HYROX training races into Richmond gyms
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Part of the team from Richmond competing in a recent HYROX race in D.C. Image: Courtesy of Ava Tankersley
HYROX — the popular global fitness race that combines running with functional exercises — is taking the Richmond fitness scene by storm.
Why it matters: Local gyms are partnering with the HYROX brand to host official training events and workouts for Richmonders looking to train for a race.
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.
- Much of the surge in popularity is because of the unique way HYROX blends running with strength and endurance training, Pure Fitness RVA owner (and former 1st District City Councilman) Andreas Addison tells Axios.
- The races are basically "a 10k for weight-lifters. For people who want to be stronger," he says.
Plus, you can do the races with a partner, "which has been a huge draw and attraction," he adds.
How it works: HYROX races consist 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.
- Training classes, like the ones at Pure Fitness, are designed so participants can train for races or just experience an intensive 90-minute workout (roughly the average finish time for a HYROX race).
Zoom in: Addison added HYROX pattern training at Pure Fitness two years ago, around the time he and his wife got into it.
- That year, they were the only two people from his gym to participate in a HYROX race.
- Last month, a third of his gym members participated in the D.C. race.
- One of the things locals love about the races is that there's no qualifier; folks can just register for one and show up, he says.
Today, Pure Fitness is one of at least four gyms that offer the training locally.
If you're ready to give HYROX a try, affiliated clubs include:
There are also local personal HYROX trainers, per the website.
What's next: The next HRYOX race in the U.S. is May 30 in New York.