If you’ve got an active gym membership and a functioning internet connection, chances are you’ve heard of Hyrox.
The fitness programme, which combines running with “functional workout stations” in an intense, HIIT-heavy race thayt offers fitness-loving participants the chance to appear on a global leaderboard.
Some, however, have made fun of those who participate in the extreme event. “How do you know somebody does Hyrox? They’ve already fucking told you,” an X on the subject reads (I’m a runner, so I can’t laugh too hard).
Another X user described the fitness fad as “Brew Dog PE.”
Whatever you might think of the (undoubtedly impressive) feat, though, I have to admit I giggled at a recent Instagram Reel from fitness influencer Ella Rose, which revealed what the name is actually short for.
What does Hyrox stand for?
The Instagram user said, “Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to do a Hyrox ― they look really hard, hats off to you if you’ve done one.
“But this makes me want to do one even less. Hyrox is short for ’hybrid rock star.”
According to ABC News, she’s on the money.
Created by Christian Toetzke and Olympic Medallist Moritz Furste in 2017, Cosmopolitan claims the name was invented by the founders on a night out.
The event combines a “hybrid” of an 8km run and eight “functional workout” stations, including wall balls, sled pulls, and broad jumps.
Still, the Hyrox site maintains it’s suitable for everyone as you can pick the race you want to run and keep going at your own pace.
The comments were pretty brutal
Though, as Rose said, completing a Hyrox race is nothing to be sniffed at, commenters still found the name a little funny.
“You’re wrong! Hyrox is short for ‘mid-life crisis,’” one Instagram user joked.
“That’s it, cancelled my ticket,” another quipped.
I’ll confess I found the name’s origin story pretty risible. But, credit where it’s due, I have to agree with a site user who wrote: “They’re out there having fun exercising!”