A New Fitness Craze is Going Global
Is HYROX the next big thing in the global fitness industry?
To find the answer I decided to check out the HYROX hype by attending the October 5th and 6th, 2024 HYROX event in Toronto. The event marked the sport’s debut in Canada, a major milestone for the rapidly growing fitness race series, which has already gained significant traction in Europe and the U.S. Toronto, known for its vibrant fitness community, provided an enthusiastic crowd of participants and spectators. The event brought participants from across the nation to explore new challenges and push their limits in strength and endurance.
The HYROX event includes nine events, participants complete a 1 km run followed by a functional workout, repeated across eight stations. As I walked around the venue and took in the nine events my senses were inundated by the music being pumped out, the yells and screams of the spectators and the effort, sweat, energy and positive vibes created by the participants. Athletes could compete individually, in pairs, or as part of a relay team, making the event accessible to all fitness levels. The race saw a mix of professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts taking part, creating a dynamic and inclusive atmosphere. The energy was tangible as competitors faced unique standards tailored to their divisions, showcasing a remarkable diversity of skill levels and commitment. From seasoned athletes to everyday fitness lovers, everyone was eager to test their mettle in this innovative fitness competition.
The Toronto HYROX event was non-stop, taking place over two days. HYROX provided a great experience for spectators, with live DJs, brand activations, and giveaways enhancing the event’s energy. I felt I was in a two-day fitness festival, a three (eight) ringed circus of sorts.
My attendance at the Toronto HYROX event piqued my interest in learning more about HYROX and how it compares to another popular fitness event, known as CrossFit.
HYROX was launched in Germany in 2017 by an international race organizer and a field-hockey player, HYROX’s appeal may lie in its relative painlessness. Unlike CrossFit, which involves barbell lifts and other difficult-to-master exercises, HYROX involves eight functional workouts including the farmer’s carry, rowing, and sled pull. Each HYROX “fitness race” consists of eight 1-km sprints, followed by a different workout, with a focus on beating a personal best rather than keeping up with pros.
Functional workouts and a focus on personal best goals are perhaps the reasons why HYROX has seen a boom in participation since 2019, with over 260,000 people expected to take part in 60 races this year. Gyms offer the HYROX program in 65 countries. There is a growing list of brand partnerships with organizations like Red Bull and PUMA Group, HYROX “connects the world’s training communities with a training methodology and a lifestyle that is accessible,” co-founder Moritz Fuerste says.
HYROX is gaining popularity due to several factors:
1. Accessibility: HYROX is designed for all fitness levels, making it appealing to both elite athletes and everyday fitness enthusiasts. The workouts combine functional fitness with endurance, strength, and conditioning, offering a well-rounded challenge that anyone can train for.
2. Standardization: Unlike CrossFit, which has variable workouts, HYROX events are standardized. Every competition features the same format (8 x 1 km runs followed by 8 functional workouts). This allows participants to compare their times at different events and locations, fostering a sense of personal competition and progression.
3. Hybrid Approach: HYROX blends endurance (running) with strength-based exercises (sled pushes, farmer’s carries, wall balls), creating a unique hybrid of fitness challenges that appeal to a wide range of athletes.
4. Community and Social Aspect: HYROX competitions emphasize camaraderie, with a strong focus on teamwork in the doubles and relay formats. This sense of community attracts fitness enthusiasts looking for shared experiences and group-based motivation.
5. Fitness Trend Growth: The global fitness trend is increasingly leaning towards functional training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). HYROX fits well within these trends, providing a structured yet intense workout.
6. Global Expansion and Sponsorship: As HYROX expands to more cities worldwide, its visibility is growing. Partnerships with fitness influencers, brands, and gyms are helping promote the sport.
While HYROX has not surpassed CrossFit in overall popularity, it is rapidly gaining traction within the fitness community, particularly among people looking for a different type of competitive fitness experience. Here’s how HYROX and CrossFit compare:
1. Global Reach: CrossFit remains a much larger and more established fitness movement, with thousands of affiliated gyms (CrossFit boxes) worldwide, an annual CrossFit Games, and a massive online and social media presence. HYROX, while growing quickly, is still relatively new and operates on a smaller scale in terms of global reach and events.
2. Different Audience Focus: CrossFit has cultivated a strong community with a wide range of participants, from everyday fitness enthusiasts to professional athletes. HYROX, while inclusive, has a narrower focus on hybrid endurance and strength challenges, appealing to runners, obstacle course racers, and CrossFit athletes looking for a more structured and predictable competition format.
3. Event Structure: CrossFit’s popularity is driven by the diversity of its workouts and the surprise element in competitions, which makes it exciting for many. HYROX, with its standardized events, is attractive to those who prefer measurable progress but hasn’t yet generated the same broad appeal as the varied nature of CrossFit.
4. Growth Trajectory: HYROX is rapidly expanding, particularly in Europe and North America, with more events, sponsorships, and media attention. While it may not have overtaken CrossFit, it’s positioning itself as a complementary competition, particularly for those who enjoy both running and functional fitness.
Although HYROX is growing in popularity and offers a unique alternative to CrossFit, it hasn’t yet surpassed CrossFit’s global influence or community size. Both cater to somewhat different audiences. What is clear is that HYROX is an appealing fitness challenge for all genders, ages, and abilities that continues to attract a diverse and growing audience while carving out a commercially viable niche in the competitive fitness landscape.
The recent HYROX Toronto event marks the start of HYROX’s presence and growth in Canada. Hopefully, this is the first of many Canadian events reflecting the sport’s global expansion and popularity.
