CrossFit and Hyrox, while sharing some similarities, are fundamentally different in their core approaches and objectives. CrossFit is a comprehensive training methodology, whereas Hyrox is a specialized sport. Think of CrossFit as a broad-based fitness education, encompassing various physical skills, and Hyrox as a specific test of certain fitness components.
CrossFit: A Broad-Based Fitness Methodology
CrossFit training covers ten different themes or areas of fitness:
- Cardiovascular/respiratory endurance
- Stamina
- Strength
- Flexibility
- Power
- Speed
- Coordination
- Agility
- Accuracy
- Balance
This wide-ranging approach ensures that CrossFit athletes develop a well-rounded fitness base.
Hyrox: A Specific Fitness Test
In contrast, Hyrox focuses on three main aspects of fitness: cardiovascular/respiratory endurance, stamina, and strength. A Hyrox race is a structured event involving running and functional fitness workout stations. Participants complete eight rounds of running 1 km followed by a functional workout station. While the format is clearly defined, the challenge it presents is substantial, similar to the rigour of a Decathlon.
Differences in Training Focus
The primary physical skills required for a Hyrox race—endurance, stamina, and strength—are organic. They involve physical changes in the body achieved mainly through consistent training. Flexibility also falls into this category.
CrossFit training, however, goes beyond these organic skills to include neurological skills such as coordination, agility, accuracy, and balance. These are developed in the brain through practice, often frustrating those who prefer to focus on physical exertion.
Additionally, CrossFit integrates skills combining both organic and neurological elements, like speed and power. Speed involves both physical adaptations and the precision of movement, while power is about performing work quickly, encompassing a variety of physical skills, such as Olympic lifts.
Hyrox Training Specifics
Hyrox training emphasizes running and functional fitness challenges like sled push, sled pull, ski erg, rowing, sandbag lunges, burpee broad jumps, farmer’s carry, and wall balls. Achieving proficiency in Hyrox can be accomplished by focusing on these exercises, making it more effective than standard High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) or Bootcamp classes offered by most gyms. It’s also an excellent gateway to CrossFit training.
Balancing CrossFit and Hyrox at CrossFit Orpington
At CrossFit Orpington, we offer both traditional CrossFit classes (Everyday Of The Week) and “Sweat Classes”, Which will now be focused towards Hyrox (Saturday). Our members who integrate Sweat classes into their routine view them as an extension of CrossFit, featuring varied functional movements performed at high intensity. These Sweat sessions offer longer metabolic conditioning (METCON) workouts and an opportunity to utilize their strength in a fun and challenging way.
For those focused solely on Hyrox, these classes provide serious strength and stamina training, often supplemented by running. For those looking to advance further in Hyrox, transitioning to CrossFit is the logical next step.
Why CrossFit is Ideal for Hyrox Training
To excel in Hyrox, one must develop comprehensive physical skills. Simply practising the specific Hyrox exercises isn’t enough. For example:
- Sled Push/Pull: Requires overall strength, developed through heavy lifts like squats, presses, and deadlifts.
- Ski Erg/Pulling: Strengthened by exercises like ring rows, pull-ups, and muscle-ups.
- Sandbag Lunges: Enhanced by improving hip speed and balance, which are developed through Olympic lifts.
- Wall Balls: Benefit from increased flexibility.
- Farmer’s Carry: Requires a strong grip, developed through various lifting exercises.
- Burpee Broad Jumps: Improved by working on jumping ability.
Ultimately, CrossFit provides the diverse physical skills needed to maximize performance in Hyrox or any sport, making it the best training method for those aiming to excel in a Hyrox race.