{"id":1602,"date":"2025-07-17T02:22:20","date_gmt":"2025-07-17T02:22:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/1602\/"},"modified":"2025-07-17T02:22:20","modified_gmt":"2025-07-17T02:22:20","slug":"hyrox-in-abu-dhabi-how-first-time-and-seasoned-participants-are-preparing-for-the-popular-fitness-race","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/1602\/","title":{"rendered":"Hyrox in Abu Dhabi: How first-time and seasoned participants are preparing for the popular fitness race"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hundreds of fitness enthusiasts in Abu Dhabi<\/a> are getting ready to sprint, squat, row and lunge their way through one of the world\u2019s fastest-growing competitions<\/a>: Hyrox<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Established in Germany in 2017, it’s a fitness race combining endurance and functional strength; the name Hyrox is derived from the words \u201chybrid\u201d and \u201crock star\u201d.<\/p>\n

The competition comes to the capital for the first time on Saturday. While it has previously been held in Dubai and Sharjah, the sold-out Abu Dhabi race offers both newcomers and returning participants another chance to put their fitness<\/a> to the test.<\/p>\n

‘We can do hard things’<\/p>\n

Abu Dhabi resident Sumayyah Marit Raidvere is giving Hyrox a try for the first time. She was convinced to join after seeing videos of the Sharjah event on social media. She says she gave in to the \u201csocial pressure\u201d when she heard the race was coming to the UAE capital. Although she\u2019s never participated in an endurance competition, Raidvere has run the Brussels and Adnoc 10K<\/a> races. <\/p>\n

Ranim Kaddoura is also a newcomer who decided to take on a Hyrox event after completing the Adnoc 10K run last year.<\/p>\n

Kaddoura originally thought she\u2019d need a full year to prepare after seeing videos online. So when a friend suggested they team up for the July event, she was hesitant. After some convincing, she eventually signed up, with a little more than two months’ notice to train.<\/p>\n

She explains that she has a mantra in her household: \u201cWe can do hard things.\u201d It’s a message she makes it a point to teach her children. \u201cI don\u2019t like the phrase \u2018I can\u2019t\u2019 existing in our house. So this was really a confrontation of things I preach at home. I felt I needed to live up to my word.\u201d <\/p>\n

What is Hyrox? <\/p>\n

Hyrox has four divisions: open, pro, doubles and relay. Each race \u2013 no matter where the location \u2013 always has the same format. <\/p>\n

I love competition, and I\u2019m constantly chasing that next challenge, so Hyrox felt like the perfect fit<\/p>\n

Mariam Tarek,
performance coach in Abu Dhabi<\/p>\n

It consists of eight 1km runs, each immediately followed by a functional workout station in this order: 1,000-metre SkiErg, 50-metre sled push, 50-metre sled pull, 80-metre burpee broad jumps, 1,000-metre rowing, 200-metre kettlebell farmer\u2019s carry, 100-metre sandbag lunges and 100 repeated wall balls. The weight for some of the stations will vary based on division. <\/p>\n

The energy at a Hyrox event can be electric as it consists of a mix of music, cheering spectators and the constant movement of athletes powering through each station.<\/p>\n

‘Constantly chasing that next challenge’<\/p>\n

Though the competition is strenuous, those who have participated before believe it is worth it. Mariam Tarek, a performance coach in Abu Dhabi, has taken part in three events already. <\/p>\n

\u201cI love competition, and I\u2019m constantly chasing that next challenge, so Hyrox felt like the perfect fit,\u201d she says. \u201cThe adrenalin makes you want to go out hot, but that\u2019s mistake number one. Pacing is key. It\u2019s a long race, and if you don\u2019t respect the structure, it will humble you.\u201d <\/p>\n

Mariam Diab, a marketing manager who also works as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, has competed in Hyrox events in both Dubai and Sharjah. Her interest was sparked by her fitness community, made up of fellow trainers and athletes.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe training journey was fun, having to do it together. Although it was challenging, it was a new type of training,\u201d says Diab, who had only done HIIT and group classes before. <\/p>\n

