- This article is the first in a three-part series on the topic of integrating HYROX and CrossFit training. Stay tuned for parts two and three.
The worlds of HYROX racing and CrossFit have been intertwined over the past two years, raising the question of whether or not you should integrate the two training methodologies.
- John Singleton, founder of The Progrm and a veteran CrossFit Games coach, was recently chosen to lead the official HYROX training program and shared some expert insights in a recent interview with the Morning Chalk Up.
To start, he asked, “Should HYROX be in your gym?” and explained why CrossFit gyms are actually the perfect place for HYROX training integration.
Membership retention is (and has always been) an important topic for CrossFit gym owners worldwide. So, how can a box owner improve on their current services without investing in more equipment while appealing to a larger swath of their target market?
Singleton suggests learning what your gym members prefer:
- “Perhaps you have noticed a trend in your own gym: many CrossFit box owners have seen that some of their clients have an enthusiastic appetite for training, but don’t want to attend the more ‘skill-based’ classes featuring gymnastics or Olympic weightlifting,” Singleton said.
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Changing With the Times
The times are changing in the fitness world, Singleton explained, and a different approach is needed. You need an approach that allows you to retain your own values and training methodology while allowing your members to enjoy themselves as they train.
The goal is for those members to talk positively about it with their friends and family and spread the word.
- “To survive and indeed grow their businesses, many gym owners in Europe are now building hybrid brands where they can use their own premises, their existing equipment, their coaching experience, and tap into the new fitness competitions such as HYROX,” Singleton said.
HYROX is structured in a way that is scalable and measurable, Singleton pointed out.
The HYROX race is often described as “the race for everybody,” offering a unique format that never changes, which results in a grueling yet achievable challenge for both newcomers and experienced athletes.
- “So why should a CrossFit gym consider adopting HYROX classes? The answers lie in its unique structure and the value it can bring to your members, your business, and your community. A combination of running and functional fitness, HYROX events and training have gained global traction as a competitive yet inclusive challenge for all fitness levels,” he said.
Measurable and Consistent
Unlike the constantly varied nature of CrossFit workouts, HYROX races offer a structure in which members can anticipate and measure progress over time.
This could be likened to the Hero workouts or benchmark WODs that are oftentimes programmed at CrossFit gyms.
- Each event involves a set of eight standardized functional movements (e.g., sled pushes, wall balls) preceded by 1-kilometer runs.
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An example of how this integration can be successful comes from Rob Martin, founder of CrossFit Mallorca, one of the first affiliates in Spain. Three years ago, he introduced HYROX training into his programming, and it was an instant hit with the membership.
- “Some of our members just want to work out, get a sweat on, and stay fit,” Martin said. “Many of our members will never do a HYROX race; they just love the style of training, whilst others are really into training for the race days and use them as training goals. It’s also a great introduction to fitness, as clients can easily start with our HYROX classes.”
A Natural Progression
In his final point, Singleton called attention to the fact that CrossFit gyms are already built on a culture of high-intensity training and community, making the integration of HYROX a natural progression.
Singleton’s key takeaways on integrating HYROX training into CrossFit gyms are as follows:
- Filling the gap between CrossFit and endurance sports: While CrossFit workouts focus on high power output in shorter time domains, HYROX incorporates longer endurance components, making it an excellent complement for athletes looking to broaden their fitness abilities.
- Cater to a wider audience: Not everyone is drawn to the technicality and intensity of traditional CrossFit workouts. HYROX offers a more straightforward challenge without complex Olympic lifts or gymnastic movements, making it attractive to a broader demographic.
- Create a new revenue stream: By adding HYROX classes, you are potentially opening doors for workshops and special events. Many gyms in Europe have seen increased class attendance and higher engagement by introducing HYROX-style sessions.
The Bottom Line
CrossFit gym owners looking to diversify their offerings should consider offering HYROX classes.
With its unique blend of endurance and functional fitness, HYROX bridges the gap between CrossFit and traditional endurance sports, offering members new challenges and creating fresh opportunities to build a stronger gym community.
All About HYROX + CrossFit
- The Ultimate Guide to HYROX, “The World Series of Fitness”
- So, I Did HYROX: An Honest Review by a Diehard CrossFitter
- You Signed Up for HYROX — Now What? Here Are 5 Tips to Follow
Featured image: @hyroxamerica / Instagram
