- by Paul Cavalli
- 2 minute read
Hyrox vs. CrossFit: What’s the Difference & Which One is Right for You?
Introduction
With Hyrox gaining worldwide popularity, many athletes and fitness enthusiasts are wondering: Where does Hyrox fit in compared to CrossFit? Are they similar? Can you train for one and still perform well in the other?
Whether you’re new to fitness, a seasoned CrossFitter, or an aspiring Hyrox competitor, this guide will break down the key similarities and differences between Hyrox and CrossFit, helping you decide which one aligns best with your fitness goals.
What is CrossFit?
CrossFit is a constantly varied, high-intensity training methodology designed to improve overall fitness across multiple domains—strength, endurance, agility, and skill.
At its core, CrossFit is about functional movement—picking things up, putting them down, sprinting, jumping, and pulling your body weight. The training is designed to be scalable for all fitness levels, meaning whether you’re a beginner or an elite athlete, you can modify workouts to match your ability.
The Goal of CrossFit
For most CrossFit athletes, the goal is well-rounded fitness—becoming stronger, faster, and more capable across multiple disciplines while future-proofing their health. CrossFitters don’t specialise in one area but instead train to be ready for anything—whether it’s lifting heavy, running fast, or tackling new skills.
What is Hyrox?
Hyrox is a standardised fitness race that combines running with functional strength exercises. The race consists of 8 x 1 km runs, each followed by a functional movement station such as sled pushes, burpees, lunges, or rowing. Unlike CrossFit, where workouts constantly change, Hyrox is a fixed event format that remains the same worldwide.
The Goal of Hyrox
Hyrox athletes train with one main objective: to perform well in the race. Training focuses on endurance, pacing, and efficiency in the set Hyrox movements. Since the event structure is predictable and measurable, competitors can track progress and refine their performance over time.
Key Differences Between CrossFit & Hyrox
| Factor | CrossFit | Hyrox |
| Training Style | Constantly varied, functional movements | Repetitive endurance-based strength and cardio |
| Competition Format | Events vary in movements, time domains, and loads | Standardised race format worldwide |
| Movements | Olympic lifts, gymnastics, odd objects, endurance | Running, sled pushes, burpees, lunges, ergs |
| Scalability | Fully scalable for all abilities | Race has fixed weights, but different categories exist |
| Community Aspect | Group workouts, high energy, strong camaraderie | Competitive but more individually focused |
| Goal | Build strength, endurance, skill, and longevity | Maximise performance in a single race |
Where Do CrossFit & Hyrox Overlap?
There are many movement similarities between Hyrox and CrossFit, including:
✅ Running
✅ Rowing/SkiErg
✅ Sled pushes & pulls
✅ Burpees & lunges
CrossFitters tend to perform very well in Hyrox because of their balanced strength and endurance training. However, Hyrox does not include some of the more complex CrossFit movements such as Olympic weightlifting (snatches, clean & jerks) or advanced gymnastics (muscle-ups, handstand push-ups).
Which One is Right for You?
The best choice depends on your personal goals:
- If you want variety, skill development, and well-rounded fitness, CrossFit is the way to go.
- If you prefer a set race format, measurable progress, and endurance-based training, Hyrox might be a great fit.
- Many athletes train in CrossFit while preparing for Hyrox, as CrossFit provides a strong base for improving both strength and conditioning.
Remember: The best training program is the one that keeps you engaged long-term! Cross-training between both disciplines can provide injury prevention, variety, and sustained motivation.
At Tribe London – CrossFit Hammersmith you don’t need to pick. We’re both a CrossFit and Hyrox affiliate. So why not come and try both.