Over the last year, something has been stirring in the UK fitness scene. You’ve probably seen it on your feed… lunges, sledge pushes and wall balls, all wrapped in a format that looks half endurance race, half strength test. That something is Hyrox, a fitness race that’s exploded across Europe and is now sweeping through the UK with a fervour that’s hard to ignore. It’s gritty, inclusive, social and for many, addictive.
So, what exactly is Hyrox? Why is it resonating so deeply with everyday gym-goers, weekend warriors, and competitive athletes alike? And what makes it different from other fitness crazes that have come and gone?
What Is Hyrox?
Hyrox is billed as “the World Series of Fitness Racing.” It combines functional strength movements with endurance challenges across a fixed course: eight 1km runs, each followed by a workout station. These stations include everything from ski ergs and sledge pushes to burpee broad jumps and wall balls, all designed to test full-body athleticism in a consistent, replicable format.
Unlike obstacle races or CrossFit competitions, Hyrox happens indoors on a standardised course. This means results are comparable across cities and countries, feeding the competitive fire while still remaining accessible to first-timers.
Why Now? Why Hyrox?
The timing of Hyrox’s rise isn’t a coincidence. After years of pandemic lockdowns, fitness has become as much about community and mental health as it is about aesthetics or PBs. Traditional gym sessions began to feel stale for many, and Hyrox, with its structured challenge, measurable progress, and event-day buzz, offered a fresh purpose.
Hyrox isn’t about being the fastest or the strongest; it’s about pushing your personal limits in a team-spirited environment. It’s functional fitness with a finish line. And it offers the kind of “earned exhaustion” that feels both physical and emotional.
Inclusivity as a Core Appeal
One of the standout features of Hyrox is its inclusivity, not as a marketing slogan, but as a tangible reality. Competitors range in age from teens to pensioners. Events feature solo and doubles categories, and training programs are adaptable to a wide range of abilities.
“Aside from the fact that I love putting myself through a challenge and working towards something, the main element of Hyrox that has me hooked is the inclusiveness of the competition. It really is for every body,” says Isabelle Shury, Deputy Social Media Manager and coach at F45 Teddington.
“A load of us from F45 Teddington where I coach competed in London this year and it was so much fun doing the training together and watching each other over the weekend. We’re all different ages and abilities, and yet we can all get involved. I competed with my Dad who is 56 this year which was so special, we loved every second together!”
That sense of unity, sweating together, struggling together, crossing the line together, is part of what makes Hyrox feel like more than just another fitness challenge. It’s fitness with soul.
What It Offers Beyond Fitness
Yes, Hyrox will make you fitter. But it also taps into something deeper. The format encourages setting goals, building camaraderie, and developing mental toughness. For many, it becomes the “why” behind daily training.
Hyrox is also inherently social. Whether you’re part of a gym community or training solo, there’s a celebratory, almost festival-like atmosphere at events. You’re not just a competitor, you’re part of a global movement. It’s a chance to connect with like-minded people who value both competition and community.
Where to Train for Hyrox in London
London has quickly become a hotbed for Hyrox training and events. Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned athlete looking to sharpen your performance, here are some of the top places to train:
F45 Teddington – Known for its close-knit community and functional training, F45 Teddington has become a hub for Hyrox preparation.
Third Space (various locations) – Offers Hyrox-specific classes in some of the most well-equipped gyms in London.
Gymbox – With locations across the capital, Gymbox hosts Hyrox training sessions that cater to all levels.
Barry’s – While not Hyrox-specific, Barry’s offers conditioning workouts that complement Hyrox training well.
Additionally, Hyrox frequently hosts pop-up events, training days, and trials around the city. Follow Hyrox UK on Instagram or check their official website for upcoming London events.
Hyrox isn’t just a passing trend, it’s a cultural shift in how we view fitness. It’s competitive without being exclusive, demanding yet doable, and it feeds that human desire to test limits while feeling like we belong to something bigger.
Whether you’re a solo runner looking for a fresh challenge or a gym class regular craving a new goal, Hyrox could be your next big thing. At the very least, you’ll come away a little stronger, and with a few more fitness friends.
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