ActiveI swapped weightlifting for HYROX training – here are 5 things I’ve learnedAnd I’m not sure if I’ll ever go backWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
ActiveI swapped weightlifting for HYROX training – here are 5 things I’ve learnedAnd I’m not sure if I’ll ever go backWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
And I’m not sure if I’ll ever go back
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Getty)
(Image credit: Getty)
(Image credit: Reebok Boston Track Club)
(Image credit: Reebok Boston Track Club)
A lot of people have questioned my sanity, especially as weightlifters rarely (if ever) do cardio and more than 50% of HYROX is running. Plus, I’ve only given myself three months to prepare. Maybe I am a tad crazy, but I enjoy a challenge.
As a result, my training has changed completely, from my typical low reps and heavy weights, to a mixture of running, CrossFit-style workouts and functional fitness movements. It’s been tough, but I’m enjoying it so much that it’s even left me wondering at times if I’ll ever go back to just weightlifting. Especially as I’ve seen big changes, both physically and mentally, that I want to share, just in case you’re intrigued or keen to take up this new style of training yourself.
1. My endurance levels have gone up
2. My core’s got stronger
Two of the discs at the bottom of my spine are degenerative, so I regularly have lower back pain. But my HYROX training has consisted of lots offarmer’s carries (which are my new favourite core exercise), planks and deadbugs. All of these are great exercises that strengthen your deep core muscle and, as a result, my back pain has improved and become a lot more manageable.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)
3. You can still be strong and fit
I always avoided aerobic training in the past because, despite it being great for our overall health, I was worried it’d affect my strength gains. But this isn’t true, to an extent. Yes, I’m not as strong as I was before, but I’m still squatting and deadlifting over 90kg. I think that’s pretty good going with all the running I’m doing, plus I’m a lot fitter as a result. Personally, it’s a win-win in my eyes.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
4. I’ve got a perkier booty
When I was weightlifting I did loads of great exercises to help grow my glutes, fromheavy squats, to glute bridges and Bulgarian split squats. But since training for HYROX, with the combination of aerobic exercise andstrength training exercises, I’ve noticed my bum is a lot more perky than it was before. This is probably a mixture of all the running, so I’m burning lots of calories, alongside strength exercises that I’m still doing which is keeping it firm. As a result, I’ve lost some fat from my bum, so the muscle underneath is peeping through more.
5. My energy levels have increased
We all know exercising boosts our energy and mood due to the release of endorphins that make us feel pretty fab afterwards. But I’ve definitely noticed a bigger difference since doing my HYROX training, especially the runs and high intensity workouts. That’s not to say I’m not dying for a good 10 minutes afterwards (I am) but, once that initial shock has passed I feel fantastic. It’s the very thing that’s helped me roll out of bed at 8AM on a Saturday to do the Parkruns.
Today’s best workout shoe dealsNike Metcon 8$150$89.97ViewSee all pricesNike Metcon 7$79.07$71.49ViewSee all pricesReebok Nano 9$130$119.99ViewSee all pricesReebok Nano X3$140$72ViewSee all pricesReebok Nano X2$140$58.99ViewSee all pricesReebok Nano X1 Froning$104.95$89.90ViewSee all pricesUnder Armour Tribase Reign 3$183.26ViewSee all pricesUnder Armour TriBase Reign 4 Training$120ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best workout shoe dealsNike Metcon 8$150$89.97ViewSee all pricesNike Metcon 7$79.07$71.49ViewSee all pricesReebok Nano 9$130$119.99ViewSee all pricesReebok Nano X3$140$72ViewSee all pricesReebok Nano X2$140$58.99ViewSee all pricesReebok Nano X1 Froning$104.95$89.90ViewSee all pricesUnder Armour Tribase Reign 3$183.26ViewSee all pricesUnder Armour TriBase Reign 4 Training$120ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best workout shoe dealsNike Metcon 8$150$89.97ViewSee all pricesNike Metcon 7$79.07$71.49ViewSee all pricesReebok Nano 9$130$119.99ViewSee all pricesReebok Nano X3$140$72ViewSee all pricesReebok Nano X2$140$58.99ViewSee all pricesReebok Nano X1 Froning$104.95$89.90ViewSee all pricesUnder Armour Tribase Reign 3$183.26ViewSee all pricesUnder Armour TriBase Reign 4 Training$120ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best workout shoe deals
Nike Metcon 8$150$89.97ViewSee all pricesNike Metcon 7$79.07$71.49ViewSee all pricesReebok Nano 9$130$119.99ViewSee all pricesReebok Nano X3$140$72ViewSee all pricesReebok Nano X2$140$58.99ViewSee all pricesReebok Nano X1 Froning$104.95$89.90ViewSee all pricesUnder Armour Tribase Reign 3$183.26ViewSee all pricesUnder Armour TriBase Reign 4 Training$120ViewSee all prices
Nike Metcon 8$150$89.97ViewSee all prices
Nike Metcon 8$150$89.97ViewSee all prices
Nike Metcon 8
Nike Metcon 8
$150$89.97View
$150$89.97
$89.97
See all prices
Nike Metcon 7$79.07$71.49ViewSee all prices
Nike Metcon 7$79.07$71.49ViewSee all prices
Nike Metcon 7
Nike Metcon 7
$79.07$71.49View
$79.07$71.49
$71.49
See all prices
Reebok Nano 9$130$119.99ViewSee all prices
Reebok Nano 9$130$119.99ViewSee all prices
Reebok Nano 9
Reebok Nano 9
$130$119.99View
$130$119.99
$119.99
See all prices
Reebok Nano X3$140$72ViewSee all prices
Reebok Nano X3$140$72ViewSee all prices
Reebok Nano X3
Reebok Nano X3
$140$72View
$140$72
$72
See all prices
Reebok Nano X2$140$58.99ViewSee all prices
Reebok Nano X2$140$58.99ViewSee all prices
Reebok Nano X2
Reebok Nano X2
$140$58.99View
$140$58.99
$58.99
See all prices
Reebok Nano X1 Froning$104.95$89.90ViewSee all prices
Reebok Nano X1 Froning$104.95$89.90ViewSee all prices
Reebok Nano X1 Froning
Reebok Nano X1 Froning
$104.95$89.90View
$104.95$89.90
$89.90
See all prices
Under Armour Tribase Reign 3$183.26ViewSee all prices
Under Armour Tribase Reign 3$183.26ViewSee all prices
Under Armour Tribase Reign 3
Under Armour Tribase Reign 3
$183.26View
$183.26
$183.26
See all prices
Under Armour TriBase Reign 4 Training$120ViewSee all prices
Under Armour TriBase Reign 4 Training$120ViewSee all prices
Under Armour TriBase Reign 4 Training
Under Armour TriBase Reign 4 Training
$120View
$120
$120
See all prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
The ultimate full-body gym workout for beginners, according to a fitness expertWant to hit the gym to build strength and muscle, but don’t know where to start? This workout can help
Want to hit the gym to build strength and muscle, but don’t know where to start? This workout can help
Amazon upgrades Kindle Colorsoft already – new model addresses customer complaintsAmazon’s full-colour e-reader fixes a problem that was plaguing its display
Amazon’s full-colour e-reader fixes a problem that was plaguing its display
