*HYROX World Championships hosted at Navy Pier in Chicago in June 2025*

HYROX World Championships, CrossFit Legends, and How PT Can Help You Get Race-Ready

A couple weekends ago, I had the chance to be at the HYROX World Championships—and it did not disappoint.

The energy was electric, the competition was fierce, and the atmosphere had everything I love about the fitness community. I even ran into a few CrossFit legends, and had the privilege of helping a handful of athletes get race-ready with some last-minute treatment to keep them moving well and performing at their best.

*CrossFit Games Athlete Chandler Smith at South Loop Strength and Conditioning*

Being there made me think: this sport is growing fast—and for good reason.

What Is HYROX?

HYROX is a global fitness race that combines running and functional strength work in a standardized format. Each competitor runs 1km, followed by a functional station—repeating that sequence eight times.

The stations include:

SkiErg
Sled Push
Sled Pull
Burpee Broad Jumps
Rowing
Farmers Carry
Sandbag Lunges
Wall Balls

Tia‑Clair Toomey-Orr teamed up with James Newbury in the Mixed Doubles (30–39 age group) and they finished 5th, clocking a time of 56:01 in Chicago

It’s intense, it’s fun, and it draws athletes from every corner of the fitness world—CrossFitters, runners, gym-goers, and endurance junkies alike.

Fitness Is Fitness (If It’s Fun, It’s Worth It)

Some people like to throw shade, calling HYROX “CrossFit lite” or dismissing it as just a trend. But here’s my take: I’m pro-fitness, full stop. If HYROX looks like fun to you—go for it.

What I like about HYROX is how approachable it is. Whether you’re just getting started or you're already an experienced athlete, it meets you where you are and gives you a legit challenge. It’s inclusive, scalable, and keeps things exciting.

At the end of the day, the best kind of fitness is the kind you actually enjoy—the kind that keeps you coming back. Whether it’s Olympic lifting, marathon training, or simply showing up at the gym to get a little stronger, I’m all for it. HYROX is just one more great way to move your body, test your limits, and plug into a supportive community.

How Physical Therapy Helps—Beyond Injury Rehab

Most people think of PT as something you do after you get hurt. But a good sports PT can actually help you prevent injury, perform better, and feel great leading into (and recovering from) events like HYROX.

Here’s how I help athletes prep for races like this:

✅ Reduce Injury Risk

Identify movement inefficiencies before they become issues
Address tight hips, shoulders, and ankles that get exposed during sled work or running
Build a warm-up and recovery strategy that keeps you consisteny

✅ Improve Running Mechanics

With running making up 50% of the event, technique matters
I can analyze your gait, cadence, and efficiency to help you move faster and safer

✅ Feel Race-Ready”

Soft tissue work, dry needling, and targeted mobility can loosen up stubborn muscles
Strategic manual therapy helps you start the race feeling ready, not tight or sore

Being at the World Championships made me want to jump into a HYROX race myself. Whether you're already signed up or thinking about it, make sure your body is ready to handle the volume and intensity—so you can enjoy the process and hit your goals.

If you want to train smart, stay healthy, and move your best—reach out. I’d love to help.

— Brad @ 606 Physio

What Is HYROX? A Race for Every Fitness Fan