One of the fastest growing functional fitness competitions in the world. HYROX has found a dedicated following in Europe while growing steadily in the United States. Attracting the attention of many Crossfit athletes. All wondering what is HYROX and what’s the difference between HYROX vs Crossfit.
With a brief overview of the HYROX movements. Many people feel that the two directly translate to each other. And while the fundamentals are the same. I can assure you there are some very big differences between the two sports. And that success in one will not necessarily translate to success in the other.
Let’s get to it!
Key Takeaways:
- In HYROX, competition workouts, weights, and distances are known in advance, allowing for specific training, while Crossfit events are typically unknown until closer to the competition.
- Crossfit involves complex Olympic movements with high reps and weights, requiring extended training, whereas HYROX movements are straightforward and can be practiced at home with lower costs.
- High-level Crossfit includes complex gymnastics movements not needed for HYROX.
- HYROX competitions involve a single event with the best overall time winning, whereas Crossfit competitions have multiple events, and the winner is determined by points.
- Running is a crucial aspect of HYROX, with consistent runners often winning, making it a significant difference from Crossfit.
- HYROX emphasizes long, sustained efforts with a focus on running, while Crossfit focuses on skill-based, shorter workouts with strength-based elements.
Breaking Down the Differences: HYROX vs. CrossFit
When comparing HYROX and CrossFit, the differences in competition structure, training focus, and overall approach to fitness become apparent.
Competition Structure
In HYROX competitions, a notable feature is the standardized nature of the event. Each workout entails the same amount of running, exercises, and follows a consistent order. This contrasts sharply with CrossFit competitions, where the element of surprise prevails, featuring various workouts on the same day, with specifics revealed shortly beforehand. The standardized format of HYROX simplifies training, offering a clear measure of progress based on finishing times.
Running
One distinctive aspect of HYROX events is the substantial running component, exceeding 8km. In contrast, running plays a less prominent role in CrossFit workouts, making it a significant concern for CrossFit athletes exploring HYROX. The stark contrast in running distances emphasizes the different athletic demands of the two sports.
Completion Time
The average time to complete a HYROX race is approximately 1.5 hours, with elite athletes finishing in just under 60 minutes. This stands in stark contrast to CrossFit workouts, which typically last less than 20 minutes. The differing durations highlight the varying emphasis on endurance and intensity between the two sports.
Exercises
HYROX’s selection of exercises prioritizes safety and simplicity, catering to a broad range of fitness abilities. The chosen exercises, including running, SkiErg, Sled Push, Sled Pull, Burpee Broad Jump, Row, Farmers Carry, Sandbag Lunges, and Wall Balls, require minimal skill. This is a notable departure from CrossFit, known for incorporating complex, technical movements like heavy Olympic lifts and gymnastic maneuvers that can take years to master. HYROX’s accessibility makes it appealing to a wider audience.
Gymnastics Movements
In high-level CrossFit, athletes encounter demanding gymnastic movements such as handstand walks and muscle-ups. These intricate maneuvers are not part of HYROX, providing a more straightforward and accessible experience. The absence of complex gymnastics sets HYROX apart and lowers the entry barrier for individuals seeking a functional fitness challenge without the need for extensive skill development.
The Finals
Both CrossFit and HYROX culminate in finals events, but their formats differ significantly. The CrossFit Games span multiple days with various workouts, determining the best CrossFitters globally based on accumulated points. In contrast, HYROX’s World Championships maintain the same concept and race structure as regular events. The “Elite 15” race crowns the HYROX World Champion, with additional age group divisions spanning from 16-24 to 70+, providing a more extensive range than the CrossFit Games.
Conclusion
While HYROX and CrossFit may appear similar on the surface, they require distinct forms of training. HYROX emphasizes long sustained efforts with running as a major focus, offering a unique appeal to a broader fitness audience. In contrast, CrossFit is skill-focused with shorter, intense workouts and strength-based events. HYROX opens up competitive functional fitness to a new group of individuals, especially drawing in runners who appreciate CrossFit-style workouts. Share your thoughts on HYROX vs. CrossFit in the comments below!
Top 5 FAQs
What distinguishes HYROX competitions from CrossFit events in terms of structure?
In HYROX, the competition structure is standardized, with known workouts, weights, and distances in advance. CrossFit events, in contrast, are characterized by unknown workouts until shortly before the competition, featuring various exercises on the same day.
How does the role of running differ between HYROX and CrossFit?
Running is a crucial aspect of HYROX, often exceeding 8km, and consistent runners tend to perform well. In CrossFit, running plays a less prominent role, making it a significant difference in the athletic demands of the two sports.
What is the average completion time for HYROX races compared to typical CrossFit workouts?
The average time to complete a HYROX race is approximately 1.5 hours, with elite athletes finishing in just under 60 minutes. In contrast, CrossFit workouts typically last less than 20 minutes, emphasizing the differing durations and intensity levels between the two sports.
How do the exercise selections in HYROX differ from those in CrossFit?
HYROX prioritizes safety and simplicity with exercises such as running, SkiErg, Sled Push, Sled Pull, Burpee Broad Jump, Row, Farmers Carry, Sandbag Lunges, and Wall Balls. This contrasts with CrossFit, known for incorporating complex, technical movements like heavy Olympic lifts and gymnastic maneuvers.
What sets HYROX apart regarding gymnastics movements compared to high-level CrossFit?
HYROX does not include demanding gymnastic movements such as handstand walks and muscle-ups, making it more straightforward and accessible. This absence of complex gymnastics distinguishes HYROX and lowers the entry barrier for individuals seeking a functional fitness challenge without extensive skill development.
Let us know your thoughts on HYROX vs Crossfit in the comments below!