The HYROX hype has hit Charlotte. Here's where to train for a race
Charlotte is hungry for HYROX — the popular global fitness race combining running with functional exercises.
Why it matters: Numerous local gyms are partnering with the HYROX brand to host official training events and workouts for Charlotteans looking to train for a race.
The intrigue: HYROX is what local fitness coach Nick Rodriguez calls "toughly manageable."
Rodriquez, who owns ORO Athletic in NoDa, is one of many gym owners turning their space into a HYROX training club.
What to expect: The race consists of eight functional workout stations with a 1 km run (.62 miles) between each.
The individual stations are a 1000m SkiErg, 50m sled push, 50m sled pull, 80m burpee broad jumps, 1000m rowing, 2000m farmers carry, 100m sandbag lunges and 100 wall balls.
What they're saying: The race is a good balance between strength and endurance — it's challenging without overly complex movements, explains Rodriguez.
In other words, you don't need to be a CrossFit pro or marathoner to compete in HYROX. But a race will require good cardiovascular endurance and strength, especially lower body (many of the exercises are leg dominant).
There's no time limit to the race, but HYROX cites the average finish time at 1 hour and 32 minutes.
You can compete in four different divisions.
Open: The standard division.
Pro: For more experienced athletes; involves heavier weights.
Doubles: You'll race with a partner; both of you run, but you'll split the workout stations.
Relay: You'll race with a team of four; each member will do two 1km runs and two workout stations.
Zoom in: Charlotte's HYROX affiliate clubs typically offer a mix of coach-led workouts, race simulations and physical fitness tests (PFT), plus access to the right equipment.
Some offer open gym access with everything you need to train solo.
Others have group sessions designed to build the strength and endurance needed to compete.
The big picture: HYROX is a worldwide fitness competition that began in Hamburg, Germany in 2017 and has gained major momentum in the U.S. over the last few years.
Over 80 global races are planned for 2025, with over 550,000 participants and 350,000 spectators, according to the brand.
What's next: Upcoming races in the U.S. include April 19 in Miami Beach, April 26-27 in Atlanta and May 30-June 1 in New York.
Thinking about competing in an upcoming HYROX race?
We spoke with eight HYROX affiliate club owners in Charlotte. Here's what to expect at each.
ORO Athletic
The vibe: This locally-owned gym in NoDa offers both traditional equipment, like cardio machines and weights, plus functional gear, like sleds and medicine balls, in an open gym format.
What to expect: You'll find all the equipment needed to re-create a real Hyrox race, down to the sandbags for lunges.
If you go: Memberships are $135/month.
Non-members can also buy day or week-long passes.
Charlotte Strength
The vibe: This 24-hour strength and conditioning gym in NoDa calls itself a "weightlifting paradise" and offers its own HYROX training program, NoDa Fit.
What to expect: Group HYROX training sessions are offered six days a week, and a free "Intro to HYROX" class is offered monthly.
You can also book personal training sessions tailored specifically to HYROX.
If you go: Membership options range from monthly plans to $25 drop-in classes.
The free intro class for April is Saturday, April 19.
Hustle House Uptown
The vibe: This boutique fitness studio offers 50-minute HIIT workouts in a small group setting (no more than 24 participants per class). Each focuses on one of three rotating themes: upper body, lower body and conditioning.
What to expect: Group HYROX training is held twice per week, on Thursdays at 6:30pm and Saturdays at 9am.
They offer PFTs every 10 weeks.
If you go: Monthly memberships are $189 for unlimited classes. A drop-in class is $30.
They also offer a one-class-per-week membership for $89/month, or a two-classes-per-week membership for $139/month.
MOTION Fitness SouthPark
The vibe: A massive fitness center in SouthPark offering open gym, group classes, personal training, and wellness services like physical therapy, massage therapy and chiropractic care.
What to expect: Group HYROX training, plus events hosted with HYROX ambassadors, including PFTs, HALFROXs (a condensed HYROX) and HYROX Sims (think dress rehearsal).
If you go: Memberships start at $209/month for access to both open gym and group classes.
Non-members can drop in for $30 or buy a 10-class pack for $225.
They're hosting a HALFROX on Saturday, May 10.
QCFit West
The vibe: A CrossFit and open gym in west Charlotte, near Enderly Park.
What to expect: A HYROX training class offered on Tuesdays at 7am that the gym describes as an "aerobic capacity builder, combining functional fitness and running."
If you go: Membership options vary. Contact the studio for details.
ISI Elite Training (multiple locations)
The vibe: With its corporate headquarters in Charlotte and more than 70 locations nationwide, ISI offers 50-minute, strength-focused high-intensity workouts.
What to expect: HYROX-inspired workouts and official HYROX PFTs on the first Saturday of every month at all locations in Charlotte and surrounding areas.
If you go: It's free for members. Non-members can attend with each facility's drop-in rate.
Local studios include ISI Ballantyne, Belmont, Concord, Dilworth, Elizabeth, Fort Mill, Indian Land, Matthews, Rock Hill, Tega Cay and Waxhaw.
F45 South End and Midtown
The vibe: A group fitness franchise specializing in high-intensity, functional workouts done in 45 minutes. Its South End and Midtown locations are both HYROX training clubs.
What to expect: A 12-week HYROX-inspired workout series culminating in the HYROX PFT.
The workouts are displayed on the F45 TVs like in a standard class with coaches present to assist.
What's next: The series launches Monday, April 21st, on a Monday and Wednesday rotation every week for 12 weeks.
If you go: The series is free to members. Non-members can drop in for $35 per class or attend all 12 for $180.
CrossFit Pineville
The vibe: This CrossFit gym also offers personal training, nutrition coaching and an open gym in its space off Main Street in downtown Pineville.
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