is a standardised race with running and eight fixed workout stations, designed for competition and tracking personal performance globally.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general guidance and informational purposes only. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice or consultation. Always consult with a qualified fitness trainer or healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regimen or making significant changes to your fitness routine, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or health concerns. The authors and publishers of this article do not assume any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the content and shall not be held liable for any direct, indirect, or consequential damages arising from the use of information contained herein. You are solely responsible for your health and fitness decisions, and any actions you take based on the information presented in this article are at your own risk.
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