Physiological and Performance Characteristics of HYROX Athletes

HYROX© is a fast-growing fitness competition that combines long-distance running with functional exercises such as sled pushes, rowing, and weightlifting movements. Although the sport has attracted more than a million participants worldwide, little scientific research has looked at the health, body composition, and physical fitness of the people who compete in it. This study will compare body composition, fitness, and performance between two groups of HYROX© participants: those competing at a recreational (amateur) level and those competing at an elite level. Adult volunteers (ages 18-65) who train for or compete in HYROX© will be invited to take part. Researchers will measure body composition using a whole-body scan (DXA), skinfold thickness, and muscle ultrasound; resting metabolism; daily physical activity (using a wearable activity tracker); muscle strength and jumping ability; aerobic fitness (a treadmill running test); and short-burst power (a cycling test). Participants will also complete questionnaires about their motivation to exercise, their diet, and their use of dietary supplements, and will wear a heart rate monitor and activity tracker during an official HYROX© competition. The results will help researchers, coaches, and athletes better understand how the bodies and training needs of HYROX© athletes differ by competitive level, which may support the development of safer and more effective training programs.