HYROX, the fitness racing phenomenon taking the world by storm, demands a unique blend of strength, endurance, and mental fortitude. While competing in these high-intensity races requires access to specialized equipment, more athletes are discovering they can recreate the HYROX experience right in their own homes.
Setting up a home gym for HYROX training isn't just about convenience—it's about creating an environment that allows for consistent, focused practice of the specific movements and energy systems needed for race day success. With the right equipment selection, athletes can transform any space into a powerful training ground for HYROX competition.
Concept2 Rower: The Ultimate Cardio Machine for Hyrox
The Concept2 Rower stands as a cornerstone piece of equipment in official HYROX races, where athletes must complete a 1000m rowing segment. This high-performance machineoffers a complete body workout, engaging multiple muscle groups including legs, core, back, and arms simultaneously.
The rower features the PM5 performance monitor, which tracks essential metrics like distance, speed, pace, calories, and watts. Its adjustable air resistance system lets athletes fine-tune their workout intensity. Available at £1000 to £1200 ($1250 – $1500), this rowing machine is a smart investment for serious HYROX competitors training at home.
Concept2 SkiErg: For Power and Endurance Training
The Concept2 SkiErg kicks off every HYROX race with a demanding 1000m ski station. This machine builds strength through a total-body movement pattern, working the arms, shoulders, back, core, and legs. Standing at 215.9 cm tall with a footprint of 61 cm by 132 cm, the SkiErg fits well in most home training spaces. The base unit weighs 20.9kg, with an optional floor stand adding 16kg, making it a stable and durable choice for long-term training needs.
Weighted Sled: Building Strength and Speed
The weighted sled stations stands as a key component in HYROX competition, featured in both push and pull stations. This training tool builds raw power and stamina through functional movement patterns. For home training setups, athletes can simulate sled work using workout sandbags on smooth surfaces to practice the pushing and pulling motions needed for race day performance. The combination of resistance and movement makes the sled an effective tool for developing both muscular strength and cardiovascular conditioning.
Kettlebells: Versatile Tools for Functional Fitness
Kettlebells play a central role in HYROX racing, specifically in the 200-meter farmers carry event. These cast-iron weights build grip strength, promote better movement patterns, and improve overall physical conditioning. Training with Hyperwear equipment shows that athletes can substitute traditional kettlebells with SandBells or SteelBells for home training sessions, offering similar training benefits with added versatility.
The design of kettlebells allows for fluid movement patterns that mimic real-world activities. Their offset center of gravity creates an added challenge during exercises, making them particularly effective for building functional strength needed in HYROX competitions.
Wall Balls: Perfect for Total Body Conditioning
Wall balls mark the final station in HYROX races, testing athletes' power and stamina. Men throw a 20-pound (9 kg) ball to a 10-foot target, while women use a 14-pound (6 kg) ball aiming at a 9-foot target. The movement combines a squat with an overhead throw, building total body strength and coordination.
For home training equipment, athletes can substitute traditional wall balls with SteelBells or SandBells, which offer similar movement patterns and resistance. These alternatives work well for practicing the explosive power needed for successful wall ball shots while taking up less space than standard medicine balls.
Sandbags: Enhancing Core Stability and Functional Strength
Sandbags feature prominently in HYROX competitions during the 100m lunge segment, making them essential for race preparation. These versatile training tools build grip power and total-body strength through unstable load patterns that challenge core muscles differently than fixed weights.
For training HYROX at home, Hyperwear workout sandbags offer an effective way to practice lunges and other functional movements. Their shifting weight distribution creates an added challenge for stabilizer muscles, making them particularly good at building the type of strength needed for HYROX events. The bags' durable construction withstands repeated drops and drags, while their compact size makes them practical for home gyms.
Barbell and Weight Plates: Essential for Strength Training
The barbell serves as a key training tool for HYROX athletes looking to build raw strength. A standard Olympic barbell with 60-100kg of weight plates allows athletes to perform foundational movements like squats, deadlifts, and presses that directly support HYROX performance requirements.
This basic setup opens up countless training possibilities while taking up minimal space in a home gym. Athletes should start with a quality Olympic barbell and a mix of bumper and iron plates. The combination provides the right balance of durability and functionality needed for consistent strength development.
Pull-up Bar: Building Upper Body Strength
A quality pull-up bar stands as a best CrossFit equipment for HYROX athletes. The bar supports essential exercises like pull-ups, chin-ups, and hanging drills that build the upper body power needed for racing success.
