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What are the 8 Exercise Stations in HYROX?

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What are the 8 Exercise Stations in HYROX?
HYROX is a unique fitness race that combines running with functional exercises, testing both endurance and strength. Rapidly growing in popularity, HYROX is now a truly global phenomenon, with half a million athletes expected to compete, worldwide, in the 2024/25 season.

One of its defining features is the 8 workout stations, each designed to challenge different aspects of your fitness. Despite the physical demands, these stations require minimal technical skill, making HYROX a “sport for everyone” – from weekend warriors to elite competitors.

HYROX competitor, coach and commentator Greg Williams of Rox Lyfe takes us through the eight stations including descriptions of the exercises, required distances or reps, and the weights used.

After completing your initial 1km run, the SkiErg is the first station you are faced with. The requirement here is to cover a total of 1km on the Concept2 SkiErg machine. Competitors pull the handles of the SkiErg downward, mimicking the motion of ski poles. It’s a steady, controlled movement, requiring rhythm, endurance and a good technique to keep a strong pace without burning out early on in the race.

While it’s easy to look at this and assume it’s a workout primarily for the arms and shoulders, when completed efficiently, it’s very much a full body workout which also incorporates the core and lower body muscles.

HYROX competitions involve burpees, sled pushes, sandbag lunges and beyond

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© Hyrox

Following your second 1km run, it’s on to the sled push. One of the most physically demanding stations, the sled push tests your leg strength and full-body power. Participants push a weighted sled down a track, using leg drive and core engagement, to cover a total distance of 50 metres.

This station can often catch athletes out, especially if they don’t pace the station sensibly. It’s easy to tire your legs out here very early on in the race and make the remainder of the event a huge struggle. The run immediately after this station too, on tired heavy legs, can be difficult for some athletes who aren’t used to it. A mistake I personally made in my first race was not taking enough short pauses during the push and even though my time on the station itself was reasonably quick, I really struggled to run afterwards!

When training for this station, if you haven’t done a HYROX before, it’s difficult to know how it will truly feel on race day. This is because the sled you’re using, the surface you’re pushing on, the humidity in the room etc can all affect how well the sled moves. You can’t assume that a 152kg sled weight in your gym will feel the same as on race day.

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Distance: 50 metres (4 x 12.5-metre pushes)

  • Men’s Pro / Men’s Pro Doubles: 202 kg

  • Women’s Pro / Women’s Pro Doubles / Men’s Open / Men’s Open Doubles / Mixed Open Doubles / Men’s Relay: 152 kg

  • Women’s Open / Women’s Open Doubles / Women’s Relay: 102 kg

  • Mixed Relay: 102 kg for Women and 152 kg for men

After your 3rd 1km run, it’s on to the sled pull, another test of strength. Competitors drag the sled backward using a rope, for a total of 50 metres. At the end of each lane, you have a small box you are able to work within which is about 1.7 metres in depth. This means that rather than the sled pull being purely an upper body exercise, you do have a small amount of space you can step back into to help move the sled. Therefore, it’s an exercise which tests the posterior chain (back, glutes, and hamstrings).

One element to be careful of on this station is technique, and rope management. The further you pull the sled the more rope starts to build up around your feet which becomes easy to trip over if you aren’t careful.

Both the sled and participant must be behind the line when you start this station. You then pull the sled the length of your lane (which is 12.5 metres in length), past the line, walk back to the other end of your lane and pull the sled back. You then need to repeat this process to make up the 50 metres. Resting at any point is fine if you need to. You will receive a penalty if you step outside of your designated area at the end of your lane.

Distance: 50 metres (4 x 12.5-metre pulls)

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  • Men’s Pro / Men’s Pro Doubles: 153 kg

  • Women’s Pro / Women’s Pro Doubles / Men’s Open / Men’s Open Doubles / Mixed Open Doubles / Men’s Relay: 103 kg

  • Women’s Open / Women’s Open Doubles / Women’s Relay: 78 kg

  • Mixed Relay: 78 kg for Women and 103 kg for men

Run 4 is followed by 80 metres of burpee broad jumps (BBJ). Combining two brutal movements, burpees and broad jumps, this station challenges cardiovascular endurance and leg explosiveness.

You must start with your hands placed behind the line and your chest touching the floor. You then step or jump up, ensuring your feet don’t pass your hands, and perform a broad jump (ensuring you take off and land with parallel feet – no staggered take offs are allowed). You then drop, placing your hands no further than one foot length in front of your feet, and your chest back to the floor.

This cycle repeats until the distance is covered. It can be a brutally tough station which, if possible, you should look to maintain an efficient, steady rhythm on throughout (easier said than done!).

