Hyrox Unleashed: Your Ultimate Guide to the Fitness Race
After our deep dive into 2025’s hottest fitness trends, we’re zeroing in on Hyrox, the global fitness race that’s redefining what it means to be fit. This follow-up unpacks Hyrox’s meteoric rise, from its German roots to its addictive blend of running and functional workouts. We’ll cover its background, share some jaw-dropping facts, detail the demands of its gruelling stations, and explain why performance sportswear is the ultimate choice for Hyrox athletes powering through training sessions. With Hyrox mania sweeping gyms and social feeds, let’s get into why this race—and the gear you wear—matters.
Hyrox Background: The Fitness Race Revolution
Hyrox burst onto the scene in 2017, cooked up by Christian Toetzke, a race organiser with a knack for endurance events, and Moritz Fürste, a former Olympic field-hockey champ. Born in Hamburg, Germany, it was designed to bridge the gap between marathon-style endurance and CrossFit’s raw intensity, creating a competition that’s tough but approachable for regular gym-goers. The concept is simple: eight 1-kilometre runs, each followed by a functional workout station, all done at your own pace. No crazy skills or elite status needed—just grit and a willingness to push. It’s not just a race; it’s a lifestyle, fuelled by community, measurable progress, and a festival-like vibe that’s got everyone from CEOs to weekend warriors hooked.
What sets Hyrox apart is its inclusivity. Unlike CrossFit’s complex lifts or obstacle races like Tough Mudder, Hyrox uses straightforward movements anyone with gym experience can tackle. You can go solo, in pairs, or as a four-person relay, with no time cutoffs, so everyone crosses the finish line. The standardised format—same stations, same order, worldwide—lets you track your time and compare it globally, turning training into a game of beating your personal best.
Interesting Hyrox Facts to Know
Hyrox’s growth is wild, and the numbers tell the story. In the 2024-25 season alone, participation is projected to hit 600,000 athletes, a 100% yearly increase for the past three years, outpacing nearly every other fitness trend. The average competitor is 37, but ages range from 18 to over 70, with adaptive divisions for wheelchair users ensuring everyone can join.
The race’s global reach is nuts, with 84 competitions planned across 25 nations this season, including first-time events in Johannesburg and Brisbane. Hyrox’s partnership with prestigious brands has boosted its cred, while its gym affiliation program, Hyrox365, has over 5,000 training clubs worldwide, including 1,200 in the U.S. alone. And get this: the 2023 World Championships in Nice saw England snag the most medals, proving the UK’s got serious Hyrox game.
The Hyrox Stations: What You’re Up Against
Hyrox is a beast, combining 8 kilometres of running with eight functional stations that test every muscle and your mental toughness. Here’s what athletes face, in order:
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SkiErg (1000m): A full-body cardio blast targeting arms, shoulders, and core, mimicking cross-country skiing. It’s a brutal start that sets the pace.
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Sled Push (50m): You’re shoving a heavy sled across the floor, hammering your quads and glutes. It’s pure power and grit.
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Sled Pull (50m): Now pull that sled back, engaging your back and arms. Grip strength and stamina are key.
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Burpee Broad Jumps (80m): A soul-crushing mix of burpees and forward leaps that torch your legs and lungs.
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Rowing (1000m): A seated cardio grind that hits your back, arms, and endurance, demanding efficient form to save energy.
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Farmer’s Carry (200m): Lug heavy kettlebells for distance, testing grip, core, and mental resolve as your hands scream.
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Sandbag Lunges (100m): Hoist a sandbag and lunge, frying your quads, glutes, and balance with every step.
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Wall Balls (100 reps): Squat and throw a heavy ball to a target, a full-body finisher that leaves you gasping.
Each station is sandwiched between a 1-kilometre run, so you’re constantly switching from cardio to strength, with no real break. The average finish time is about 90 minutes, but elites can clock under an hour, while first-timers might take up to four. It’s a hybrid challenge—strength meets endurance—requiring versatile training and gear that can keep up.
What Hyrox Athletes Need in Sportswear
Hyrox demands sportswear that’s as adaptable as the athletes themselves. With running, heavy lifts, and sweaty stations, your kit needs to handle it all. Lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics are non-negotiable to stay dry through those 8 kilometres and intense SkiErg sessions. Breathable designs with mesh panels keep you cool when the sled pushes heat you up. Four-way stretch fabrics are critical for unrestricted movement—think lunges and burpee broad jumps—while reinforced stitching ensures your gear doesn’t rip under strain.
Durability is huge; your shorts and tops need to survive friction from sleds and sandbags. Secure pockets are a game-changer for stashing energy gels during training, and grippy waistbands prevent slipping during farmer’s carries. UV protection is a must for outdoor sessions, especially with Hyrox’s growing outdoor races like New York’s Pier 76 event. Style matters too—Hyrox’s festival vibe and social media buzz mean athletes want sharp, modern designs that look as good on online as they feel in the gym. Sustainability is also key, with 73% of activewear buyers in 2025 prioritising eco-friendly brands. Comfort and fit are dealbreakers—chafing seams or loose gear can tank a session.
Why Stoiqs is the Go-To for Hyrox Training
For Hyrox athletes, Stoiqs is the sportswear you didn’t know you needed but won’t train without. Crafted in London, our gear is built to tackle the race’s unique demands, blending performance, sustainability, and style that screams “I’m here to dominate.” Our local manufacturing means we’re hands-on, working with skilled artisans to ensure every stitch is perfect. No sketchy overseas factories—our supply chain is transparent, with fair wages and safe conditions, unlike the 70% of sportswear brands flagged for labor issues.
Performance-wise, Stoiqs delivers. Our moisture-wicking, breathable fabrics keep you dry during those 1-kilometre sprints and rowing grinds. Four-way stretch and reinforced seams let you lunge, jump, and carry without restriction, while flat seams kill chafing for long sessions. Secure pockets in our shorts hold gels, and grippy waistbands stay put during farmer’s carries. UPF 50+ protection shields you in outdoor workouts, and our sleek, limited-run designs—bold or minimalist—pop on the gym floor or social media posts. Our top picks for your Hyrox training are:
- Iron Will Shorts: The 7" Iron Will Relaxed Fit Shorts redefine comfort and performance. Crafted from sustainable, moisture-wicking ECONYL, these shorts keep you cool and dry during intense Hyrox workouts. Designed for maximum mobility, they feature a a hidden zippered pocket for secure storage and a smooth, lightweight feel to ensure distraction-free focus at peak performance.
- True Grit Shorts: Our 9" fit, crafted from lightweight, state-of-the-art moisture-wicking fabric that keeps you cool and comfortable. The streamlined classic fit offers optimal mobility and breathability, with a hidden zippered pocket for secure storage. Designed for all athletes, these shorts provide a smooth, dry feel to enhance your focus during training. All our garments are UPF 50+ protection to keep you safe from harmful UV rays.
- True Grit T-Shirt: Crafted from lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric that keeps you cool and dry. Its relaxed fit, with extra room through the chest and waist, ensures comfort, while underarm gussets enhance mobility for unrestricted movement. This T-Shirt is built to support your toughest Hyrox training sessions.
Gear Up for Hyrox with Stoiqs
Hyrox is more than a race—it’s a global movement, and 2025 is its biggest year yet. Whether you’re chasing a sub-90-minute finish or just aiming to cross the line, your training deserves sportswear that works as hard as you do. Stoiqs’ sustainable, ethical, and high-performance gear is built for Hyrox athletes who want to train smarter and look damn good doing it.
Ready to conquer the stations? Check out our latest collections and level up your Hyrox prep with gear that’s as tough as you are.
