HYROX is growing fast, and for good reason.
It gives you something specific to train for. It combines running with functional fitness. It tests your strength, endurance, pacing, and ability to keep moving when you’re tired.
But if you’re interested in training for HYROX, there’s an important question:
Should all of your training be HYROX-specific?
We don’t think so.
At CrossFit Eclipse, we believe one of the best ways to prepare for HYROX is to combine HYROX-specific training with CrossFit.
That’s why we offer HYROX classes three times each week while still encouraging athletes to build their overall fitness through CrossFit.
HYROX Is Specific. CrossFit Builds the Foundation.
A HYROX race has a very specific format:
Run 1 kilometer. Complete a workout station.
Then do it again.
And again.
Eight runs. Eight stations.
The stations include:
- SkiErg
- Sled Push
- Sled Pull
- Burpee Broad Jumps
- Rowing
- Farmer Carry
- Sandbag Lunges
- Wall Balls
Obviously, you need to practice those movements.
You need to run.
You need to learn how to pace a race.
And you need to experience what it feels like to run immediately after pushing a heavy sled or knocking out a big set of lunges.
That’s what HYROX-specific training is for.
But there’s another side of the equation:
You need to become fitter.
Stronger legs make sled pushes easier.
A stronger posterior chain helps with sled pulls and carries.
Better muscular endurance helps you handle lunges and wall balls.
More power helps you move more efficiently.
And better overall conditioning gives you a larger engine to work with.
That’s exactly what CrossFit is designed to build.
CrossFit Makes You Stronger Without Turning Every Workout Into a HYROX Workout
One of the mistakes athletes can make when preparing for an event is trying to replicate the event every day.
More running.
More sled pushes.
More wall balls.
More lunges.
More HYROX simulations.
But constantly repeating the same movements isn’t necessarily the best way to improve.
CrossFit gives you variety while continuing to develop the physical qualities that matter on race day.
You might squat.
Deadlift.
Press.
Pull.
Carry.
Row.
Bike.
Run.
Do gymnastics.
Perform short, intense workouts.
Perform longer conditioning pieces.
All of those things contribute to becoming a more complete athlete.
Then your HYROX classes allow you to take that fitness and make it specific to the race.
Think of CrossFit as Building the Engine
Your HYROX training teaches you how to race the car.
Your CrossFit training helps build a better engine.
HYROX training develops things like:
Running endurance.
You have eight kilometers of running during a HYROX race. You need to become comfortable maintaining a sustainable pace.
Compromised running.
Running after sled pushes, lunges, rowing, or wall balls feels very different than starting a fresh run.
Race pacing.
Going too hard early can make the second half of a HYROX race miserable. Learning when to push and when to settle in matters.
Movement efficiency.
Small improvements in your sled technique, wall balls, transitions, and station strategy can save a surprising amount of time.
CrossFit develops the larger physical foundation underneath all of it:
Strength. Power. Work capacity. Muscular endurance. Athleticism.
Put the two together and you have a very effective combination.
You Don’t Need to Choose CrossFit OR HYROX
Sometimes fitness gets turned into camps.
Are you a runner?
A CrossFitter?
A HYROX athlete?
A weightlifter?
We don’t think you need to put yourself in one box.
If your goal is to perform well in HYROX, use the training methods that help you become better prepared.
That might mean CrossFit three or four days per week with one or two HYROX sessions mixed in.
It could mean more HYROX-specific sessions as you get closer to race day.
It might also change depending on your biggest weakness.
If you’re strong but struggle with running, you may need more aerobic work.
If you’re a runner but sled pushes destroy you, getting stronger may be one of the biggest things you can do to improve your HYROX performance.
Good training doesn’t look exactly the same for everyone.
HYROX Training Isn’t Just for People Racing HYROX
You also don’t need to have a race scheduled to benefit from HYROX training.
Maybe you enjoy longer workouts.
Maybe you want to improve your running.
Maybe you like sleds, carries, rowing, and skiing.
Maybe you’re looking for something different to add to your normal training.
Or maybe you’re curious about HYROX but aren’t ready to register for a race yet.
That’s completely fine.
HYROX training can simply be another way to improve your fitness.
And once you experience the training, you may find yourself wanting to put a race on the calendar.
What If You’re New to CrossFit?
You don’t need years of CrossFit experience to start training for HYROX.
In fact, one advantage of combining CrossFit and HYROX is that you can build the strength and movement foundation that will make HYROX training more effective.
Our coaches can help adjust workouts to your current fitness level while you gradually build your strength, running capacity, and conditioning.
You don’t need to be “in shape enough” before starting.
Training is how you get there.
Train for HYROX at CrossFit Eclipse
At CrossFit Eclipse, we’re excited about HYROX because it gives people another way to challenge themselves and use their fitness.
We offer HYROX classes three times per week, giving athletes dedicated opportunities to work on running, race-specific movements, pacing, and HYROX-style conditioning.
But we don’t believe your HYROX preparation needs to stop there.
Combine those sessions with CrossFit.
Get stronger.
Build a bigger engine.
Improve your overall fitness.
Then use your HYROX training to turn that fitness into better race performance.
CrossFit builds the athlete. HYROX training prepares the athlete for the race.
If you’re interested in HYROX—whether you’ve already registered for a race or you’re just curious about the training—we’d love to have you join us at CrossFit Eclipse.