This trend sport with Olympic potential is trained on the Moselle

Hyrox is increasingly developing into a worldwide phenomenon. But what does the fitness trend sport are characterized, which is also very popular in Luxembourg?

Hyrox combines strength and endurance. A competition consists of eight rounds. In each individual round, the participants have to run one kilometer and each complete one of the following training stations: ski ergometer (one kilometer), sledding (50 meters), sledding (50 meters), burpee-long jump (80 meters), rowing (one kilometer), Farmers Carry (200 meters), sandbag sound (100 meters) and Wall Balls (100 times).

Hyrox was inspired by CrossFit, but complex power exercises are dispensed with. « Crossfit is much more specific. In the Hyrox, the strength and interval exercises are designed so that they are feasible for everyone, » says David Steffes. He is a hyrox athlete himself and trains motivated athletes in the Muselgym in Wormeldingen. « The constant change from endurance to strength makes Hyrox physically and mentally so exhausting, » he says. Endurance athletes have an advantage because half of the Hyrox competition consists of running.

Hyrox is advertised as a sport for everyone. The only prerequisite for participation is a minimum age of 16 years. « It is nice to see that there are people of different ages in competitions. You can complete Hyrox in doubles, mixed or in a team of four. So everyone has the opportunity to take part. » The topic of integration also plays a major role. « There are now Hyrox competitions in which people with impairment are integrated. They complete the entire course. It’s just nice to see that. »

Big ambitions

However, certain requirements should be met before participating in an event. « I would advise against participating in a Hyrox without preparation. » Body and mind should be prepared for the effort as possible. « In the meantime there are already 15 official Hyrox gyms in Luxembourg, » says Steffes. It is important to sleep well before the competition and to consume enough liquid. « It is best not to do any nutrition experiments a day or a few days before the Hyrox. »

It is no coincidence that more and more athletes are coming to the events with ambitions. « Hyrox has long been more than a hype, » says David Steffes. The sport was invented by Moritz Fürste and Christian Toetzke eight years ago. Covid influenced development, but after pandemic the steep ascent continued. « More and more participants are taking part in the competitions, » said Steffes. The athletes travel to Paris, New York or Abu Dhabi to start at events. « It is cool to be able to compare yourself worldwide. »

David Steffes is convinced that even more athletes Hyrox will discover for himself. « We are only at the beginning. In my opinion, Hyrox will one day be Olympic, » he says convinced.