How Hyrox Transformed My Training, Mindset, and Lifestyle — And It Wasn’t Just About Winning
A Turning Point
When I received a Hyrox ticket late last year, I never imagined that saying "yes" would set off a life-altering journey. I had an inkling of what Hyrox was about — a thrilling fitness race blending running with various exercise stations — but I had no idea how deeply it would change my outlook on health and fitness.
The Surprise Entry
To my shock, my ticket was for individual entry, meaning I was going solo. With no partner to rely on, it was up to me to tackle this challenge.
Understanding the Hyrox Challenge
In my first training session, I was introduced to the rigorous demands of Hyrox: 8 kilometers of running, segmented into 1-kilometer intervals, interspersed with eight grueling workout stations: a ski erg, sled push and pull, rowing, burpee broad jumps, walking weighted lunges, a farmer’s carry, and a daunting 100 wall balls.
The last time I had run 8 kilometers was during a women’s mini marathon back in 2023 — minus the intense intervals. I began to question if I had bitten off more than I could chew, especially after struggling to catch my breath after a mere 400 meters of running, immediately followed by burpees.
Committing to the Challenge
The workouts pushed my limits more than anything I had experienced before. But I was determined to see this through, unphased by the fact that there was no cut-off time. According to Hyrox, the average finish time is around 90 minutes, but for me, it wasn’t about the clock; it was about the journey.
A New Identity
It’s hard to ignore the allure of the word ‘athlete’. This felt like my one shot to embrace that identity, even though I never considered myself particularly sporty. In my childhood, I was more likely to be found engaging in imaginative play with Barbies rather than participating in any sports activities. I often made excuses to skip physical education classes.
However, like many, I took the opportunity during lockdown to shift gears. I began hiking and took online personal training sessions, eventually training for that elusive 10-kilometer mini marathon — which I never ran again until Hyrox came along.
The Excitement of Purposeful Training
This was my first experience training for a specific goal. I had been exercising simply because it was expected, but now I was truly focused on my fitness with excitement and a sense of purpose.
On race day in Dublin, I noticed many participants proudly wearing merchandise from a local gym. Eager to dive deeper into this newfound passion, I booked a trial session at that gym to see what all the hype was about.
Community and Support in Hyrox
Sean Harding, founder of Back2Basics in Tallaght, shared that Hyrox is booming because it’s accessible to everyday athletes. “More than just a competition,” he explained, “it’s catalyzing a powerful shift in mindset — one that prioritizes performance over aesthetics.” Wasn’t this what I had been subconsciously searching for?
Although some joke that Hyrox resembles a cult, perhaps that confusion stems from the strong sense of community it fosters. “It’s not for everyone,” Harding acknowledges, “but for those who relish a structured challenge, it’s obvious why they are drawn to it.”
The Empowerment Shift
In an era where fitness trends often become over-hyped, Hyrox encourages participants to focus on what their bodies can accomplish, not merely how they look. This transformative approach is undeniably empowering.
Harding explains, “When people discover their bodies’ capabilities, it ignites motivation and accomplishment that keeps them coming back.”
Race Day: The Unforgettable Experience
Race day was a whirlwind. With clever marketing from Hyrox — athlete-only areas, merchandise stalls with limited edition gear, and photographers capturing every moment — the environment was electric. The race began in waves, meaning I wasn’t necessarily competing against those around me, which eased any initial nerves.
I approached the start line with excitement rather than pressure. I focused on enjoying the experience, even through the grueling burpees and my struggle to hit the 9ft target with a 4kg medicine ball.
I managed to complete the course in 1 hour and 39 minutes, avoiding time penalties and navigating each challenge successfully. Cross the finish line, I received the coveted finisher patch — a badge of honor for completing Hyrox events. I knew right then and there that this wouldn’t be my last race.
Who Joins Hyrox?
To my surprise, over 65% of participants at Hyrox Dublin were over the age of 30, with around 20% in my age group of 35-39. Social media buzzed about the event, and figures showed a staggering increase in participants from 4,200 in Dublin in 2024 to 10,000 in 2025. Spectators had similarly skyrocketed, reflecting the growing popularity.
The Power of Community
The "cult of Hyrox" drew many of us in, thanks to the standardized, gamified format that allows for measurable progress. It’s not merely about competing; it’s about community, friendship, and shared experiences.
I recently joined more than 100 individuals from my gym who traveled to Málaga to race. The social factor plays a substantial role — these experiences deepen connections while also inspiring personal growth.
A Shift in Perspective
Now, I’m training for achievement rather than for guilt or punishment. My mindset has shifted from exercising to burn calories to fueling my body to perform better. Harding observes this transformation in his gym, noting that training is increasingly becoming a celebration of progress, emphasizing strength, endurance, and overall performance.
A New Chapter
Gone are the days of chasing quick fixes or obsessing over aesthetic standards. Now, I focus on what my body can achieve when nurtured properly and am planning to host a Hyrox camp in Spain later this year, a prospect I never dreamt would materialize after that initial ticket purchase.
The Premium Fitness Experience
Beyond Hyrox, Ireland is also witnessing a rise in luxury fitness experiences. Studio settings like SAINT Studios in Dublin offer top-notch amenities and a holistic approach, reflecting a massive shift in how we perceive and prioritize our health.
People are increasingly viewing fitness as an investment, not merely as a chore. The prevailing narrative now celebrates feeling strong and capable instead of merely aiming to fit a certain aesthetic.
For anyone seeking a meaningful change in their health journey, Hyrox opens avenues not just for training but for self-discovery and empowerment—a shift that fosters both resilience and growth.
Join the movement. Become part of the community. Discover your potential.
