The HYROX hype has hit Charlotte. Here's where to train for a race
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Hustle House Charlotte members competing in previous HYROX competitions. Photo: Courtesy of Hustle House
Charlotte is hungry for HYROX — the popular global fitness race combining running with functional exercises.
Why it matters: Numerous local gyms are partnering with the HYROX brand to host official training events and workouts for Charlotteans looking to train for a race.
The intrigue: HYROX is what local fitness coach Nick Rodriguez calls "toughly manageable."
- Rodriquez, who owns ORO Athletic in NoDa, is one of many gym owners turning their space into a HYROX training club.
What to expect: The race consists of eight functional workout stations with a 1 km run (.62 miles) between each.
- The individual stations are a 1000m SkiErg, 50m sled push, 50m sled pull, 80m burpee broad jumps, 1000m rowing, 2000m farmers carry, 100m sandbag lunges and 100 wall balls.
What they're saying: The race is a good balance between strength and endurance — it's challenging without overly complex movements, explains Rodriguez.
- In other words, you don't need to be a CrossFit pro or marathoner to compete in HYROX. But a race will require good cardiovascular endurance and strength, especially lower body (many of the exercises are leg dominant).
- There's no time limit to the race, but HYROX cites the average finish time at 1 hour and 32 minutes.
You can compete in four different divisions.
- Open: The standard division.
- Pro: For more experienced athletes; involves heavier weights.
- Doubles: You'll race with a partner; both of you run, but you'll split the workout stations.
- Relay: You'll race with a team of four; each member will do two 1km runs and two workout stations.
Zoom in: Charlotte's HYROX affiliate clubs typically offer a mix of coach-led workouts, race simulations and physical fitness tests (PFT), plus access to the right equipment.
- Some offer open gym access with everything you need to train solo.
- Others have group sessions designed to build the strength and endurance needed to compete.
The big picture: HYROX is a worldwide fitness competition that began in Hamburg, Germany in 2017 and has gained major momentum in the U.S. over the last few years.
- Over 80 global races are planned for 2025, with over 550,000 participants and 350,000 spectators, according to the brand.
What's next: Upcoming races in the U.S. include April 19 in Miami Beach, April 26-27 in Atlanta and May 30-June 1 in New York.
Thinking about competing in an upcoming HYROX race?
We spoke with eight HYROX affiliate club owners in Charlotte. Here's what to expect at each.
ORO Athletic
The vibe: This locally-owned gym in NoDa offers both traditional equipment, like cardio machines and weights, plus functional gear, like sleds and medicine balls, in an open gym format.
What to expect: You'll find all the equipment needed to re-create a real Hyrox race, down to the sandbags for lunges.
If you go: Memberships are $135/month.
- Non-members can also buy day or week-long passes.
Charlotte Strength
The vibe: This 24-hour strength and conditioning gym in NoDa calls itself a "weightlifting paradise" and offers its own HYROX training program, NoDa Fit.
What to expect: Group HYROX training sessions are offered six days a week, and a free "Intro to HYROX" class is offered monthly.
- You can also book personal training sessions tailored specifically to HYROX.
If you go: Membership options range from monthly plans to $25 drop-in classes.
- The free intro class for April is Saturday, April 19.
Hustle House Uptown
The vibe: This boutique fitness studio offers 50-minute HIIT workouts in a small group setting (no more than 24 participants per class). Each focuses on one of three rotating themes: upper body, lower body and conditioning.
What to expect: Group HYROX training is held twice per week, on Thursdays at 6:30pm and Saturdays at 9am.
- They offer PFTs every 10 weeks.
If you go: Monthly memberships are $189 for unlimited classes. A drop-in class is $30.
- They also offer a one-class-per-week membership for $89/month, or a two-classes-per-week membership for $139/month.
MOTION Fitness SouthPark
The vibe: A massive fitness center in SouthPark offering open gym, group classes, personal training, and wellness services like physical therapy, massage therapy and chiropractic care.
What to expect: Group HYROX training, plus events hosted with HYROX ambassadors, including PFTs, HALFROXs (a condensed HYROX) and HYROX Sims (think dress rehearsal).
If you go: Memberships start at $209/month for access to both open gym and group classes.
- Non-members can drop in for $30 or buy a 10-class pack for $225.
- They're hosting a HALFROX on Saturday, May 10.
QCFit West
The vibe: A CrossFit and open gym in west Charlotte, near Enderly Park.
What to expect: A HYROX training class offered on Tuesdays at 7am that the gym describes as an "aerobic capacity builder, combining functional fitness and running."
If you go: Membership options vary. Contact the studio for details.
ISI Elite Training (multiple locations)
The vibe: With its corporate headquarters in Charlotte and more than 70 locations nationwide, ISI offers 50-minute, strength-focused high-intensity workouts.
What to expect: HYROX-inspired workouts and official HYROX PFTs on the first Saturday of every month at all locations in Charlotte and surrounding areas.
If you go: It's free for members. Non-members can attend with each facility's drop-in rate.
- Local studios include ISI Ballantyne, Belmont, Concord, Dilworth, Elizabeth, Fort Mill, Indian Land, Matthews, Rock Hill, Tega Cay and Waxhaw.
F45 South End and Midtown
The vibe: A group fitness franchise specializing in high-intensity, functional workouts done in 45 minutes. Its South End and Midtown locations are both HYROX training clubs.
What to expect: A 12-week HYROX-inspired workout series culminating in the HYROX PFT.
- The workouts are displayed on the F45 TVs like in a standard class with coaches present to assist.
What's next: The series launches Monday, April 21st, on a Monday and Wednesday rotation every week for 12 weeks.
If you go: The series is free to members. Non-members can drop in for $35 per class or attend all 12 for $180.
CrossFit Pineville
The vibe: This CrossFit gym also offers personal training, nutrition coaching and an open gym in its space off Main Street in downtown Pineville.
What to expect: Dedicated HYROX training days on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
- Tuesday is strength and power focused (think training for the HYROX stations).
- Thursday is focused on endurance, i.e., running.
If you go: Non-members can book drop-ins for $20 with multi-session passes available.
- Additional membership options vary — reach out to the studio for details.