In recent years, both CrossFit and the newcomer Hyrox have become extremely popular forms of exercise.

Both combine strength and cardio. Both can be brutal in their own way, and both attract people who like to push themselves a little extra.

But even though they may look similar at first glance, there are some pretty clear differences.

Let's clear that up.

What is CrossFit?

CrossFit is a training method that combines:

• strength

• cardio

• technique

• gymnastics

A CrossFit session can contain almost anything:

• olympic lifts

• pull-ups

• toes-to-bar

• rowing

• wall balls

• jump rope

The point is variety.

Workouts are constantly changing, and you train many different skills.

What is Hyrox?

Hyrox is a competition format where everyone does the same course.

It consists of:

8 x 1 km runs

• 8 strength stations

These include:

• sled push

• sled pull

• farmer’s carry

• wall balls

• lunges

• rowing

The order is always the same.

This makes Hyrox more predictable and specialized.

The biggest difference

In short:

CrossFit

= extreme variety.

You rarely know what the workout will be until you show up.

Hyrox

= the same competition every time.

You can train very specifically for the course.

Equipment in the two sports

Both sports use much of the same training equipment.

For example:

• chalk

• grips

• knee sleeves

In CrossFit, grips are often used when training on the rig with pull-ups and toes-to-bar.

👉 See our grips for training

In Hyrox, a good grip is important in exercises such as farmer's carry.

A little chalk can make a big difference when hands get sweaty.

👉 See chalk for training

And many workouts train cardio.

👉 See our jump ropes

Which training form is best?

It depends a bit on what you like.

CrossFit is a good fit if you:

• like variety

• want to learn many different skills

• like technical lifts

Hyrox is a good fit if you:

• like running

• like structured competition

• want to train for a specific course

Good news!

You don't really have to choose.

Many people do functional fitness regularly and participate in Hyrox competitions on the side. The training overlaps a lot.

And both make you:

• stronger

• more enduring

• and quite tired after the workout.

So, finally:

CrossFit and Hyrox are two forms of exercise that combine strength and cardio.

The difference is mainly:

CrossFit
→ more variety

Hyrox
→ more structure and competition format (and more running.)

Both give you a body that can handle a bit more than just a treadmill session.