Pilates classes are as booked as ever, and run clubs are still popping up faster than TikTok microtrends. But the latest workout craze that everyone seems to be participating in? Hybrid fitness racing, whether it's a competition hosted by Athx, Deka or, perhaps most notably, Hyrox — a company that's currently dominating social media feeds.
But what exactly is it? We spoke with two medical experts and a trainer to unpack the trend, who it's best suited for and how to modify these workouts.
What is hybrid fitness racing?
This style of training combines running with basic functional exercises — movements like squatting, lunging and pushing — in a timed competition. While the exact stations will vary by company, hybrid fitness races include the same exercises each time, making results easy to compare. By contrast, CrossFit workouts and competitions often include more technical or demanding movements, and are designed to be unpredictable.
In a Hyrox race, each participant must run one kilometre, then complete a set of functional exercises, like sled pushes or wall balls. Then, they repeat the whole process seven more times, tackling a different exercise each time.
The Hyrox competition, which touts itself as "the sport for every body," has been attracting both pro athletes and everyday fitness-lovers since its inception in 2017. Last May, Time magazine declared Hyrox one of 2024's most influential companies, and the popularity around the race — and competitions like it — has been growing since, drawing thousands of participants and spectators to events around the world.
Toronto-based trainer and influencer Gina Amin — who also recently competed in a Hyrox competition — believes fitness racing is the natural progression of community-based workouts: think Orangetheory Fitness, F45 Training and Barry's Bootcamp. Once participants mastered these classes, they were craving more.
