New Study Shows Key Fitness Factors for Hyrox Success
Hyrox, a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout, has gained popularity in recent years due to its unique format and challenging workout stations. The event, which consists of a combination of runs and workout stations, requires athletes to push their bodies to the limit in order to achieve success. But what does it take to be successful in Hyrox? A new study published in Frontiers in Physiology has shed some light on the key fitness factors that predict faster race times.
The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Queensland, analyzed data from 134 athletes who participated in a Hyrox event. The researchers measured the athletes’ VO2max (aerobic capacity), training volume, and body fat percentage to see how these factors correlated with their race times.
The results showed that VO2max was the strongest predictor of faster race times, accounting for 34% of the variance in race times. This makes sense, given that Hyrox is an aerobic-based workout that requires athletes to sustain high-intensity efforts over a prolonged period of time.
Training volume was also found to be a significant predictor of race times, accounting for 15% of the variance. This suggests that athletes who are able to complete more workout sessions and accumulate more training hours are likely to perform better in Hyrox.
The researchers also found that lower body fat percentage was a significant predictor of race times, accounting for 12% of the variance. This is likely due to the fact that athletes with lower body fat percentages are able to generate more power and speed, which is critical for success in Hyrox.
Interestingly, the study found that the workout stations in Hyrox were more demanding than the runs. This is likely due to the fact that the workout stations require athletes to perform high-intensity exercises in short bursts, which can be mentally and physically challenging.
The researchers suggested that athletes and coaches use this data to refine their training programs and improve performance in Hyrox. For example, athletes who are looking to improve their VO2max can incorporate more aerobic-based workouts into their training program, such as running or cycling. Those who are looking to increase their training volume can simply increase the number of workout sessions they complete each week.
The study’s findings also have implications for the design of Hyrox workouts. For example, the researchers suggested that workout stations could be designed to be more challenging and demanding, which could help to separate the top performers from the rest of the field.
In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of VO2max, training volume, and lower body fat percentage for success in Hyrox. The findings provide athletes and coaches with data-driven ways to refine their training programs and improve performance in this challenging workout.
For those who are new to Hyrox, the study’s findings are likely to be encouraging. With the right training and preparation, anyone can improve their performance in this workout and achieve success.
Source: https://thepfc.club/blogs/news/what-is-hyrox-and-why-is-it-gaining-popularity-1