After your 5th 1km run, you finally get a chance to sit down! However, there’s no rest to be had as you must cover a total of 1km on the Concept2 rowing machine. The rowing machine provides a full-body cardiovascular workout that tests both endurance and muscular stamina. A good efficient technique can be very critical here and is something that many athletes get wrong (which costs them time and energy).

Appropriate pacing is important throughout HYROX, but especially so on this station. What you put into the rower doesn’t always pay you back with a significantly faster time. For example, if you row too fast, you may finish the station, say, 10 seconds quicker, but cause yourself a huge amount of fatigue for the remainder of the race.

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Ida Mathilde Steensgaard competes at Hyrox Denmark 2024 in Bella Center, Copenhagen, Denmark on March 23., 2024.

Ida Mathilde Steensgaard at Hyrox Denmark

© Jesper Gronnemark/Red Bull Content Pool

The farmers carry is the 6th station in HYROX. Participants carry two heavy kettlebells, one in each hand, while walking / running as fast as possible to cover a distance of 200 metres.

You are allowed to place the kettlebells down on the floor as often as needed but obviously if you can complete the whole thing unbroken it will likely mean you save time. It’s a station that tests grip strength, shoulder stability, and core endurance, and is generally one of the quickest stations in the race.

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  • Men’s Pro / Men’s Pro Doubles: 32 kg per hand

  • Women’s Pro / Women’s Pro Doubles / Men’s Open / Men’s Open Doubles / Mixed Open Doubles / Men’s Relay: 24 kg per hand

  • Women’s Open / Women’s Open Doubles / Women’s Relay: 16 per hand

  • Mixed Relay: 16 kg for Women and 24 kg for men

The penultimate station is the Sandbag Lunges. The end of the race is approaching but you’re likely extremely fatigued at this point and must now face 100 metres of walking lunges with a weighted sandbag on your back!

Athletes knee must touch the floor with every rep. It very much tests the quads and glutes, but there is also an element of strain on the arms and shoulders as you aren’t allowed to place the sandbag down on the floor at any point.

  • Men’s Pro / Men’s Pro Doubles: 30 kg

  • Women’s Pro / Women’s Pro Doubles / Men’s Open / Men’s Open Doubles / Mixed Open Doubles / Men’s Relay: 20 kg

  • Women’s Open / Women’s Open Doubles / Women’s Relay: 10 kg

  • Mixed Relay: 10 kg for Women and 20 kg for men

Jake Dearden performs at the Hyrox World Championship in Nice, France, on June 9, 2024.

Jake Dearden digging deep at the Wall Balls station

© Baptiste Fauchille/Red Bull Content Pool

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Nearly there! The final station is the wall balls. Here competitors must squat down with the ball, then explode up, throwing the ball to hit a target for a total of 100 reps. After the ball is caught, the motion is repeated. The height of the target, and the weight of the ball, differs depending on gender and division.

Proper squat form / depth, and accuracy with the ball throw (to the centre of the target), are crucial here as judges will ‘no rep’ if necessary which results in not just added time but also added fatigue.

It is very much a station that tests not just your physical abilities (challenging the legs, shoulders, and cardiovascular system all at once) but also your mental strength and concentration.

Repetitions: 100 Wall Balls

  • Men’s Pro / Men’s Pro Doubles: 9kg ball, 10 ft / 3.048 m target

  • Women’s Pro / Women’s Pro Doubles / Men’s Open / Men’s Open Doubles / Mixed Open Doubles / Men’s Relay: 6 kg ball, 9 ft / 2.743 m target

  • Women’s Open / Women’s Open Doubles / Women’s Relay: 4 kg ball, 9 ft / 2.743 m target

  • Mixed Relay: 4 kg for Women and 6 kg for men

Yes, I know I said there were 8 stations but consider this one a bonus!

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There is also the Roxzone to consider – an incredibly important section of the race that often doesn’t get the attention from athletes that it perhaps deserves.

The Roxzone is the transition area between the running course and the workout stations. The size will vary by event but on average you need to cover a total of 700 metres across the duration of your race within the Roxzone. Therefore, you can’t afford to slow down more than necessary (i.e. look to maintain your running speed) or get lost in the Roxzone (looking for the workout station you’re meant to be doing) if you want to go as fast as possible.

Each of these stations presents its own unique challenge, targeting different muscle groups and testing your endurance, strength, and mental toughness. To succeed in HYROX, athletes need to master not just running but also the ability to perform these exercises efficiently, whilst under fatigue. By preparing for each station individually, you’ll build the all-around fitness needed to conquer the entire race (while having fun in the process!).

