HYROX: the fitness sport phenomenon taking the world by storm, thanks to its accessible format

Date published: 22 February 2024


Age is no barrier to exercise – as these four ladies from onePT have proven, after winning third place in their very first HYROX event, the accessible fitness sport phenomenon that is sweeping across the UK and the world.

With over 8,000 participants taking part in the Manchester event alone, HYROX bridges the gap between traditional endurance events with functional fitness to create a race format for everybody, thanks to being suitable for any and all fitness abilities.

And that’s exactly what Joanne Wilson, 48, Alison Maughan, 49, Gill Lowe, 58, and Elaine Millar, 61 – four long-standing members at Rochdale’s multi-award-winning onePT gym – proved as they showed what can be accomplished with the right training environment, guidance and support.

The hard work and dedication of their fitness journey paying off, the quartet landed an incredible third place position in the HYROX ladies over 40 relay in late January.

“We are absolutely thrilled by the success of not only the four ladies, but also by the fact over 20 of our members took part in Manchester,” explains John Carroll, co-director of onePT.

 

onePT
John Carroll, co-director of onePT

 

“We have been an official HYROX-affiliated gym partner for nearly 12 months, and it has been awesome to see how these events have brought our membership even closer together as a community in terms of support and encouragement and also how they are inspiring others to take part.”

Since its establishment in 2018, onePT has also landed four prestigious awards from ukactive, having been named the regional and national centre of the year in 2019 and again in 2021, a real testament to its training and support.

Dr Neil Fell, co-founder and director at onePT, added: “Our hope at the very beginning was to create a facility whereby we had that ‘training ground’ mentality.

“For every member that walks through the door, they are truly supported by every member of the team and their goals matter more than our own, a complete member-centric approach.

“Hopefully we have not done a bad job in achieving this, and we know we can still improve.

“We are looking forward to the journey continuing.”

 

onePT
Joanne Wilson, 48, Alison Maughan, 49, Elaine Millar, 61, and Gill Lowe, 58

 

With 52% of gym goers now citing fitness as their primary sport, and fitness being the largest sport in the world, HYROX is the first mass participation event that gives everyday gym-goers their own race to train for!

The HYROX experience: a fusion of strength and endurance

At its core, HYROX is a race designed to challenge both the physical and mental limits of its participants. Imagine a series of fitness challenges, seamlessly woven into a course that demands strength, agility, and endurance.

From lifting weights to conquering rowing and ski machines, participants engage in a relentless test of their overall fitness prowess.

 

Joanne Wilson, 48, Alison Maughan, 49, Elaine Miller, 61, and Gill Lowe, 59, with a cake depicting their likenesses
The third place winners with a special cake depicting their likenesses

 

One of the distinctive features of HYROX is its team-oriented structure. Participants can race either individually, in doubles or in a relay, but the spirit of teamwork is fostered throughout the event.

The shared commitment to overcoming obstacles creates an environment where competitors push not only themselves but also uplift those around them, fostering a sense of community seldom found in traditional sports competitions.

Ralf Iwan, global head of academy and training at HYROX, says: “In the dynamic landscape of fitness and sports events, HYROX stands out as a beacon of strength, endurance, and camaraderie.”

 

onePT
The spirit of teamwork is fostered throughout the event

 

Benefits of the strength-endurance race format

The HYROX format offers a multitude of advantages for participants.

Firstly, the blend of strength and endurance training provides a holistic approach to fitness, ensuring that participants enhance their overall athletic performance. The race format, which combines various workout stations, caters to individuals of diverse fitness levels, making it an inclusive platform for fitness enthusiasts.

 

A cake featuring an icing model of John Carroll taking part in the HYROX event
The blend of strength and endurance training provides a holistic approach to fitness

 

Moreover, the race format ignites the thrill of competition, allowing participants to tap into their competitive spirit while also enjoying the personal satisfaction of conquering challenges.

The endorphin rush and sense of accomplishment are great, making HYROX not just a race but a transformative journey for each participant.

HYROX: a global fitness revolution

In a world where wellness and community matter more than ever, HYROX emerges as a beacon, inviting individuals to join a movement that transcends the boundaries of traditional sports.

Whether you are training for a particular HYROX event or even if you simply want to take your fitness to the next level, HYROX classes at onePT are the perfect choice for you.

 

Inside the onePT gym
Become part of the HYROX global fitness revolution at onePT

 

So, lace up your athletic shoes, embrace the challenge, and become part of the HYROX global fitness revolution at onePT– where the pursuit of fitness meets the thrill of competition, and where strength is not just a physical attribute but a mindset.

If you would like to find out more about the HYROX classes and sessions offered by onePT, please visit classes or contact onePT (call 01706 522 233).

onePT
Unit 1
Albion Road Industrial Estate
Rochdale
OL11 4JB

* The HYROX classes are included in the overall membership: options for pay-as-you-go and block booking of sessions are also available.

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