Hyrox racing: The brutal, beautiful fitness race that's taking over the world (and Asia's elite gyms)

Tatler Asia

03-06-2025

Hyrox racing in Asia
Once dominated by European and North American cities, the Hyrox circuit now counts Asia among its fastest-growing territories. Manila
The Philippine capital has emerged as a rising Hyrox hub. , with Hyrox Philippines holding its first competition in May 2024, with another set for October 2025. Singapore
Always ahead of the curve, Singapore embraced Hyrox with unofficial races at studios like Field Assembly and Fitness Bravo. The first official Hyrox Singapore event took place in October 2023; another is scheduled for September 2025. For time-conscious Singaporeans, the sport's precision and structure are a perfect match—plus, there's a smoothie bar waiting at the finish line. Bangkok
Bangkok's fitness scene is led by Base, where Hyrox-style group classes are taught under neon lights and thumping music. It's nightlife meets high-intensity interval training. Hyrox Thailand hosted its first official race in January 2024, with another slated for January 2025.
See more: The most stylish fitness studios in Singapore for yoga, pole dance and spin classes in gorgeous interiors Why are people Hyrox-hooked?
Hyrox scratches a uniquely modern itch: the urge to quantify progress. With its global format, athletes can compare times across cities and continents. It's competitive, but also communal—bonded by shared effort and mutual respect.
At training studios across Southeast Asia, Hyrox athletes defy stereotype. Gen Z beginners, busy professionals, and 40-something parents all share the same arena. Athleisure ranges from local labels like Thailand's V Activewear and the Philippines' Recess, to familiar names like Lululemon and Garmin.
Hydration is now high fashion—electrolyte packets have replaced green juice—and race talk flows from paces and splits to weekend getaways in Seoul or Sydney. Hyrox is more than a fitness trend. It's becoming a lifestyle, much like running or cycling. Hyrox pros and cons
Let's start with the good. HYROX racing is gloriously quantifiable. Every second counts, making progress feel tangible. For data-driven types, this is fitness you can track, chart and flex about. The event also cultivates a unique camaraderie: you're racing with and against others, bonded by the shared grind. Add to that functional movements that build real-world strength—think sled pushes and sandbag carries—and it's more than a workout; it's athleticism with purpose. You get to travel
There's also the wanderlust factor. With races held everywhere from Dubai to Seoul, HYROX racing is becoming the global athlete's playground—a circuit where you can train hard and travel harder. High intensity
But it's not for the faint of heart. The format is intense, and the risk of injury is real, especially without good form or guidance. Sled pulls and burpee broad jumps aren't forgiving. Then there's the cost: races typically run US$85 to US$110, plus travel, gear and gym memberships—fitness at a first-class price.
And while leaderboards can motivate, they can also tip into obsession. For some, it's less about health and more about hustle. In that case, what started as wellness can quickly become another source of stress. What experts say
While long-term studies on Hyrox specifically remain limited, sports scientists are intrigued. A 2023 review in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research suggests hybrid races like Hyrox 'bridge a unique physiological gap' between strength and endurance disciplines, potentially reducing cardiovascular disease risks when scaled appropriately. Experts caution that the intensity can overtax the body, especially for recreational athletes. Recovery and coaching remain key.
But with the proper guardrails in place, Hyrox remains a viable and attractive alternative to traditional workouts. In an era of filtered wellness, Hyrox stands out as something real—a challenge you can feel, measure and conquer, one rep at a time.