Push, Sweat, Compete, Repeat: Hyderabadis power up with HYROX

Hyderabad’s fitness junkies are leveling up with a new challenge: HYROX. The global endurance and strength race is drawing everyone from weekend gym-goers to seasoned athletes, pushing them to their limits while building real camaraderie.What is HYROXA hybrid, endurance-focused indoor fitness competition, HYROX combines 8 kilometres of running with eight functional workout stations. Participants alternate between running and exercises, which include Ski Erg, Sled Push, Sled Pull, Burpee Broad Jump, Rowing, Farmer Carry, Sandbag Lunges, and Wall Balls. This combination of running and strength challenges tests athletes’ stamina, power and overall fitness. ‘It’s about bonding as much as competing’Highlighting the sense of community it creates, Vivek Deepak, a Hyderabad-based fitness trainer recalls, “Recently, for the HYROX Mumbai event, I along with other fitness enthusiasts from our gym had so much fun. We all travelled together on the same flight, stayed in one hotel, and spent time discussing recovery and strategies. That experience brought us very close, and now everyone has become good friends.” ‘Being open to all is what makes it trending’“Participants challenge both their strength and endurance, and the doubles event helps build partnership and camaraderie, as they push each other while preparing, often forming friendships and stronger bonds,” says Aman Yadav, a city-based fitness coach. On its growing popularity, he says, “It’s trending because there is no age limit, anyone can take part regardless of fitness background, and social media has played a big role in its popularity.” “HYROX is the perfect storm for a fitness challenge, and the events organised so far have been of international standards. We have a small but passionate group of around 30 fitness enthusiasts, with an equal number of men and women, the youngest being 16 and the eldest is 55. The group is versatile, with people coming from different walks of life. What we love most is pushing each other, building camaraderie, staying disciplined, and following the rules. With this spirit, our group members have secured 10 podium finishes in the last three events in Mumbai and Delhi.” - Rohit Conyers, Hyderabad-based HYROX coach “Growing up, I played tennis professionally, though only for a brief period. With the responsibilities of raising two daughters, returning to sports and fitness had taken a back seat. So when I finally got back through HYROX competitions in Delhi and Mumbai this year, it gave me a new high. Pushing myself and making time for personal growth despite everyday responsibilities felt incredibly rewarding” - Sindura Pudota, a resident of Hyderabad “I’m a marathoner, and fitness and weight training have always been part of my life, so HYROX felt like a great challenge. It combines running with strength workouts, which was exactly the kind of hybrid challenge I wanted. Finishing on the podium in the last two HYROX events also gave me a big boost, and now I’m looking forward to competing in the Bengaluru edition in April next year” - Sayeeda Abrar, city-based fitness trainer- Biswajit Talukdar