‘HYROX is here to stay’
For other UAE HYROX competitors, the challenge is just as compelling. Evan Macari explains how it taps straight into his competitive core. “For me HYROX was about the competition. I come from a competitive background so naturally I always gravitate to that.”
That mindset shaped how he approached the sport, and how his training evolved. “My training changed quite a bit as I was a competitive CrossFit athlete, transitioning to HYROX was a bit of a change. But one I preferred.” The shift, however, came with a clear realisation about what Hyrox demands. “HYROX is a running race so it definitely pays to spend more time running or training more like an endurance athlete.”
Still, the race format doesn’t mean strength takes a back seat. “This didn’t mean I stopped my strength or station work. I still included a lot of strength training as you also need to be able to complete the stations in HYROX.
While competition was the initial pull, the lifestyle appeal quickly followed. “As I said, I went for the competition. But the fact it allowed me to travel after my races is a bonus. You can take part in HYROX in nearly every city at this rate.” That accessibility, he believes, is part of the magic. “The travel element definitely pushes people to get involved and take part.”
Looking ahead, Macari sees no slowdown. “I think HYROX is here to stay and only get bigger.” The reason is simple. “It is more appealing to people as everyone can take part. It’s that simple.” There’s no technical barrier to entry, no intimidation factor. “There are no major skills involved and if you want to walk at any point you can.” And for many, the social side seals the deal. “The fact people can do it with friends and then have a weekend away in a different city is so appealing to people.”
The difficult early stages
That sense of challenge-meets-accessibility resonates with first-timers too. For Nikila Zachariah, Senior Communications Executive, the leap into Hyrox felt natural, but not effortless. “Given I’ve been doing Crossfit for a year, it was a fairly smooth transition into getting into Hyrox.” She’s quick to point out that it’s a different story for others. “But I’d assume it would be quite hard for someone who doesn’t run a lot or work on strength at first.”
The early stages, she admits, can be unforgiving. “In the beginning, it was really hard and it’s all about pacing yourself so you don’t burn yourself out in the beginning and you’re able to sustain your energy throughout the entire program.” Yet that difficulty is precisely the draw. “That being said, it’s a challenge that many love pushing themselves just to see how much you can actually take, kind of like a benchmark to your overall fitness.”