CrossFit Meets HYROX, Part 3 — John Singleton and The Progrm on Preparing Your CrossFit Gym for HYROX Classes
Editor’s Note: This article is the third and final piece in a three-part series on the topic of integrating HYROX and CrossFit training. See part two here.
As micro gym owners, we’ve discussed how HYROX is one of the smartest, most natural additions to your gym’s schedule.
- We also know most gym owners already have their hands full running their facility while being strapped for time and energy.
Under these conditions, making the addition can appear as a big headache, which can be a huge deterrent to incorporating HYROX. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
- CrossFit gyms are ideally suited to the new training format. With the right action plan, the process can feel smooth and much less of a headache than expected.
In the final installment of this series, we’ll discuss the simple steps an owner should take to ensure their gym is ready to host HYROX classes.
- Spoiler alert: It’ll feel easier than you think. We’ll guide you through the preparation process, focusing on the key elements of equipment, space, coach training, and affiliation.
Enhancing, Not Replacing, Classes
HYROX should complement, not replace, your CrossFit classes.
- It’s an additional service that adds variety and value to your gym’s current schedule.
Before introducing the new format, understand how HYROX can benefit your members:
- Provide specific endurance training: Focus on improving endurance for members who find it their major weakness.
- Supplement to on-ramp classes: Offer HYROX as an introductory class to new members so they can start working on their conditioning while they learn new skills.
- Competitive outlet: Provide an opportunity for members to enjoy friendly competition.
- Rehab and recovery: Use HYROX as part of active recovery or rehab programs.
- Prevent “burnout” in longstanding members by providing different stimuli and goals while preventing injury.
These notions should be clear to guide the successful launch of the new classes and conveyed to members so they can understand and maximize how to benefit from them.
Equipment and Space Considerations
“Ninety percent of the gyms we work with are ‘micro-gyms,’ meaning the expense of buying new equipment and multiple runners is simply not an option,” John Singleton says. These were among the most important lessons he learned working with gym owners while launching The Progrm’s official HYROX training plan.
- “That’s why it’s important for us to offer appropriate scaling options for gyms: the programming can be easily modified on your equipment. The goal is to provide the right stimulus. You already have an advantage compared to regular gyms.”
It’s true. The starting investment is much lower given that functional fitness gyms already carry most of the equipment: Concept2 machines, sleds, kettlebells, medicine balls, etc.
- “Running is another beast. People easily forget how space-demanding HYROX can be. You’ve got to be smart about it.” John adds.
His advice? Assess equipment capacity and map out how to set up the space.
- “You’ve got to plan how you’re going to carry out the running portion of the class, especially if you’re utilizing a running route and not runners/treadmills.”
It’s about establishing the route, crossing points, and designated areas for exercises like lunges and burpee broad jumps.
Having a visual reference of where you plan to place the various equipment and stations can help significantly understand if your setup will work.
Training Your Coaches
CrossFit coaches are already skilled in functional training, but HYROX may require additional education, particularly due to its endurance and running-focused nature.
- “Coaches need to understand endurance-specific adaptations and how you successfully program for them if they want to keep members healthy and progressing,” Singleton explained.
John advises gym owners to educate their coaches on endurance-specific adaptations. “Or outsource if resources are tight,” he shrugs.
If you’re a gym owner with limited time but want to dominate the HYROX market before competitors flood it, outsourcing programming or taking advantage of online resources can help move things faster and save money and stress.
- “To make things easier for gyms, we provide educational resources for coaches and owners. Saves everyone a lot of time and stress. It’s one of the main reasons we started offering programming for affiliates,” Singleton added.
Get Affiliated
“You’d be surprised how many gym owners don’t know you can affiliate through HYROX,” Singleton noted.
Becoming a HYROX affiliate can provide an excellent return on investment, especially since HYROX fans and runners are actively looking for affiliated gyms to train at.
By affiliating, you’ll make your gym visible to a wider audience and tap into the growing HYROX and running communities.
“It honestly might pay more dividends in terms of an investment than dropping money on an excessive marketing campaign, especially if you’re in a strategic location,” he added.
Featured image: @theprogrmhyrox on Instagram
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