Love HYROX? Watch the highlights from the 2024 HYROX World Championships where the fittest people on the planet went head to head for free on Red Bull TV.

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25 min

HYROX World Championships highlights – Nice

Discover what makes HYROX – the indoor fitness competition – a test of strength, endurance and determination.

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Adults hop on viral ‘rebounding’ trend to make exercise fun again — ‘I feel like a kid’

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Adults hop on viral ‘rebounding’ trend to make exercise fun again — ‘I feel like a kid’

Forget boring home workouts, on-demand HITT classes and cold winter runs.

The latest wellness trend bouncing around TikTok involves a workout you might not even realize you’re doing, and that’s the point. It’s called rebounding. This low-impact exercise involves jumping on a mini fitness trampoline — called a rebounder — to get your heart pumping and support lymphatic drainage.

On Amazon, this best-selling model is currently on sale for just $129. It measures in at just 40 inches, making it ideal for small spaces while still offering room for an adult to jump, squat and jog in place. Users swear it gives them a seriously effective full-body workout, and many remark that it’s “so much fun” to use.

Clinical trials also back the benefits: a 12-week rebounding program for overweight women showed significant improvements in body composition as well as a decrease in diastolic blood pressure.

Ready to jump on the rebounding trend, too? You’d better hop on this Amazon deal fast.

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This sleek rebounder by BCAN is sturdy and easy to set up, thanks to pre-assembled bungees and simpel video tutorial.

Reviewers say it’s completely changed their workouts, with one remarking they “feel like a little kid again.” Others have also noted it’s much easier on their joints than higher-impact exercises.

“It absorbs impact well and allows for a nice, smooth rebound that is gentle on the joints, making it perfect for a low-impact cardio workout,” one person explained. “Whether I’m doing high-intensity intervals or simply bouncing for fun, the movement feels fluid and responsive.

The BCAN model features an upgraded handlebar for added stability. It’s 8mm premium bungee — with a durable woven outer layer and a 350-strand natural latex core — delivers smooth, quiet bounces, so you can enjoy your workout without disturbing others.



This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Longevity Mix to the viral Oura Ring to Jennifer Aniston’s favorite workout platform – often with her adorable toddler by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette.

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Fitness trainer with 18 years of experience shares why exercise is crucial for kids: ‘Not just about health and fitness’

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Fitness trainer with 18 years of experience shares why exercise is crucial for kids: ‘Not just about health and fitness’

Exercise is often spoken about in the context of physical fitness – stronger muscles, better stamina and improved overall health. But its value, especially for children, extends far beyond the body. Regular physical activity can quietly shape character, teaching lessons about effort, patience, discipline and resilience that mirror how the real world works. From learning to cope with discomfort to understanding that progress takes time, exercise can become a powerful training ground for life itself.

Exercise is important for kids. (Image generated via Google Gemini)

Also Read | Chennai fitness trainer with 18 years of experience shares 5 simple things to focus on for long-term fitness

Chennai-based fitness trainer with 18 years of experience, Raj Ganpath – founder of the Slow Burn Method, co-founder and head coach at Quad Fitness, and author of Simple, Not Easy – is shedding light on why exercise is important for kids, with the benefits going beyond health and fitness. In an Instagram video shared on February 27, he explains how the impact of exercise extends far beyond physical wellness, shaping resilience, discipline and long-term character development.

Embracing discomfort

According to Raj, exercise is one of the healthiest ways to help children learn how to sit with discomfort in a safe, structured and sustainable way. Life inevitably brings challenges and unease – something adults understand well – but many children today are shielded from situations that test their resilience.

He explains, “Exercise is a great way to experience this discomfort in a safe and sustainable manner. Lifting weights, holding a plank, doing cardio, repping till it burns, all of these things are opportunities to embrace discomfort, opportunities to put themselves in a place where they’re not comfortable and learn from it, opportunities to practice physical and mental resilience.

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Learning hardship

The fitness trainer emphasises that hardship is an inevitable part of life, and meaningful success often requires pushing through moments of difficulty. While most adults recognise this truth through lived experience, children may not always have the same exposure to challenge. Raj believes exercise can bridge that gap.

He elaborates, “It will teach them that they need to do hard things if they want to accomplish something. Getting through a very hard workout, setting a goal and achieving it, completing a task. All of these things are not just random chores. These are incredible opportunities – opportunities to experience hardship and build fortitude.”

Delayed gratification

In today’s fast-paced world, the desire for instant gratification is stronger than ever – and children are growing up at the centre of it. With technology, streaming platforms and 10-minute delivery services, almost everything is available at the tap of a screen. As a result, the ability to wait, persist and work steadily towards a long-term goal can easily take a back seat. Exercise, notes Raj, offers a powerful counterbalance.

