Eight stations with one-kilometre sprints in between. From the sounds of it, HYROX is one of the toughest fitness racing out there, so what makes it so popular?
It’s been a year since HYROX made its debut in Singapore. After making waves in Europe, HYROX’s ethos on functional body movement workouts used in everyday life has attracted people of varying body types and levels of fitness to participate, highlighting the event’s surging appeal.
HYROX first started in 2017 in Germany, initially pulling 650 participants to the event. Today, that number is significantly larger, with over 120,000 participants across 17 countries taking part in the event each year.
So, what’s driving this surge in popularity, even amongst those who don’t typically consider themselves sporty?
Several factors have contributed to the event’s success. For one, HYROX mixes workout stations with running in a circuit format. This means that for the most part, these exercises can be trained for at a relatively low price.
With minimal to no equipment requirements, the barrier of entry remains low. Additionally, participants are given the freedom to choose between competing in different categories. Someone attempting HYROX for the first time might be inclined to go solo as the weights they need to lift are less heavy than the one in the ‘Doubles’ category.
Conversely, one might be inclined to join the ‘Relay’ category, opting instead to train with a group for the event as opposed to alone. One can argue that the appeal of the event to even non-sporty people, stems from HYROX’s collaborative ‘Doubles’ and ‘Team Relay’ categories. The inclusion of these categories makes the event accessible to those who might not be inclined to participate in solo sports.
Another factor is the crowd that the event serves. With running and body movement workouts being the main components of HYROX, the event attracts people from the running and gym-going crowd, some of the largest demographics in Singapore’s active population. The blending of the two serves to instill a unique twist to the event that participants can strive toward completing and feel a sense of achievement for.
Additionally, being the only event of its kind, HYROX fills a gap in the market that is largely underserved. You can even purchase tickets to be a spectator, cheering on your family members and friends.
“Having spectators at the event also provides the catalyst that encourages those who never thought they might participate in something like HYROX to give it a shot seeing people of ages and fitness levels coming together to compete!” said Ria Chen, who participated in the Women's Singles and Relay categories in June, and will be representing Team100PLUS again to join the Women's Doubles in August with Erin Ong.
She pointed out, “HYROX has become more than just a race in the fitness scene. It’s become a community-driven activity. You see people coming together during the lead up of the race and training together in the gym.”
The spin instructor added, “Regardless of fitness level, whether you’re taking part solo, with a partner or as a team, you’ll be able to spot someone training for HYROX in the gym just by the nature of what they’re doing! It’s quite comforting and motivating at the same time knowing that you’re all working towards the same goal.”
"Personally, I don’t consider myself the sporty type. The depth of meaningful exercise I participate in is limited to a weekly bouldering session and the occasional run or hike at our local Mt. Everest a.k.a. Bukit Timah Nature reserve. Years of neglect towards my personal fitness has meant that I struggle to run for more than 30 minutes at a time or even confidently pass an IPPT test."
Despite that, the HYROX hype is one that's clearly enticed Ria, who loves the sense of achievement it comes with upon crossing the finish line. However, there is one aspect she loves most about the competition.
"The sense of community and friendly competition that comes from training and competing in HYROX is rare, special, something that you don’t see in many sporting events," gushed Ria.
The post-COVID world has welcomed a rise in self-improvement and fitness movements around the globe; this holds true for Singapore today. Being the first event of its kind to be held locally, HYROX sets an example for future competitors to follow and hopefully build on.
The event’s unique blend of several disciplines as well as its multi-categorical approach to participation and the element of spectatorship has undoubtedly made the HYROX a special, popular go-to event amongst Singaporeans and non-Singaporeans alike.
Whether you have fitness goal you’d like to hit by the end of the year, you’re just interested in having a go at HYROX, wish to participate as a supporter, or you’re already a seasoned fitness junkie, there is something for you at HYROX.
If you’d like to sign up, registration for HYROX is still open here.
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