What’s up, fellow Obsessives?
We’re heading into Thanksgiving week and I just want to say that I’m thankful for all of you who have signed up for the newsletter since its launch a few months ago. I’ve been blown away at the response I’ve received and that has made it easy to sit down every Saturday and write something for the following morning.
That said, I’m going to enjoy my holiday weekend next week and not let the newsletter get in the way of putting up the tree and Christmas lights. So enjoy your Thanksgiving, your Turkey Trots and everything in between — the next edition of OTF Obsessed after this one will drop again in two weeks.
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I have to be honest.
Two weeks ago, I’d never heard of Hyrox.
You could’ve told me it was a new cryptocurrency or a Pokemon character who eats only Oreo knockoffs and I would’ve believed you.
But then my social media feeds exploded with short videos of people running around Chicago’s indoor convention center while stopping to things like push sleds and do burpee broad jumps.
A few days later, Orangetheory announced they were becoming an official Hyrox Affiliate Partner and all the OTF social media feeds started talking about it.
It was time to learn about Hyrox.
So what is Hyrox?
If you were like me two weeks ago, here’s what you need to know.
Hyrox is an indoor fitness race that alternates a total of 8 kilometers (5 miles) of running with 8 functional workout stations like rowing, weighted walking lunges, sled pulls/pushes and kettle ball carries.
The first race took place in Germany in 2017 and was billed as “The World Series of Fitness Racing.”
Pro-level athletes complete the course in around an hour while it can take the rest of the rank-and-file 90 minutes and more.
Unbeknownst to my oblivious self, Hyrox spread as quickly as OTF has the past 15 years. Competitions are now held all over the world and over 5,000 gyms have become Hyrox affiliates in order to get athletes ready for their next Hyrox race .
That number will now include participating Orangetheory studios, which will have Hyrox-inspired classes on their schedules starting in December.
The OTF x Hyrox Details
From this week’s press release announcing the partnership:
Orangetheory's approach will activate hundreds of HYROX Training Clubs with custom-built classes designed to help members train for HYROX events – or simply level up their weekly fitness routines. These new classes build on Orangetheory's proven approach to heart rate-zone interval training, combining treadmill, rowing, and functional strength exercises in a way that conditions the body for HYROX's signature format: eight functional stations that challenge strength, endurance, and coordination, each separated by a one-kilometer run. The grassroots, studio-level program seamlessly complements existing routines while giving Orangetheory members a clear and motivating goal to work toward.
"HYROX tests what happens when strength meets stamina, and that's where Orangetheory shines," said Scott Brown, Vice President of Fitness at Orangetheory. "Many people don't realize HYROX is predominantly an 8K race of compromised running, not just a test of strength and power. Orangetheory's connected treadmill and rower intervals make it ideal conditioning for HYROX, and these new add-on specialty classes give our HYROX-minded members and coaches even more focus. It's exactly what they've been asking for."
So what does this all mean?
I have a few thoughts here:
Overall, I think it’s a good thing. I’m a big believer in applying your OTF gains to any sort of outside competition and a Hyrox race seems as good an outlet as any. And even if you never plan to participate in Hyrox, both disciplines are close enough that a Hyrox class at OTF will benefit anyone who takes it.
Another benefit: It’s no secret that some OTF studios struggle financially and are forced to close down, leaving dedicated members in the lurch. Anything that packs the stations and keeps all of our options open? Also a good thing!
Will this drive me to participate in a Hyrox? Unsure! My curiosity is piqued and it does look like fun — especially the doubles competition. But it does look like a Dri-Tri on steroids and I historically have not done very well on those. Those burpee broad jumps might be the end of me.
I’m curious to know what you think of this new partnership between OTF and Hyrox.
Is it something that excites you?
Or would you rather your studio take a pass on it?
BLACK FRIDAY DEAL: Three Audible books for 99 cents apiece!
📆 The Week Ahead
🪓 The Chipper (Tuesday): One of my favorite signature workouts. Burn those calories and rack up those splat points ahead of Thanksgiving
⚫️ Black Friday Workout: OK, this is not an official OTF calendar workout. But I’d argue there’s no better feeling than walking out of the studio on the morning after Thanksgiving. Do yourself a favor and pre-book now!
