Preparation Strategies of First-Time and Experienced Competitors for the Notable Fitness Competition, Hyrox, in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is set to host the first-ever Hyrox fitness competition this Saturday, bringing a unique blend of endurance and functional strength to the city. This global phenomenon, established in Germany in 2017, is one of the world's fastest-growing competitions and is renowned for its inclusivity and accessibility to participants of all fitness levels.
Hyrox is more than just a race; it's an opportunity to challenge oneself and strengthen one's mindset beyond just fitness. The competition consists of a standardised set of activities designed to test both endurance and functional strength. Participants will complete eight 1-kilometer runs, each followed immediately by a different functional exercise station, making for a challenging sequence of alternating running and workout challenges.
The order and exercises in each station are fixed and the same worldwide, allowing participants to train predictably for the event. The typical sequence includes a 1 km run, SkiErg – a full-body cross-country skiing movement on a machine for 1000 meters, another 1 km run, sled push – pushing a weighted sled for 50 meters, followed by a 1 km run, sled pull, and so on. The sequence concludes with burpee broad jumps, rowing, kettlebell farmer's carry, sandbag lunges, wall balls, and finally, the toughest workout station for many participants.
Athletes wear timing chips that record split times between running and exercises to track performance and rankings. The total time for completing all running and workout segments determines the score, with faster times leading to higher rankings. There are no set cut-off times, so participants can pace themselves accordingly.
Hyrox competitions also have multiple divisions, including singles (age groups), doubles, as well as open, pro, and relay categories. The competition has attracted participants from all walks of life, including people in their 60s and those with disabilities.
Ranim Kaddoura, a new participant, points to running as her weakest point in Hyrox, while Mariam Tarek, a performance coach in Abu Dhabi, finds the final workout station in Hyrox the toughest. Mariam Diab, a marketing manager and personal trainer, has competed in Hyrox events in both Dubai and Sharjah, and she and her partner trained for about two or three months before competing.
At GritnCode, the training program is split into specific sessions focused on strength, endurance, conditioning, or technical skills like rowing mechanics. Steve Pere, co-founder of GritnCode gym in Abu Dhabi, is a personal trainer who has participated in Hyrox.
The energy at a Hyrox event is electric, with music, cheering spectators, and constant athlete movement. Sumayyah Marit Raidvere is a new participant in Hyrox, inspired by social media videos of the Sharjah event.
Hyrox was named after the words "hybrid" and "rock star," and it certainly lives up to its name. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a fitness enthusiast looking for a new challenge, Hyrox offers an exciting and accessible way to test your endurance and functional strength. So, are you ready to embrace your inner rock star and join the Hyrox revolution?
- The first-ever Hyrox fitness competition is scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi this Saturday, offering a unique blend of endurance and functional strength.
- Hyrox is not just a race, but an opportunity to challenge oneself and strengthen both physical and mental fitness.
- The competition consists of a standardized set of activities designed to test both endurance and functional strength, including 1 km runs, SkiErg, sled push, sled pull, burpee broad jumps, rowing, kettlebell farmer's carry, sandbag lunges, wall balls, and more.
- Hyrox competitions have multiple divisions, catering to participants of all ages, abilities, and fitness levels, from seasoned athletes to those in their 60s and those with disabilities.
- The energy at a Hyrox event is electric, with music, cheering spectators, and constant athlete movement, making it an exciting experience for all.
- Hyrox can be an accessible way for fitness enthusiasts to test their endurance and functional strength, whether they're looking to embrace their inner rock star or simply try something new in the world of sport and fitness.
