Fitness is constantly evolving, always looking for new ways to challenge the limits of the human body and keep its fans engaged with innovative training proposals. Among these emerging trends, Hyrox stands out as a revolution that combines endurance, strength and agility, capturing the attention of athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike.
Recently, we at RUNNEA had the privilege of being present at the Hyrox Bilbao event, held last Saturday, February 10, at the emblematic Bilbao Exhibition Centre (BEC). Our experience at the event has allowed us not only to observe closely the intensity and excitement of Hyrox, but also to have the opportunity to chat with Alvaro Taracena, CEO of Hyrox Spain, and Kevin Lopez, former Olympic athlete and current PUMA ambassador, who now competes in this fitness discipline. They have given us an insider's and expert's view on what makes Hyrox a global phenomenon within the fitness universe, and that it can also fit as a cross-training method for runners of all types and conditions.
That more than 3,000 athletes will participate in the Bilbao event is a true reflection that this new fitness trend is here to stay. Yes, we have also seen that there is a hunger for competition, but, above all, a hunger for self-improvement.
What is the new Hyrox fitness competition?
Hyrox was born as a response to the growing demand for fitness competition formats that are accessible, but at the same time represent a real challenge for all participants. This concept, which has rapidly gained popularity around the world, is a fitness competition for everyone, designed to test the endurance, muscular strength, and mental tenacity of athletes. Unlike other fitness events, Hyrox combines an 8-kilometer run with strength and skill exercises (workouts), structured in a series of stations that participants must complete.
To make it easy to understand, the CEO of Hyrox Spain defines the concept of this fitness modality. âIt is a fitness race that consists of running 8 kilometers, and between each of those kilometers you have to complete a functional fitness test. It consists of very basic and functional exercises (burpees, squats, and lunges, among others) within the reach of anyone, because there are no technical movements, and they are rather natural," says Taracena.
Why is it different from other types of competitions?
What distinguishes Hyrox from other competitions is its inclusive approach, allowing athletes of different skill levels to participate, from beginners to professionals, ensuring that each competitor finds his or her own challenge.
The history of Hyrox dates back to its founding in Germany, from where it has expanded its presence internationally, organizing events in numerous cities around the world. Its arrival in Spain demonstrates the growing interest and acceptance of this format in the national fitness scene.
Álvaro himself reminds us that the keys to the boom of Hyrox's proposal âas something very new that did not exist until now, combining running with fitness exercises in a popular competition; and also very exclusive, because registrations are sold out very quicklyâ.
Benefits of the Hyrox fitness method
Participating in Hyrox is not only a test of physical strength and endurance, but also offers a wide range of benefits for both body and mind. Here we highlight some of the most significant ones:
Physical benefits
- Improved cardiovascular endurance: the structure of Hyrox, which alternates between strength exercises and running sections, optimizes cardiovascular performance, improving the capacity of the heart and lungs.
- Muscle strengthening: the varied strength exercises involved work different muscle groups, promoting balanced muscle development.
- Agility and flexibility: the diversity of movements and the need for quick transitions between exercises promote greater agility and flexibility.
Mental benefits
- Mental resilience: overcoming the physical challenges of Hyrox strengthens mental toughness, teaching participants to manage stress and fatigue.
- Increased confidence: by reaching and overcoming personal goals in Hyrox, participants experience a significant increase in self-confidence.
- Community and support: being part of the Hyrox community provides a sense of belonging and mutual support, contributing to emotional well-being.
Hyrox: an ideal cross-training method for runners
It is clear to us that as runners we are constantly looking for ways to improve performance, reduce the risk of injury and break the monotony of each workout. The Hyrox approach offers an exceptional opportunity for runners to complement their individual and regular running training plan.
"In this type of competition, running is very decisive, because more than half of the competition time is spent running, and this is what can make the difference and be the point of attraction for the popular runner. Although it is clear that the strength exercises will also demand you and you must control them as well. In addition, another point to bear in mind is that endurance athletes find it less difficult to make the transitions between running and workouts, because we recover much more quickly", details highlighted by López, an experienced athlete and trainer of popular runners.
Here's why the Hyrox fitness method stands out as an ideal cross-training method for runners:
Improved endurance and strength
- Cardiovascular endurance: Hyrox-integrated running, along with exercises that raise the heart rate, improve aerobic capacity, which is essential for long-distance runners.
