Some actions could look the identical, nevertheless it’s not a easy transition.
Final up to date on April fifteenth, 2025
In a current YouTube video, Gommaar D’Hulst, the creator of WOD-Science, mentioned the similarities and variations between CrossFit and HYROX training.
Some variations are basic, whereas others are extra nuanced. He concludes that to be elite in a single, you should sacrifice being elite within the different.
- “To actually excel in HYROX, particularly at an elite stage, athletes must basically change their coaching. Though the actions look acquainted,” D’Hulst stated within the video.
Key Takeaways
- On the elite stage, CrossFit and Hyrox require distinct coaching approaches regardless of some overlap.
- Hyrox emphasizes horizontal motion (operating, sleds, carries), whereas CrossFit focuses on vertical motion (lifts, jumps, climbs). These biomechanical variations create distinctive physiological calls for.
- Vitamin wants additionally range: Hyrox athletes should gas throughout lengthy efforts, not like CrossFitters, who can usually eat between occasions.
CrossFit and HYROX – The Comparability
Within the video, D’Hulst makes use of scientific research to investigate how the biomechanical variations between CrossFit and HYROX have an effect on each’s physiological calls for.
He asserts that HYROX incorporates key parts of CrossFit movements to create a extra accessible occasion.
- “Positive, HYROX took a few typical CrossFit actions and turned it into an extended exercise, which is named a health race. However that’s irrelevant,” D’Hulst stated.
Honing in on biomechanics, D’Hulst factors out that in a HYROX race, wall balls are the one vertical motion.
- One might argue that the SkiErg counts as effectively, though athletes work with gravity relatively than in opposition to it.
All of the horizontal actions in HYROX may be present in CrossFit or useful health competitions. One notable distinction is that handstand strolling is a standard horizontal motion that’s lacking from HYROX as a result of excessive ability stage it requires.
Though a dynamic check of health, HYROX stays static in its programming, which makes it each recognized and knowable (shout out to Mike Halpin). This latter high quality appeals to many; they recognize figuring out precisely which actions to coach and the order through which to coach them.
- Enjoyable reality: “HYROX” is a portmanteau of “hybrid” and “rockstar.” Keep on.
Two Case Research
Whereas it’s true that an elite CrossFit athlete can transition into a HYROX race and carry out effectively, in line with WOD-Science, their coaching must adapt to compete with the most effective. Now we have witnessed current examples that assist this principle.
Tia-Clair Toomey-Orr has shifted her coaching focus to HYROX. She introduced that she is going to take part in each the CrossFit and HYROX seasons in 2025, however her main emphasis is on the latter.
- She is coaching with fellow Australian and captain of the reigning Fittest Group on Earth, James Newbury, who has additionally made the shift to HYROX. If anybody might debunk the speculation that one athlete can’t excel in opposition to the most effective on the planet in each disciplines, it’s Tia.
Mirjam von Rohr has charted a special course. In 2022, she focused on HYROX coaching and received the European Championship. Nonetheless, in 2023, her focus shifted to CrossFit.
She continues to construct the power required to be an elite CrossFitter, which differs from what is required to excel in Hyrox.
- Her devoted coaching has resulted in consecutive CrossFit Open titles. Growing power takes time, and solely time will inform if she has executed sufficient to qualify for the Video games area this yr, a area that has been decreased from 40 girls to 30.
The Backside Line
Gommaar D’Hulst and Wod-Science proceed to discover coaching, competitors, and racing from a scientific perspective. He makes use of analysis to light up what is usually anecdotal proof. Try his work on YouTube and Instagram.
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