Most wall-mounted or doorway pull-up bars cost between £50-200, making them a cost-effective addition to any training space. Look for bars rated for at least 300 pounds with multiple grip positions. Door-mounted options work well for apartments, while wall-mounted versions offer more stability and exercise options for dedicated home gyms.
Plyo Box: High-Intensity Training for Power and Agility
A plyo box offers an ideal training for HYROX at home for simulating burpee broad jumps found in HYROX competitions. This simple yet effective piece of equipment lets athletes practice explosive movements safely while building lower body power and quick footwork skills.
For home training, a 20-24 inch plyo box provides enough height options for most athletes. Some boxes feature multiple jump heights on different sides, adding training variety. Athletes can use the box for step-ups, box jumps, and depth jumps - all movements that build the explosive strength needed for HYROX racing success.
Resistance Bands: A Solution for Versatile Workouts
Resistance bands provide a portable and cost-effective option for training for HYROX at home. These bands work well for building strength through variable resistance movements and practicing competition-specific exercises. Many athletes use them to warm up muscles, practice movement patterns, and add extra resistance to bodyweight exercises.
Most quality band sets cost between £20-50 and include multiple resistance levels. For home training, look for durable latex bands with handles and door anchors. Athletes can attach bands to pull-up bars or fixed points to simulate many gym-based exercises, making them practical tools for maintaining strength when traditional equipment isn't available.
Treadmill or Outdoor Running Space: Cardio Essentials
Running makes up a significant portion of HYROX events, with athletes completing 1km runs between stations. A quality treadmill or access to outdoor running space serves as a foundation for race preparation. For optimal HYROX training, keep your running area close to strength equipment to practice quick transitions between running and other exercises.
When selecting a treadmill, look for models that support speeds up to 12 mph and offer incline settings. This allows athletes to mix up their training with sprint intervals and hill runs. For those training outdoors, map out several 1km routes near your strength training area to simulate race conditions accurately.
Adjustable Bench: For a Variety of Strength Exercises
An adjustable bench stands as a best CrossFit equipment for home gym equipment, supporting multiple training positions from decline to upright. This versatility makes it ideal for HYROX athletes looking to build strength through exercises like bench presses, rows, and split squats.
Most quality adjustable benches range from £150-300 and should support at least 600 pounds. Look for models with sturdy steel construction, multiple angle settings, and a firm pad surface. The bench should have wheels for easy movement and a compact footprint to fit well in home training spaces.
Dumbbells: Compact and Effective for Muscle Development
Dumbbells serve as best CrossFit equipment for HYROX athletes, fitting perfectly into home training spaces while supporting a wide range of strength exercises. These weights allow athletes to perform isolation movements, compound lifts, and conditioning work that builds the muscle needed for race day performance.
For training with Hyperwear equipment, a set of adjustable dumbbells saves space and money compared to a full rack of fixed weights. Quality adjustable pairs range from £150-500 and quickly adjust between different weight settings. Look for models with secure locking mechanisms and weight ranges from 5-50 pounds per dumbbell to support progressive training.
Jump Rope: Boosting Cardio and Coordination
The jump rope stands as a best CrossFit equipment for improving cardiovascular fitness and movement skills. This simple tool builds foot speed, timing, and stamina - all essential qualities for HYROX competition success.
A quality speed rope costs between £15-40, making it one of the most affordable additions to a home gym setup. Look for ropes with adjustable lengths and ball-bearing handles for smooth rotation. The compact size lets athletes train anywhere, while the varied jumping patterns build different energy systems needed for race day performance.
Foam Roller and Mobility Tools: Essential for Recovery and Flexibility
Foam rollers and mobility tools stand as basic but vital equipment for HYROX athletes focused on best CrossFit equipment for recovery. These tools help athletes maintain muscle health through self-massage techniques that reduce soreness and prevent training setbacks.
Quality foam rollers cost between £20-40, while mobility tool sets including massage balls and recovery sticks range from £30-80. Athletes should look for firm density rollers with textured surfaces for deep tissue work. Regular use of these tools helps maintain joint mobility and muscle flexibility, two key factors in staying healthy during intense HYROX training blocks.
Building Your HYROX Training Haven
Creating a comprehensive home gym for HYROX training represents a significant investment in both space and resources, but the benefits of having dedicated training equipment at your fingertips far outweigh the initial costs. Each piece of equipment serves multiple purposes, allowing athletes to train efficiently and effectively while maintaining the intensity needed for race preparation.
Whether you're a seasoned HYROX competitor or just beginning your fitness racing journey, these essential pieces of equipment provide the foundation for successful training. Start with the basics and gradually build your collection, focusing on versatile tools that offer the most bang for your buck while supporting your specific training needs.
