Marblehead got a taste of the global HYROX fitness phenomenon this summer as 10 local competitors took on the town’s first-ever simulated HYROX race Saturday at FORM 01945.
The competitors arrived at the studio Aug. 15 after eight weeks of training, ready to test their running, strength and endurance.
“It was a wonderful morning and truly the best part was seeing the participants cheering each other on,” said Ann Moon, an instructor at FORM. “The sense of community was just beautiful. The sweat was flying, the space was totally electric. Almost felt like the Olympics!”
HYROX combines running with functional fitness exercises in a race designed to test both endurance and strength. FORM 01945 is now an official HYROX affiliate facility, bringing the training program to Marblehead.
For the event, competitors worked in teams of two. They tackled eight functional exercise stations, with a 1-kilometer run between each station.
The stations included:
- SkiErg
- Sled push
- Sled pull
- Burpee broad jumps
- Rower
- Farmer’s carry
- Sandbag lunges
- Wall balls
The format made for a demanding workout, but participants ranged from HYROX first-timers to seasoned athletes.
Leading the group through the eight-week training program was HYROX coach Maya Tavares, a Marblehead native who is currently a student at the University of Miami.
The program is designed to be challenging without being limited to elite athletes. Exercises and workouts can be adapted to accommodate different fitness levels, making HYROX accessible to a wide range of participants.
FORM 01945 plans to host another round of HYROX training and competition this fall.
