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The best preparation for Hyrox

Hyrox is a unique and growing fitness competition that combines strength, endurance, and mental resilience. It combines running with functional fitness exercises like sled pushes, rowing, and wall balls. To perform well in Hyrox, you need focused and structured training, focusing on technique, energy distribution, and recovery. This article explains how to best train for Hyrox, which supplements can provide support, and how to take your physical and mental performance to the next level.

The structure of a Hyrox race

Before we get into the training, it's important to understand the structure of a Hyrox competition To understand. Each participant will run a total of 8 kilometers, alternating with 8 functional workouts. These are:

  1. 1 km run
  2. 1000m SkiErg
  3. 1 km run
  4. Sled Push
  5. 1 km run
  6. Sled Pull
  7. 1 km run
  8. Burpee Broad Jumps
  9. 1 km run
  10. Row 1000m
  11. 1 km run
  12. Farmers Carry
  13. 1 km run
  14. Sandbag Lunges
  15. 1 km run
  16. Wall Balls

It's a test of versatility: you need to be strong, but also fast and have endurance. Therefore, good preparation requires a smart combination of strength training, cardio, technique, and recovery periods.

Step 1 - The Basics

Every Hyrox athlete, from beginner to advanced, should start by building a strong foundation. This means improving your aerobic capacity and building your functional strength. In the first 6 to 8 weeks of your training, the focus should be on:

  • Long, easy endurance runs (30-60 minutes)
  • Full-body strength training with an emphasis on compound exercises (squats, deadlifts, lunges, presses)
  • Technique training for movements such as sled pushes, wall balls and the rower
  • Mobility work to prevent injuries

Endurance training builds your stamina, while strength training provides the physical capacity needed to push sleds or do lunges with a sandbag. In this phase, train 4 to 5 times a week, alternating between heavy and easy sessions.

Step 2 - interval

After building a solid foundation, the focus shifts to specific Hyrox skills and higher intensity. This usually occurs in the 6-10 weeks leading up to the race. In this phase, you introduce more interval training, simulations, and circuit training that mimics the demands of a real race.

Your workouts might look like this:

  • Intervals of 400 to 1000 meters at race pace, combined with exercises such as sled pushes or burpees
  • WOD-style circuits with repetitive rounds of Hyrox movements
  • Training sessions with reduced rest to improve your recovery capacity
  • Technique training to improve efficiency: think of pacing during the Wall Balls or a good grip during Farmers Carry

 

It's important to teach your body to handle fatigue. The transition from running to a heavy strength component is mentally and physically demanding. By training for this, you can perfect your energy management.

Step 3 - pacing

The last two weeks before the race, you should taper: the intensity remains high, but the volume is lowered. The goal is to start fresh, but still sharp. In this phase, you'll do short, intense sessions and work on mobility, technique, and mental preparation.

You can also do some "race simulations," such as half a Hyrox at 80% intensity, to test your pacing. Make sure you get enough sleep, eat well, and avoid heavy training right before race day.

Recover

An often-overlooked element of Hyrox training is recovery. Your body can only improve if it also has the opportunity to recover. Sleep at least 7 to 9 hours per night. Incorporate active recovery days like walking, yoga, or mobility training. Listen to your body: fatigue, irritability, or decreased performance can be signs of overtraining. This, too, is part of a healthy lifestyle. 

Supplements to support your Hyrox training

Scientific studies show that supplements are effective in specific cases. For example, the benefits of folic acid for pregnant women are well-established. Vitamin D supplementation in the elderly also has demonstrably positive effects on bone health.

Supplements aren't a substitute for a good diet, but they can support your performance. Below, we discuss some commonly used and proven effective supplements in the context of Hyrox:

  • Creatine MonohydrateIncreases muscle strength and explosiveness. Especially effective for sled pushes and sled pulls.
  • CaffeineImproves focus and endurance. Take it 30-45 minutes before your workout or race.
  • Beta-AlanineIncreases muscle buffering capacity against acidification. Ideal for intense workouts with high lactate production.
  • Electrolytes: Support hydration, especially during long or sweaty workouts.
  • Proteinshakes: Useful after training to promote muscle recovery. Choose whey protein or plant-based alternatives.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids: Helps reduce inflammation and promote recovery.

 

Note: Quality and dosage are important. Choose supplements from reputable brands and, if in doubt, consult a sports dietitian.

supplements

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Mental preparation and mindset

Hyrox isn't just physically demanding; it also demands mental resilience. You have to push yourself while your heart rate is high, your legs are burning, and your breathing is labored. Being mentally prepared means:

  • Practicing with discomfort: simulate fatigue and learn to cope with it
  • Using breathing techniques to regulate your heart rate
  • Applying visualization: Imagine your race from start to finish
  • Focus on your own race, not the athlete next to you

 

A positive, resilient mindset can make the difference between giving up and persevering.

Combining Hyrox with your daily life

For many, Hyrox is a hobby alongside work, family, and other commitments. Consistency is more important than perfection. Plan your workouts ahead, choose fixed days, and be flexible when needed. Sometimes a short, efficient session is better than a long workout that leaves you drained. Communicate with those around you and ensure you schedule sufficient rest periods. Hyrox is intense, but with a smart approach, it can easily be combined with everyday life.

Finally: working on your own Hyrox success

Training for Hyrox requires more than just sweating in the gym. It's a combination of smart training, proper nutrition, targeted supplement use, adequate recovery, and a strong mindset. Know what you're getting into to avoid disappointment. 

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