**Hyrox: The Fitness Phenomenon Sweeping Through Cardiff**
Cardiff has witnessed the emergence of a new fitness trend that appears to be capturing the imagination of the city, drawing in enthusiasts from all walks of life. At the heart of this movement is Hyrox, a unique test of stamina, strength, and community spirit, now widely recognised thanks to the influence of social media and the growing appetite for group fitness challenges.
Hyrox merges athletic running with a series of strength-based workout stations in a competitive yet accessible format. The structure of an event is both simple and gruelling: participants complete eight one-kilometre runs, each one sandwiched between demanding functional exercises. It’s a race against the clock, but more importantly, a race against one’s personal limits. This weekend, Cardiff’s Principality Stadium plays host to the contest, marking a significant milestone for Wales’ fitness scene.
Ben Noel, 28, and Ffion McGowan, 26, the co-owners of B42 in Cardiff Bay, were trailblazers in bringing Hyrox training to Wales. Their gym prides itself on being one of the first in the region to embrace the format, catering to newcomers and veteran competitors alike. With a background in high-level athletics—Ben as a sprinter and Ffion as a dancer—the pair have been at the forefront of Hyrox’s burgeoning popularity in Cardiff.
Despite their sporting credentials, both Ben and Ffion are adamant that Hyrox is not just for the super-fit. They highlight the diversity of their community, which ranges from those in their 60s to single parents, students, and professionals. According to Ben, the appeal of Hyrox lies in its inclusivity and the supportive atmosphere found at their classes. “It’s fantastic to see such a diverse group taking part,” he shared. “Everyone is welcome – the spirit of the event is what matters most.”
For many participants, Hyrox represents their first taste of organised fitness competition, with the nerves and excitement that come with starting something new. Ffion emphasises that beating the clock is not the underlying ethos—it’s about personal achievement and embracing the challenge. “You see influencers online posting incredible times, but that’s only a tiny fraction of competitors,” Ffion points out. “Most people are just keen to finish and experience the day.”
It wasn’t always this way, though. Initially, the B42 gym struggled to fill Hyrox classes. But as the event gained traction on social media and more people became aware of the format, demand exploded. “Now,” Ben notes, “we run back-to-back classes, each packed with eager participants. The growth has been staggering.”
The wave of interest has translated into significant participation at competitions around the UK. What started with just a handful of B42 members attending events evolved rapidly into a large community effort. In January, the gym took 20 competitors to Manchester; by last month, over 30 travelled to London. Now, with the Principality Stadium hosting, a club record of about 60 members will take part—highlighting the contagious camaraderie Hyrox seems to inspire.
Training for these events involves a mixture of distance running and a series of power-focused exercises—pushing, pulling, and lifting—and demands both endurance and determination. Nevertheless, as Hyrox arrives in Cardiff, it opens the door for many who might otherwise have been unable to travel to other events. Ffion explains, “Having the event in our home city removes barriers—be it family commitments or cost—and encourages even more people to join in.”
With anticipation mounting, the couple have advice for newcomers facing their first Hyrox challenge. Ben recommends embracing the nerves and keeping a strong mindset throughout: “Determination and willpower will see you through to the finish,” he says. Ffion adds that the focus should be on enjoying the moment and the community: “Celebrate every part of it, regardless of your time. It’s about being part of something special.”
Hyrox is held several times a week at B42, reflective of its position at the forefront of Cardiff’s fitness transformation. As more residents take up the challenge, it seems certain that the Hyrox bug will continue to spread—proving that in Cardiff, fitness has never been so inclusive or inspiring.