\u201cWe had only started training about two or three months before. My partner and I ended up doing the race and were happy with our time result.\u201d <\/p>\n

‘Built for inclusivity’<\/p>\n

While Raidvere and Kaddoura are preparing for the event in different ways, they share one common denominator: training with a coach who has Hyrox experience. <\/p>\n

Steve Pere is the co-founder and a personal trainer at boutique gym GritnCode in Abu Dhabi. Like other gyms, such as F45, GymNation and Warehouse Gym, he runs classes aimed at training those who want to take part. As a bonus, he\u2019s also participated in Hyrox himself. <\/p>\n

\u201cHyrox is built for inclusivity. Unlike CrossFit or obstacle races that require specific skills or technical movements, Hyrox focuses on functional exercises that most gym-goers are already familiar with, such as running, rowing, skiing, sled pushes and pulls, farmer\u2019s carries, lunges and burpees,\u201d he says. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s repetitive by design, with a standard format that allows participants to track and improve their personal time, whether or not they want to compete against others. The structure and exercises help reduce the risk of injury, making it accessible to a wide range of fitness levels.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pere has seen people in their 60s as well as those with disabilities successfully cross the finish line, noting there\u2019s a mental and physical toughness in it. Tarek also agrees that although it is challenging, it is something everyone can do.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe best part about Hyrox? It\u2019s accessible. You don\u2019t have to be an elite athlete. You just need the courage to start,\u201d she says. \u201cAnyone can complete the race. Truly anyone. That\u2019s what makes it special. It welcomes all levels and shows you what you\u2019re really made of.\u201d<\/p>\n

‘Movements most people already know’<\/p>\n

In terms of physical preparation, Pere says Hyrox offers a weekly training programme for gyms to use, noting that it \u201cdoesn\u2019t require mastering complex skills\u201d. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s built on movements most people already know from regular gym training,\u201d he adds. \u201cAt GritnCode, our programming is split into specific sessions focused on what you want to improve: strength, endurance, conditioning or technical skills like rowing mechanics.\u201d<\/p>\n

Even with a familiar course, nerves can still creep in. For Raidvere, the start corridor, burpee broad jumps, and pacing her runs are like \u201ckryptonite\u201d. Kaddoura points to running as her weakest point. Despite having competed in previous Hyrox races, Diab, too, says running remains the most challenging part for her, while Tarek finds the final workout station the toughest.<\/p>\n

\u201cWall balls, hands down,\u201d she says. \u201cYou get to the last station and think \u2018this is it\u2019, but your legs are jelly, your arms are shaking and your lungs are begging for air. Still, it\u2019s the most epic part too, especially if the crowd is loud and you\u2019re feeding off that energy. It pushes you through the pain,\u201d she says. <\/p>\n

Although difficult, Diab says one of the most memorable moments from the event came as she neared the finish line.<\/p>\n

\u201cI loved that my family was cheering me on in my first race,\u201d she says. \u201cIt was my birthday, so it was a very memorable moment \u2013 celebrating being a year older but also stronger, doing things I\u2019ve never done before, challenging myself, only to prove that age is just a number. And to also set an inspiring example to my daughters.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tarek aims to become one of the first Egyptian women to rank among Hyrox\u2019s top athletes. Raidvere, meanwhile, hopes to improve her 5K run time and compete in Hyrox Stockholm later this year alongside her sister. For Kaddoura, the race is a chance to strengthen her mindset beyond just fitness.<\/p>\n

Those who have already taken part say Hyrox is more than just a race and that it is for everyone. For those still hesitant, Diab offers some encouragement.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo for it, enjoy the journey, don’t think about the time you finish,\u201d she says. \u201cStepping into the racecourse and taking part means you already achieved and won. Also, never underestimate what you can do; you will be surprised.\u201d<\/p>\n

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pocketsKilling of Qassem SuleimaniSpecs <\/p>\n

Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric<\/p>\n

Range: Up to 610km<\/p>\n

Power: 905hp<\/p>\n

Torque: 985Nm<\/p>\n

Price: From Dh439,000<\/p>\n

Available: Now<\/p>\n

Killing of Qassem SuleimaniThe specs<\/p>\n

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo<\/p>\n

Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm<\/p>\n

Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm<\/p>\n

Transmission: 9-speed auto<\/p>\n

Fuel consumption: 6.9L\/100km<\/p>\n

On sale: Now<\/p>\n

Price: From Dh117,059<\/p>\n

Haircare resolutions 2021<\/p>\n

From Beirut and Amman to London and now Dubai, hairstylist George Massoud has seen the same mistakes made by customers all over the world. In the chair or at-home hair care, here are the resolutions he wishes his customers would make for the year ahead.<\/p>\n

1. ‘I will seek consultation from professionals’<\/p>\n

You may know what you want, but are you sure it\u2019s going to suit you? Haircare professionals can tell you what will work best with your skin tone, hair texture and lifestyle.<\/p>\n

2. ‘I will tell my hairdresser when I\u2019m not happy’<\/p>\n

Massoud says it\u2019s better to offer constructive criticism to work on in the future. Your hairdresser will learn, and you may discover how to communicate exactly what you want more effectively the next time.<\/p>\n

3. \u2018I will treat my hair better out of the chair\u2019<\/p>\n

Damage control is a big part of most hairstylists\u2019 work right now, but it can be avoided. Steer clear of over-colouring at home, try and pursue one hair brand at a time and never, ever use a straightener on still drying hair, pleads Massoud.<\/p>\n

LAST-16 FIXTURES<\/p>\n

Sunday, January 20
3pm: Jordan v Vietnam at Al Maktoum\u00a0Stadium, Dubai
6pm: Thailand v China at Hazza bin Zayed\u00a0Stadium, Al Ain
9pm: Iran v Oman at Mohamed bin Zayed\u00a0Stadium, Abu Dhabi<\/p>\n

Monday, January 21
3pm: Japan v Saudi Arabia at Sharjah\u00a0Stadium
6pm: Australia v Uzbekistan at Khalifa bin Zayed\u00a0Stadium, Al Ain
9pm: UAE v Kyrgyzstan at Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi<\/p>\n

Tuesday, January 22
5pm: South Korea v Bahrain at Rashid\u00a0Stadium, Dubai
8pm: Qatar v Iraq at Al Nahyan\u00a0Stadium, Abu Dhabi<\/p>\n

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pocketsMATCH INFO<\/p>\n

Uefa Champions League semi-finals, second leg:<\/p>\n

Liverpool (0) v Barcelona (3), Tuesday, 11pm UAE<\/p>\n

Game is on BeIN Sports<\/p>\n

Killing of Qassem SuleimaniMore from Rashmee Roshan LallKilling of Qassem SuleimaniConflict, drought, famine<\/p>\n

Estimates of the number of deaths caused by the famine range from 400,000 to 1 million, according to a document prepared for the UK House of Lords in 2024.
It has been claimed that the policies of the Ethiopian government, which took control after deposing Emperor Haile Selassie in a military-led revolution in 1974, contributed to the scale of the famine.
Dr Miriam Bradley, senior lecturer in humanitarian studies at the University of Manchester, has argued that, by the early 1980s, \u201cseveral government policies combined to cause, rather than prevent, a famine which lasted from 1983 to 1985. Mengistu\u2019s government imposed Stalinist-model agricultural policies involving forced collectivisation and villagisation [relocation of communities into planned villages].
The West became aware of the catastrophe through a series of BBC News reports by journalist Michael Buerk in October 1984 describing a \u201cbiblical famine\u201d and containing graphic images of thousands of people, including children, facing starvation.<\/p>\n

Band Aid<\/p>\n

Bob Geldof, singer with the Irish rock group The Boomtown Rats, formed Band Aid in response to the horrific images shown in the news broadcasts.
With Midge Ure of the band Ultravox, he wrote the hit charity single Do They Know it\u2019s Christmas in December 1984, featuring a string of high-profile musicians.
Following the single\u2019s success, the idea to stage a rock concert evolved.
Live Aid was a series of simultaneous concerts that took place at Wembley Stadium in London, John F Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, the US, and at various other venues across the world.
The combined event was broadcast to an estimated worldwide audience of 1.5 billion.<\/p>\n

