Created in Germany by former Olympic field hockey champion Moritz Fürste and sports event organization specialist Christian Toetzke, Hyrox experienced its first expansion phase after the Covid-19 pandemic. This hybrid sport follows a standardized format: participants must run 1 km, then move to an exercise station, repeating the operation eight times. The sequence includes: 1,000 meters of SkiErg (muscle strengthening machine), 50 meters of sled push, 50 meters of sled pull, 80 meters of burpee broad jumps, 1,000 meters of rowing, 200 meters of farmer’s carry, 100 meters of weighted lunges, and 100 wall ball repetitions.
In Bordeaux, like elsewhere, Hyrox is growing rapidly. The city will host an official race from September 30 to October 4. “It’s a sport that capitalizes on clear general trends: running and enduring challenges,” details Florent Nuttin, owner of the Battling Club gym in the Chartrons neighborhood. Initially focused on general fitness, the 40-year-old manager switched to Hyrox about a year and a half ago. There are now over 200 registered members in his small neighborhood gym.
On Wednesday, April 22, seven people participated in the day’s session. The workout included about fifteen minutes of warm-up followed by a circuit of running and various exercises, to be completed in less than four minutes and repeated six times. “Being in a group stimulates more than going to the gym alone,” explains Djibrine Isseini, 52, a Hyrox enthusiast for about a year. This sentiment is echoed by Sandie Baureilles, a 43-year-old project manager.
For Julien, who has been practicing for four years, the main advantages are related to health. “We work on postures, movements that are not traumatic or dangerous,” explains the man in his forties. This is partly why Hyrox has seen explosive success. Compared to CrossFit, which is more demanding, in Hyrox, “a simple demonstration is enough to understand 80% of the movement from the first session,” says Florent Nuttin.
In addition to its accessibility, the success of Hyrox’s model is due to its perfect marketing and communication. With precise organization, highly attractive competition venues, controlled scenography, and looped social media images, Hyrox is a trendy brand that has perfectly understood its market’s codes.
“It appeals to people who like to challenge and showcase themselves through sports,” analyzes Joffrey Voisin, a triple world champion in the 40-44 age group, and a Hyrox reference in France. While acknowledging that it is a lucrative business, he sees it as a “healthy environment.”
“The customer experience is very comprehensive and well thought out,” adds Florent Nuttin. However, a barrier arises to participate in official competitions: the price. It costs around a hundred euros to register for the race, with an additional option to buy souvenir photos for 40 euros, not including travel and accommodation expenses.
To reach a wider audience, some organizers draw inspiration from Hyrox’s democratized hybrid sports model and create slightly different events. Florent Nuttin launched the Rusher Race, a race of five times 1.5 km, interspersed with exercise stations. It will take place on May 30 at the CitA© bleue in Bordeaux, for 80 euros for solo participants.