He explains, “Everyone wants everything right away today. This is true for us adults too, but it is even more true for our kids because this is the only world they know. A world where everything happens right then and right there, whenever they want it, wherever they want it. Exercise will teach them to wait, to be patient, to trust the process, to fail and still keep going, to work towards something larger that they will get much later. This is a very important character building quality and will serve them well for many, many years to come.”

The fitness trainer concludes, “Exercise is not just about health and fitness. It is a simulation of life itself. A ready-made character building tool available to you to help prepare your kids for life, the raw and real life that they’re going to have to deal with no matter what. So make sure they build the habit and make sure they embrace it.”

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Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

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What Are “Movement Snacks”? How To Try This Trending Fitness Hack

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What Are “Movement Snacks”? How To Try This Trending Fitness Hack

The World Health Organization says the average adult is supposed to get 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity five days a week, which sounds somewhat doable until it’s 9 p.m., your kids are finally in bed, and you just want to fall onto the couch and dissociate. But more and more people online are talking about “movement snacks” — little bite-sized amounts of exercise you can do throughout your day to meet your 60-minute goal without having to make special time for one big workout. Because yes, we all want to be our healthiest, but sometimes a HIIT class at the gym is just not in the schedule.

We asked personal trainers and fitness coaches for their favorite movement snacks you can do in the office, around the house, and on busy weekends when everyone’s home.

How much exercise is a person really supposed to get?

While the WHO recommends 60 minutes a day, the CDC is a little more lax, recommending at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week, or about 30 minutes a day, five days a week. While it may feel like you’re the only one struggling to fit a workout into your daily routine, you’re far from alone. In fact, it’s always been hard for most Americans. So, while movement snacks may be a cute new term we’re all hearing for the first time, fitness pros have been promoting bite-sized exercise forever.

“I work with busy professionals, so I’ve been integrating micro workouts of two to 10 minutes into my clients’ lifestyles for almost 20 years,” says Andrea Marcellus, certified personal trainer and CEO of AND/life.

The most important thing for your health isn’t getting all your daily movement done in one big, perfectly curated workout — it’s about being consistent, Marcellus says. Movement snacks can help you stay consistent because you don’t have to budget a big chunk of time; instead, you can fit something simple into your day when you have three minutes to spare. Hell, you don’t even have to change clothes or go anywhere.

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“Most people think movement only counts if it’s a workout. That mindset is what keeps people sedentary. In reality, your body doesn’t care if steps come from a hike, a gym session, or pacing when you’re on a call,” says Lindy Royer, physical therapist and balanced body educator. “This is where you win the game — by stacking movement into things you’re already doing.”

Movement Snacks To Try Throughout Your Day

  • Set an alarm on your phone to chime every hour — that’s what women’s fitness coach Allison Kalsched tells her clients. When it goes off, stand up and do 10 bodyweight squats. Then go back to work. When you get tired of squats, mix in walking lunges, push-ups (it’s fine if they’re modified!), or dead bugs. Throw on 30 seconds of jumping jacks or high knees for bone-building benefits, which is important for women in menopause, she adds.
  • Take a micro walk. “Five minutes or 500 steps is my absolute favorite,” says Dr. Milica McDowell, doctor of physical therapy, author of the forthcoming book Walk, and exercise physiologist at US Physical Therapy. “It changes mood, lowers blood pressure, boosts mental clarity, and can help you get your cumulative steps in.”
  • Dance to your new favorite song with your kids or all by yourself. “Dance party was big with my kids after dinner,” Marcellus says. “It takes four to 10 mins and helps kids burn off dinner energy, while also giving parents a metabolic boost.”
  • Stop and do 60 reps of any full-body exercise, like squats, lunges, or jumping jacks — this usually takes about two minutes, no matter which one you choose, Marcellus says. Or, hold a plank for one to two minutes.
  • Pair walking with habits that already exist to get your steps in, like marching in place while brushing your teeth or doing a lap inside the house while your food is in the microwave. “This means you’re not adding time — you are upgrading your time,” says Royer.
  • Count your housework. Sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, general domestic labor — these things totally contribute to your total exercise time each day, says Royer.
  • If you go up or down the stairs at home, just… do it two or three times. That little extra here and there adds up, according to Royer.

The best advice is to focus not on “how can I move right now?” but “how can I do something that isn’t sitting right now?” Royer says. “The real truth that most people ignore is that sedentary time is the real enemy, not a lack of workouts. Focus on breaking up your sitting time. Build in frequent movement snacks. You’re not looking for perfection, just something more than nothing. You don’t need more time; you actually just need more conscious efforts to move.”

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