Jetour T1 specs<\/p>\n

Engine: 2-litre turbocharged<\/p>\n

Power: 254hp<\/p>\n

Torque: 390Nm<\/p>\n

Price: From Dh126,000<\/p>\n

Available: Now<\/p>\n

Company Profile<\/p>\n

Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million <\/p>\n

In numbers: China in Dubai<\/p>\n

The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000<\/p>\n

Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000<\/p>\n

Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018\/19: 120,000<\/p>\n

Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000<\/p>\n

Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent<\/p>\n

Key facilities
\nOlympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m\/25m training lanes
\nPremier League-standard football pitch
\n400m Olympic running track
\nNBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
\n600-seat auditorium
\nSpaces for historical and cultural exploration
\nAn elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
\nSpecialist robotics and science laboratories
\nAR and VR-enabled learning centres
\nDisruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills<\/p>\n

%3Cp%3EThe%20Department%20of%20Culture%20and%20Tourism%20-%20Abu%20Dhabi%E2%80%99s%20Arabic%20Language%20Centre%20will%20mark%20International%20Women%E2%80%99s%20Day%20at%20the%20Bologna%20Children’s%20Book%20Fair%20with%20the%20Abu%20Dhabi%20Translation%20Conference.%20Prolific%20Emirati%20author%20Noora%20Al%20Shammari%2C%20who%20has%20written%20eight%20books%20that%20%20feature%20in%20the%20Ministry%20of%20Education’s%20curriculum%2C%20will%20appear%20in%20a%20session%20on%20Wednesday%20to%20discuss%20the%20challenges%20women%20face%20in%20getting%20their%20works%20translated.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A<\/p>\n

Sole survivors
\nCecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
\nGeorge Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
\nBahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
\nJim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
\nLabour dispute<\/p>\n

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.<\/p>\n

– Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law\u00a0<\/p>\n

The specs<\/p>\n

Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo<\/p>\n

Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm<\/p>\n

Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm<\/p>\n

Transmission: Eight-speed auto<\/p>\n

Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L\/100km<\/p>\n

On sale: December<\/p>\n

Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)<\/p>\n

Honeymoonish<\/p>\n

%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Elie%20El%20Samaan%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENour%20Al%20Ghandour%2C%20Mahmoud%20Boushahri%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A<\/p>\n

McLaren GT specs<\/p>\n

Engine: 4-litre twin-turbo V8<\/p>\n

Transmission: seven-speed<\/p>\n

Power: 620bhp<\/p>\n

Torque: 630Nm<\/p>\n

Price: Dh875,000<\/p>\n

On sale: now<\/p>\n

Global state-owned investor ranking by size<\/p>\n

1.<\/p>\n

United States<\/p>\n

2.<\/p>\n

China<\/p>\n

3.<\/p>\n

UAE<\/p>\n

4.<\/p>\n

Japan<\/p>\n

5<\/p>\n

Norway<\/p>\n

6.<\/p>\n

Canada<\/p>\n

7.<\/p>\n

Singapore<\/p>\n

8.<\/p>\n

Australia<\/p>\n

9.<\/p>\n

Saudi Arabia<\/p>\n

10.<\/p>\n

South Korea<\/p>\n

The specs<\/p>\n

Engine: 1.5-litre turbo<\/p>\n

Power: 181hp<\/p>\n

Torque: 230Nm<\/p>\n

Transmission: 6-speed automatic<\/p>\n

Starting price: Dh79,000<\/p>\n

On sale: Now<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Hundreds of fitness enthusiasts in Abu Dhabi are getting ready to sprint, squat, row and lunge their way…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1603,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[37],"tags":[2226,49,48,407,84,2227,2225,1320],"class_list":["post-1602","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-fitness","tag-abu-dhabi","tag-ca","tag-canada","tag-fitness","tag-health","tag-lifestyle-team","tag-standard","tag-story"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1602","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1602"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1602\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1603"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1602"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1602"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1602"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}