An effective guide to train for Hyrox at Home

3–4 minutes
A woman running in a treadmill at home

Are you ready to take on the Hyrox challenge, but can’t make it to a gym or prefer working out from the comfort of your home? Don’t worry! With a little creativity and some basic equipment, you can train for HYROX at home and be fully prepared for the big event.

Essential Equipment for At-Home HYROX Training

While HYROX typically requires access to a gym or specialized equipment, there are plenty of ways to mimic these exercises at home with minimal gear. Here’s a list of the essentials:

  • Kettlebells or Dumbbells – Useful for farmer’s carries, lunges, and other strength exercises.
  • Resistance Bands – Great for simulating ski ergs and sled pushes/pulls.
  • Medicine Ball or Sandbag – Needed for wall balls and sandbag lunges.
  • Jump Rope – Perfect for cardio warm-ups and endurance.
  • A Towel – Can be used for sled pull simulation on smooth floors.

Warm-Up: Get Ready for Action

Start your workout with a solid warm-up to prepare your muscles and get your heart rate up. Here’s a simple warm-up you can do at home:

  • Jump Rope or Jog in Place: 3 minutes to elevate your heart rate.
  • Dynamic Stretches: Arm circles, leg swings, hip openers, and lunges.
  • Bodyweight Movements: 10 air squats, 10 push-ups, 10 burpees to fire up your muscles.

Sample At-Home HYROX Training Program

Now that you’re warmed up, it’s time to dive into your HYROX simulation! Below is a simple circuit-based approach to mimic the race’s format. Aim to do 1 km of running (or a cardio substitute) followed by each of these functional exercises:

Circuit 1: Cardio + Ski Erg Simulation

  • 1 km Run: Run outdoors or simulate by doing 4-6 minutes of high knees or jumping jacks.
  • Ski Erg Simulation: Use resistance bands to perform a pull-down motion, mimicking the Ski Erg. Do 30-50 reps.

Circuit 2: Cardio + Sled Push Simulation

  • 1 km Run
  • Sled Push Simulation: Use a towel on a smooth floor and push it across the room for 30-40 seconds.

Circuit 3: Cardio + Burpee Broad Jumps

  • 1 km Run
  • Burpee Broad Jumps: Perform a burpee followed by a broad jump. Continue for 20 meters (or as far as your space allows).

Circuit 4: Cardio + Rowing Simulation

  • 1 km Run
  • Rowing Simulation: Use a resistance band or dumbbell to simulate rowing motions. Perform 20-30 reps.

Circuit 5: Cardio + Farmers Carry

  • 1 km Run
  • Farmers Carry: Grab a heavy kettlebell or dumbbell in each hand and walk for 200 meters (or around your home).

Circuit 6: Cardio + Sandbag Lunges

  • 1 km Run
  • Sandbag Lunges: Hold a weighted object and perform alternating lunges for 20 reps per leg.

Circuit 7: Cardio + Wall Balls

  • 1 km Run
  • Wall Balls: Perform squats and toss a medicine ball or any weighted object to a high target. Do 20-30 reps.

Modify for Small Spaces

Don’t have a large space or running track? No problem! You can still get a great workout:

  • Jog in place or do high knees for 4-6 minutes instead of running.
  • Jump Rope for 5 minutes as a cardio replacement.
  • Use a treadmill if available.

Strength Workouts for HYROX

HYROX is not just about cardio; it’s about functional strength, too. Incorporate strength training into your routine with movements like:

  • Deadlifts – Use dumbbells or kettlebells to work your posterior chain.
  • Push-ups – A great bodyweight exercise for upper body strength.
  • Squats and Lunges – Build lower body strength essential for running and functional movements.

Conclusion: Train Smart, Train Hard

Training for HYROX at home is completely doable with the right equipment and approach. Focus on simulating the event’s exercises, combine cardio and strength workouts, and stay consistent with your training. Whether you’re prepping for your first race or aiming for a personal best, these at-home workouts will get you HYROX-ready in no time!

Remember, consistency is key. Keep challenging yourself, and you’ll see the results on race day!