**Reporter’s Notebook: I Took on the Nation’s Trending Fitness Craze – and It Nearly Broke Me**
The latest exercise sensation sweeping the nation, Hyrox, attracted thousands of eager participants to Cardiff this weekend as tickets for the high-octane event sold out in mere minutes. With growing popularity among both seasoned athletes and curious newcomers, it begs the question: what makes Hyrox such a draw, and is it as punishing as the hype suggests?
Invented in 2017 by Christian Toetzke and Olympic gold medallist Moritz Fürste, Hyrox has rapidly evolved into an international phenomenon, counting around 200,000 athletes competing across the globe. Distinguished by its unique blend of running and functional workouts, the event challenges contenders to run 1km and tackle a demanding workout station, repeating the cycle eight times. Exercises include the likes of 1,000m on a SkiErg, sled pushes and pulls, burpee broad jumps, rowing, farmer’s carries, and taxing sandbag lunges.
Ahead of the massive competition taking place at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, local gyms reported a surge in interest, rolling out additional Hyrox training classes to help participants prepare. Social media has become awash with training clips and finish-line celebrations, fuelling further intrigue—not least amongst those, like myself, who have heard tales of both the sport’s difficulty and the transformative impact it can have.
Determined to discover the secrets behind its soaring popularity, I decided to try out a Hyrox session at B42, a gym conveniently located in Cardiff Bay. Led by Lynda Harrington, an experienced Hyrox competitor herself, these classes promise to refine your strength, endurance and technique. Joining a small group on a bank holiday, I was thankful for the intimate setting, giving me the breathing room to learn without feeling under too much scrutiny.
Typically accustomed to the independence of solo weight training, I found the class environment daunting at first. Guided instruction pushes you out of your comfort zone, demanding more than the self-imposed limits I’m used to when training alone. Lynda welcomed newcomers and expertly explained the session structure, prepared to support each individual at their own level.
B42’s approach is shaped by a simple philosophy: forty-two minutes is the optimum balance between an efficient training session and a manageable commitment. After a dynamic warm-up, the class paired up, with each duo alternating between exercises with no chance for rest until a gruelling ten-minute block had elapsed. The format demanded both accountability and maximum effort—no room for half-hearted attempts here.
For my first set, I was tasked with rowing while my partner performed 20-40 wall balls with a medicine ball. As someone who often incorporates medicine balls into my routine, I underestimated the toll that repeated wall balls would take. Whilst the rowing felt familiar and gave me a welcome moment off my feet, the wall balls rapidly became more challenging, testing my resolve to finish each set properly, rather than yielding to exhaustion.
After a swift 90-second pause, the session ramped up: next came the dreaded combination of SkiErg sprints and box jump burpees. The SkiErg, unfamiliar but invigorating, was rewarding to master, but nothing could soften the blow of the unrelenting box jump burpees. These proved so physically demanding that midway through, I was forced to pause and regroup—a humbling reminder of just how tough these workouts are.
Not content with that level of challenge, the final sequence incorporated three consecutive exercises: 30 weighted goblet squats, 20 sandbag lunges, and 10 jump squats. Fatigue set in, my legs burning with every rep, but camaraderie within the class kept spirits high and momentum going. Lynda’s encouragement remained constant, offering valuable support as we pressed on to the finish.
Crossing the metaphorical finish line after 42 minutes brought immense relief mixed with pride. While the session left me battered, there was a real sense of accomplishment. The experience underscored why the sport is winning fans: it’s a blend of competition, self-improvement, and community, testing both body and mind.
My adventure with Hyrox was, without doubt, one of the most challenging workouts I’ve ever tackled. It exposed weaknesses I’d previously ignored, but also revealed strengths I hadn’t appreciated. Those who regularly take part gain not only fitness but also resilience—and, having survived one class, I have a newfound respect for everyone who returns week in, week out.
As Hyrox mania continues to rise, it’s easy to see why it captivates so many. For those seeking an intensive, results-driven workout connected to a vibrant community, the world’s latest fitness obsession is unlikely to disappoint. Yet, first-timers be warned: prepare for a level of exertion that will change how you view your own limits.