- Muscular strength: Hyrox strength exercises strengthen muscle groups that are often overlooked in conventional running training, such as the core, arms and upper body, which can improve running posture and efficiency.
Injury prevention
- Muscle balance: by working a wide range of muscle groups, Hyrox helps prevent muscle imbalances that can lead to injury in runners.
- Flexibility and mobility: the functional and varied movements in Hyrox promote greater flexibility and mobility, reducing the risk of overuse injuries common in runners.
Breaking the monotony
- Variety in training: Hyrox introduces a variety of exercises and challenges that break the routine of running training, keeping motivation and interest high.
- Mental enhancement: the shift in focus to cross-training can strengthen mental resilience, helping runners better cope with challenges in both training and racing.
How to Incorporate Hyrox into Your Training Routine
For runners interested in incorporating Hyrox as cross-training, here are some recommendations of interest:
- Weekly planning: integrate Hyrox sessions2 times per week into your training plan, ensuring there is sufficient recovery time between intense running sessions.
- Specific exercises: select Hyrox exercises that complement your training goals, such as strength exercises to improve hill power or agility exercises to increase speed and responsiveness.
- Gradual progression: start with moderate intensity and volume, increasing progressively as your body adapts, to avoid overtraining.
Incorporating Hyrox as a cross-training method can give runners a competitive edge, improving their overall performance and enjoyment of the sport. By taking a holistic approach that includes strength, endurance and agility, runners can reach new fitness peaks and achieve their personal goals.
What type of running shoes are right for Hyrox?
Being RUNNEA it is necessary to emphasize on athletic footwear with the idea of significantly influencing your Hyrox experience and performance. At this point you should consider the following: choose shoes with good support and cushioning, suitable for running and strength exercises.
It should also be emphasized that Kevin Lopez's recommendations are spot on, speaking of the internal debate that arose in the early days of Hyrox â where there was talk of using the characteristic shoe for strength and weight training. But since the transition of the race is so predominant, little by little, the universe of the shoes with carbon plate has also entered Hyrox. In this way, the chosen model has to give you a good balance between reactivity and stability, especially having consistency in the heel partâ, points out this former professional athlete from Cordoba, who as PUMA ambassador recommends us: âthe PUMA Deviate Nitro 2 because it is a shoe with carbon plate designed for the most popular athlete and that has a good reinforcement in the heel area. So it seems to me a perfect shoe to compete in Hyrox, and that they adapt very well to high paces for the race segment".
How to participate in a Hyrox event?
The section on how to participate in a Hyrox event is also a must. As Álvaro Taracena tells us, one of the arguments in favor of the Hyrox competition is that it is "a totally amateur sport, which does not require a classification, nor a time limit to complete the entire circuit of exercises. You pay the entry fee and compete with minimal preparation. The barrier to entry is really low.
If you're interested in diving into this new fitness trend, RUNNEA also explains how you can get started:
Registration process.
All information about upcoming events, locations and dates is available on the Hyrox website, where you can find details about the registration process.
Choose your category: Hyrox offers several categories, including individual (male and female), pairs (mixed or same sex) and teams. This allows you to compete in a way that suits your comfort level and goals.
Some tips for beginners
If we've piqued your interest, and you're ready to try this new Hyrox fitness experience, here are some basic tips:
- Physical preparation beforehand: although Hyrox is designed to be accessible, proper preparation will help you enjoy the experience more and avoid injury.
- Set realistic goals: For your first event, focus on finishing and enjoying the experience, rather than competing against others.
- Join Hyrox training groups or online communities for advice and support.
Photo: Hyrox Spain on Instagram
Do you dare to try the Hyrox experience?
It's a great idea! Hyrox is making a difference in the world of fitness, offering a dynamic and challenging alternative to more traditional training methods. With its unique combination of endurance, strength and community, Hyrox not only improves fitness but also builds relationships and fosters a spirit of self-improvement.
Of course, RUNNEA encourages you to explore more about Hyrox and consider incorporating it into your workout routine.
Ready to challenge your limits and be part of a growing community of fitness enthusiasts? Visit Hyrox to find events near you and start your journey to a better version of yourself - don't wait any longer, join the Hyrox movement now!
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