Complete Guide to Essential Machines and Equipment for All 8 HYROX Workouts

"HYROX" is not simply a sum of running and strength training. It is a competition that tests complex endurance and power, alternating between 8km of running and 8 different workouts. In this article, we thoroughly explain the essential equipment for all 8 workouts, categorized by purpose, for gyms aiming to improve HYROX times or open classes.

1. SkiErg Machine

Concept2 SkiErg

The Concept2 SkiErg is a full-body endurance training machine that replicates the movement of cross-country skiing.

• Features: Made by Concept2, famous for rowing machines. The flywheel uses air resistance to provide a load that matches your pulling power.
• Muscles Worked: Allows for a full-body workout using not just arms and shoulders, but also the core and explosive hip extension (hip hinge).
• Role in HYROX: Appears as the first workout (1,000m) of the race. It is a critical machine for testing cardiopulmonary function and full-body coordination right before transitioning to running.

Because it can maximize cardiopulmonary function with relatively low impact, it is essential training equipment for improving HYROX times.

2. Rower Machine (RowErg)

Concept2 RowErg

The Concept2 RowErg simulates a rowing motion and is a full-body exercise machine loved by professionals and amateurs worldwide.

• Features: Like the SkiErg, it uses a flywheel (air resistance) and is equipped with a PM5 monitor that can measure accurate training data.
• Muscles Worked: Uses the lower body (legs and glutes) for about 60% of the power, followed by the core, and finally the arms and back. It enhances muscular strength, endurance, and cardiopulmonary function simultaneously.
• Role in HYROX: Appears in the middle of the race with a distance of 1,000m. Using the already fatigued leg and back muscles efficiently and maintaining a pace without stalling greatly affects the total time.

It is a core machine essential for cultivating the ability to maintain maximum power after running in HYROX endurance workouts.

3. Sled (Push, Pull)

CENTR HYROX Sled

The CENTR HYROX Sled is the official sled-like equipment used for the core strength workout "Sled Push" in HYROX. This sled is used to load appropriate weight bumper plates and push for a set distance (usually 50m).

• Features: A robust metal sled designed to slide on carpet. Weights are adjusted by stacking plates in the center.
• Muscles Worked: Sled Push targets the quads and glutes; Sled Pull targets the back, biceps, and posterior chain. It requires high power output under fatigue.
• Role in HYROX: Appears as Workout 2 (Push) and Workout 3 (Pull). These are the "strength" segments of the race and are often where heart rates spike and legs accumulate significant fatigue.

Essential for training the specific functional strength required to push and pull heavy loads immediately after running.

4. Sandbag (20kg, 10kg)

CENTR HYROX Sandbag

The CENTR HYROX Sandbag is a training tool adopted as official HYROX competition equipment. Unlike general sandbags, it is designed specifically for the grueling workouts of HYROX.

5. Kettlebell (16kg, 24kg)

IVANKO Kettlebell

HYROX Workout 6 "Farmers Carry (200m)" uses kettlebells of specific weights. While the official CENTR HYROX Kettlebell is the competition standard, for training cost-performance and versatility, we highly recommend IVANKO kettlebells, a long-established manufacturer of high-quality strength equipment.

Summary

In this article, we introduced the main machines and tools corresponding to all 8 workouts, which are essential for successful HYROX training and class introduction.

• Introducing Core Machines: SkiErg and RowErg are the core machines you should invest in first to train HYROX cardiopulmonary function and full-body endurance.
• Replicating the Real Thing with Official Gear: CENTR HYROX sleds and sandbags are ideal for reproducing the same load and feel as the race. Especially in gym class operations, this leads directly to improved training quality.
• Smart Cost Reduction: By choosing cost-effective equipment like IVANKO as alternatives for the Farmers Carry, you can secure training volume while keeping the budget down.

HYROX performance depends on a complex skill set of running and workouts. Obtaining the optimal equipment is the "best foundation" for mastering efficient form and building resilience against fatigue. Make the most of this equipment and lead your HYROX challenge to success!

Thank you for reading to the end!