Editor’s Note: This article is the second in a three-part series on the topic of integrating HYROX and CrossFit training. See part one here.
There is a growing demand for HYROX classes within the CrossFit community, but launching successful classes requires more than enthusiasm — it requires a well-thought-out strategy.
- Following the recent news that John Singleton, founder of The Progrm and a leading coach in the CrossFit space, has become an official digital fitness partner with HYROX, Morning Chalk Up spoke to him about what it takes to set yourself up for success.
The details: This is the second in a three-part series on the topic of HYROX and CrossFit. The first article focused on how gyms can get started; this one examines what to do next in the integration process.
- “HYROX offers something completely new, but without a clear plan, it’s easy for gyms to struggle with the integration,” Singleton said. “Our program aims to help bridge that gap by providing efficient class programming while also giving gym owners all the tools they need for a successful schedule integration.”
[Related: Best Barbells for CrossFit]
Assess for Success
The way HYROX is added to a gym’s schedule matters. You don’t want to overdo it at the start and overwhelm yourself with new classes and low levels of attendance. Assessing demand while fostering a growing interest is the key to success.
To do that, one must understand how HYROX fits into the gym’s culture and local market demand.
- “We recommend spending time talking with members and doing some market research to understand what your local demand for HYROX classes looks like,” Singleton said.
In short, understand where you are and move from there.
Introducing an “untested” new class format requires adaptability. Most gyms will find success by launching their HYROX classes in smaller numbers and scaling up as they become more efficient at running them and demand grows.
That said, every gym is unique — a strong running culture in your area or an upcoming HYROX race close to you may change the scale at which things can take off. That’s why The Progrm’s HYROX Class provides different levels of weekly class frequency.
It doesn’t end there, though.
- “A good HYROX class program should start by meeting gyms where they’re at. Fit into their current schedule to provide members more value, whether they’re there for CrossFit, functional training, or just joining specifically for HYROX,” Singleton added.
Many pieces come into play: space and equipment needs, gym culture, education on HYROX as a discipline, and how to run a race prep.
Space and Equipment
CrossFit gyms are uniquely positioned to take advantage of the new HYROX trend. First, CrossFit coaches have extensive knowledge of teaching proper and efficient movements in station work. Second, the gyms already have all or most of the necessary equipment.
- Kettlebells, wall balls, sandbags, and sleds are a common sight in CrossFit gyms.
[Related: Best Power Racks for Strength Training]
However, what might be lacking is the dedicated space for walking lunges, burpee broad jumps, and, well, running. That’s where class planning comes into play, alongside cardio machine management.
- “Not every gym can afford 20 rowers and 20 ski ergs, so our programming takes into consideration how a gym can provide the correct stimulus for the clients without breaking the bank,” Singleton said.
Staff Training
CrossFit’s similarities to HYROX allow CrossFit coaches to easily approach and understand hybrid training. However, incorporating HYROX into a CrossFit gym might mean the coaching staff needs a “tune-up.”
The Progrm HYROX Class includes resources for staff training, ensuring coaches can feel confident leading the classes and focus on providing value to members.
- “We’ve seen that the success of HYROX classes hinges on coaches feeling comfortable with and embracing hybrid training,” Singleton said. “That’s why we include specific coaching guides and resources within the program. This helps ensure that every gym has knowledgeable, confident instructors and therefore happy, fit, and healthy members.”
Track Member Progress and Feedback
CrossFit athletes will find a lot of benefits in HYROX, as it provides another metric for them to measure their fitness and track progress.
- Framing it as such can help gyms deepen their class participation while expanding to new, untapped markets.
Tracking member progress and tweaking classes based on feedback is key to keeping clients engaged.
Singleton’s program provides tools for measuring performance metrics so gym owners can continually assess how their clients are improving.
- “The consistency of HYROX allows members to easily measure progress, something they might feel missing from CrossFit due to the constantly varied nature of the sport,” he said. “This helps keep members engaged, and it’s why we built tracking tools into the program, so gym owners can monitor how their members are performing and make adjustments as needed.”
The Class Experience
Even though HYROX is built around a very limited number of exercises and metrics, it provides a highly adaptable experience for a variety of individuals.
- This range includes everyone from experienced athletes looking for new challenges to new members giving the gym a try for the first time, thanks to HYROX’s perceived low entry barrier.
This means that gyms can use one class to attract and retain a variety of clients, many of whom may not have walked into a strictly CrossFit-oriented gym.
- “Despite the consistent nature of the test, the programming around HYROX is actually highly adaptable,” Singleton added. “This allows us to keep the variety within the day-to-day programming, keeping members engaged and entertained no matter where they’re coming from or what their goals are in their HYROX journey.”
The Bottom Line
By following a clear and structured approach, gym owners can ensure the successful integration of HYROX classes into their existing schedules.
HYROX classes can allow gym owners to improve member retention while simultaneously expanding their client market.
Singleton’s HYROX programs provide the roadmap needed to get started, with tailored guidance for both gyms and individuals.
For those who want to dive deeper, The Progrm is now offering a free ebook, which is available here.
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: @theprogrmhyrox / Instagram
