Hyrox/Equipment

Equipment

Recommended gear and budget guides

Smart investing: Quality equipment enhances training and reduces injury risk. Below are evidence-based recommendations at various budget levels.

HYROX Race Overview

HYROX is a standardized fitness race: 8 x 1km runs alternating with 8 functional workouts. Equipment needs span running efficiency and functional fitness capacity.

The 8 Stations (Equipment Implications)

  1. 1.SkiErg - 1000m (machine provided)
  2. 2.Sled Push - 50m (machine provided)
  3. 3.Sled Pull - 50m (machine provided)
  4. 4.Burpee Broad Jumps - 80m (bodyweight)
  5. 5.Rowing - 1000m (machine provided)
  6. 6.Farmers Carry - 200m (kettlebells provided)
  7. 7.Sandbag Lunges - 100m (sandbag provided)
  8. 8.Wall Balls - 100 reps (ball provided)

Key Insight: Race equipment is provided. Training equipment and personal gear are your focus.

Essential Racing Gear

Footwear

The most critical personal choice. You need shoes that handle running AND functional work.

Requirements:

  • •Stable heel for wall balls and lunges
  • •Responsive for running 8km total
  • •Grip for sled work
  • •Durability for burpees and lunges

Recommended:

  • •Cross-training shoes with running capability
  • •Nike Metcon (excellent stability)
  • •Reebok Nano X (balanced)
  • •NOBULL Trainer+ (running-friendly)
  • •Avoid: Pure running shoes (too unstable) or pure lifting shoes (poor running)

Gloves or Grips

Protect hands during sled pull, farmers carry.

Options:

  • •Gymnastics grips: Protect palms
  • •Fingerless gloves: Full coverage
  • •Chalk + tape: Minimal approach

Clothing

  • •Moisture-wicking, tight-fitting to avoid snags
  • •Compression shorts/tights preferred
  • •No loose clothing that catches during burpees

Training Equipment

SkiErg

Essential for HYROX preparation.

Options:

  • •Concept2 SkiErg ($800-1000): Race standard
  • •Gym access with SkiErg
  • •Substitute: Battle ropes, similar movement pattern

Sled

For push/pull training.

Types:

  • •Prowler sled: Most versatile
  • •Speed sled: Pull-focused
  • •DIY: Tire sled for budget option

Surface: Turf preferred; concrete requires different sled plates

Rowing Machine

Concept2 is race standard.

Budget Alternatives:

  • •Gym membership with C2 rowers
  • •Other brands for training (less race-specific)

Sandbag

For lunge training and carries.

Weight:

  • •Men Pro: 30kg
  • •Women Pro: 20kg
  • •Open: Lighter categories available

Recommended: Rogue, Rep Fitness, or fillable sandbags

Wall Ball

Training with race-weight ball essential.

Weights:

  • •Men: 9kg (20lb)
  • •Women: 6kg (14lb)

Target Height: 3m men, 2.7m women

Kettlebells (Farmers Carry)

Match or exceed race weights.

Race Weights:

  • •Men Pro: 2 x 32kg
  • •Women Pro: 2 x 24kg
  • •Open: Lighter options

Budget Tiers

Minimal Budget (Gym-Based) - $200-400

Using gym equipment:

  • •Cross-training shoes ($100-150): Nike Metcon, Reebok Nano
  • •Gymnastics grips or gloves ($25-40)
  • •Running shorts/compression tights ($40-60)
  • •Gym membership with SkiErg, rower, sleds
  • •Sandbag for home ($40-60)
  • •Race entry + travel

Moderate Budget (Home Training) - $1500-2500

Solid home HYROX setup:

  • •Quality cross-trainers ($120-150)
  • •Concept2 SkiErg ($800-1000)
  • •Sled with pull strap ($150-250)
  • •Sandbag ($50-80)
  • •Wall ball ($50-80)
  • •Pair of kettlebells race weight ($150-250)
  • •Turf or mat for sled work ($50-100)
  • •Heart rate monitor ($50-100)

Comprehensive Budget - $4000+

Complete home HYROX gym:

  • •Premium cross-trainers + backup pair ($250-350)
  • •Concept2 SkiErg ($1000)
  • •Concept2 RowErg ($1000-1400)
  • •Prowler sled ($200-350)
  • •Multiple sandbag weights ($100-150)
  • •Wall ball set ($100-150)
  • •Full kettlebell range ($300-500)
  • •Gym turf flooring ($200-400)
  • •GPS watch with race tracking ($250-400)
  • •Recovery equipment ($200-400)

Running Equipment

Shoes (Repeated for Emphasis)

Running is 8km of the race. Shoe choice matters.

Split Training Approach:

  • •Pure running shoes for run-focused sessions
  • •Cross-trainers for race simulation and mixed workouts

GPS Watch

Track running splits and transitions.

Features:

  • •Quick lap function for stations
  • •Heart rate monitoring
  • •Good for indoor/outdoor

Recovery Equipment

Essential

  • •Foam roller
  • •Lacrosse ball for grip recovery
  • •Compression gear

Beneficial

  • •Massage gun
  • •Elevation legs
  • •Ice bath capability

HYROX-Specific Training Tips

Grip Endurance

The limiting factor for many athletes.

Training:

  • •Dead hangs
  • •Farmers carries longer than race distance
  • •Sled pulls without straps
  • •Grip trainers

Transitions

Practice moving immediately from stations to running.

Equipment for Simulation:

  • •Set up mini-courses at home or gym
  • •Time transitions

Race Simulation

Monthly race-pace simulations with all equipment.

Nutrition & Hydration

Race Day

  • •Pre-race meal 2-3 hours before
  • •Optional caffeine
  • •Water available on course
  • •Usually no mid-race nutrition needed (60-90 min race)

Training

  • •Fuel longer simulation sessions
  • •Practice race-day nutrition

Sources

  1. 1.HYROX Official Rules and Equipment Specifications (2024).
  2. 2.Machek SB, et al. (2021). "Metabolic demands of HYROX competition." Frontiers in Physiology.
  3. 3.CrossFit Training Methodology - Functional Fitness Principles.