There’s a new name making waves in fitness circles, and it’s not a trendy diet or a boutique gym class; it’s a fitness race called HYROX.
HYROX is a global fitness race designed for everyday athletes. Combining endurance, strength, and functional training, it’s become one of the fastest-growing competitive fitness events in the world. According to Dallas-based personal trainer Eugene Pallisco, it’s not just a passing trend - it’s a movement redefining what it means to be fit.
What Is HYROX?
HYROX blends the words “hybrid” and “rockstar.” The event was founded in 2017 by endurance-racing organizer Christian Toetzke and German Olympic field-hockey champion Moritz Fürste, with the first race held in Hamburg, Germany.
It was created to bridge the gap between everyday gym workouts and formal athletic competition. That’s why the race format includes both running and functional movement stations. Participants complete 16 events: eight 0.6-mile (1-kilometer) runs, each followed by a different functional workout, such as sled pulls, burpee broad jumps, sandbag lunges, or rowing.
Why Did It Get So Popular?
Their first event launched with 650 participants. By the end of 2024, more than 650,000 people had competed in HYROX races globally. There are two key reasons for this:
Firstly, the format is consistent across every race worldwide, making it possible to track your performance over time or compete against friends and athletes from across the globe.
And secondly, hype also played a huge role. In 2025, trying to get into a HYROX race became really difficult. Major events sold out quickly. Some athletes even compared it to trying to buy Taylor Swift tickets.
This sense of scarcity gave the event status, and as people began sharing their training online, tagging the brand, and proudly displaying their results. HYROX’s media presence exploded.
Why Is It Recommended?
Fitness trainers see HYROX as a breakthrough workout routine because it strikes the balance most clients look for: measurable progress, a clear goal, and a community-driven challenge.
For people who’ve hit a plateau with traditional training or feel uninspired by solo workouts, HYROX turns everyday training into preparing for something more meaningful and fun.
How to Train for HYROX
Because HYROX involves both cardio and strength, Pallisco recommends a hybrid training approach.
A sample HYROX-style training week might include:
- Interval runs with target pacing
- Weighted sled pushes or pulls
- High-rep compound lifts
- Rowing or SkiErg sprints
- Core and grip-strength sessions
- Recovery work and mobility training
The key, according to Pallisco, is building both stamina and durability. “You need to move efficiently under fatigue and recover quickly between efforts,” he says. “That’s where smart programming comes in.”
About Eugene Pallisco
Eugene Pallisco is a certified personal trainer and fitness entrepreneur based in Dallas, Texas. Known for his personalized, holistic approach, Pallisco helps individuals unlock their full potential through tailored fitness programs that align with their lifestyle, mindset, and goals.