CrossFit Vs Hyrox - what's the difference?
Many people ask us ‘so what is the difference between CrossFit and Hyrox?’
CrossFit & HYROX are both are high intensity functional fitness training methods, they feature some of the same exercises but they differ significantly in focus, structure, and training style.
HYROX is a race, featuring 8 x 1km runs and 8 exercises. These exercises don’t change and don’t require much skill to learn. HYROX races run across the world and, as the races are the same, there is a world leaderboard.
CrossFit is a much more varied form of training that features all the exercises you find in HYROX PLUS a range of other more varied exercises including Olympic weight lifting and gymnastics that build up skills and strength over time. CrossFit runs an annual competition called The CrossFit Games in which over 3 million compete and there are many other functional training competitions worldwide in the UK and worldwide to test your overall skills.
Fundamentally, we focus on building Fitness for Life and having a community to support you all the way.
The important thing to know is that both types of training are powerful ways to get fit and transform how you look and how your live your life. All of the exercises can be scaled to your capabilities so you can literally start today.
We don’t believe you should take part in CrossFit OR Hyrox – we suggest you do both – that way you work on all aspects of fitness and don’t ever get bored.
CrossFit
Overview:
CrossFit is a branded fitness methodology that combines elements of weightlifting, gymnastics, and metabolic conditioning. It’s both a training methodology and a competitive sport.
Key Features:
- Varied Workouts: constantly changing workouts (WODs – Workouts of the Day).
- Skills Focus: includes simple fitness basics like rowing, running, kettlebells, wall balls, running and bodyweight but also teaches Olympic lifts and gymnastic moves too. All exercises are scaled to your capabilities to build fitness and strength over time (so you can work with low or no weight, reduce the reps or distance or pick a similar version of the exercise).
- Scoring: it depends on the workout but they are always time-based, AMRAP (as many rounds as possible), as many reps as possible or weight.
- Community-Driven: Box (gym) culture, partner workouts and small group classes are central.
Competition (e.g., CrossFit Games):
- Tests overall fitness across unknown events.
- Always scaled so beginners can compete too.
Training Style:
- Varied mixture of exercises to build all aspects of fitness.
- A great mix of strength, gymnastic and conditioning.
HYROX
Overview:
HYROX is a global fitness racing competition combining running with functional workouts. Every race is standardised with global leaderboards.
Race Format (always the same):
- 1 km run + 1 workout station × 8 rounds
- Stations include: SkiErg, sled push/pull, burpee broad jumps, rowing, farmer’s carry, lunges, wall balls.
Key Features:
- Standardised Race: same structure worldwide.
- Endurance-Focused: more of a fitness challenge with limited skills.
- Accessible: less technical, easier for general fitness athletes to participate.
- Time-Based: Fastest time to complete all 8 run + workout stations.
Training Style:
- Emphasis on aerobic capacity, muscular endurance (not strength).
- Lighter weights, simpler movements (no heavy Olympic lifts or gymnastics).
Key Differences Summary
| Feature | CrossFit | Hyrox |
| Workout Structure | Constantly varied | Fixed exercises – activities, weight and distance |
| Skill Level | Medium (technical lifts, gymnastics) | Moderate (simple functional moves) |
| Focus | Overall fitness | Endurance and stamina |
| Competition Type | Variable events | Predictable race format |
| Accessibility | Requires coaching & skill | Easier entry point |
| Training Style | Strength + conditioning + skill | Cardio + functional fitness |
