What is HYROX? 1 local athlete's journey + how to try it in Huntsville

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Looking to train for HYROX in Huntsville? Launched in Germany in 2017, this fitness racing sport has spread worldwide and now holds official competitions in more than 30 different cities across 11 countries. While Huntsville hasn’t yet landed a race, it has a growing community of athletes training to compete elsewhere.

We recently met a few of these folks at 24e Huntsville, who shared how they got into it and how you can try HYROX in Huntsville yourself.

Read on to learn more about HYROX, upcoming races + all that 24e Huntsville has to offer.

Quick reference

What is HYROX?

Premium HYROX Manager Aidan Tucker encourages HYROX competitor Sarah Gregory as she completes a sled push at 24e Huntsville — 24e HYROX Premium Manager Aidan Tucker encourages fellow competitor Sarah Gregory during a workout focusing on several strength-station moves required during races. (Ben Johnson / Hville Blast)

24e Premium HYROX Manager Aidan Tucker encourages HYROX competitor and 24e trainer Sarah Gregory as she trains doing sandbag lunges — 24e HYROX Premium Manager Aidan Tucker encourages fellow competitor Sarah Gregory during a workout focusing on several strength-station moves required during races. (Ben Johnson / Hville Blast)

While folks in fitness circles likely know about HYROX, we got a primer from 24e trainer and Huntsville native Sarah Gregory, who began training to compete last October.

HYROX competitions combine an 8-kilometer run with eight strength stations that include:

SkiErg, which simulates cross-country skiing
sled pulls
sled pushes
burpee broad jumps
rowing
farmer’s carry
sandbag lunges
wall balls

The races always go in that order, starting with a 1-kilometer run, then proceeding through the stations with a 1-kilometer run between each. Converting to miles, competitors conclude having run just under 5 miles total while completing each station.

Why do HYROX in Huntsville at 24e?

24e Premium HYROX Manager Aidan Tucker and HYROX competitor and 24e trainer Sarah Gregory give one another a high five at 24e Huntsville — Trainers and HYROX competitors Aidan Tucker and Sarah Gregory share a high-five after a training session. (Ben Johnson / Hville Blast)

For Gregory, discovering and training for HYROX in Huntsville happened organically, not long after rejoining 24e. While in her 20s, she took a break from rigorous fitness routines after over a decade each in softball and basketball. When she turned 30, she renewed her fitness commitment.

She worked out at home first, then returned to the gym for more focused workouts. A free consult at 24e led her to trainer Luke Higgins—and then a new goal: HYROX. She and Higgins saw the sport trending on social media and decided to learn by doing. Higgins is now training to become a coach in the sport.

So far, Gregory has competed in two races, Las Vegas and New York. She, Higgins and 24e HYROX Premium Manager Aidan Tucker are among the handful of 24e Huntsville members training for upcoming races in Nashville, Dallas and Hamburg, Germany.

How can beginners train for HYROX in Huntsville?

Trainer and HYROX competitor Sarah Gregory and Premium HYROX Manager Aidan Tucker stand back to back next to a banner denoting the HYROX Training Club area of 24e Huntsville — 24e Trainers and HYROX competitors Sarah Gregory and Aidan Tucker put in a lot of work training at 24e Huntsville. (Ben Johnson / Hville Blast)

While the race requirements may seem daunting, HYROX isn’t just for advanced athletes. Competitions comprise many divisions with adjustments to weight loads, plus open and pro categories.

Tucker, Higgins and Gregory all emphasized how beginners can go at their own pace and have a lot of fun.

“HYROX is for everybody, just like running a race is for everybody. It doesn’t matter your fitness level or your experience. The gym is going to be happy to help you start wherever you’re at and work with you no matter what.”
_{– Sarah Gregory, 24e Trainer + HYROX competitor}

Beyond HYROX: What else does 24e Huntsville offer?

24e Trainer and HYROX competitor Sarah Gregory completes a curl with a weight at 24e Huntsville — A local favorite gym for a decade now, 24e Huntsville is preparing for several additions and new equipment over the next few months. (Ben Johnson / Hville Blast)

24e Manager and Trainer Ashley DeRuyter leads a spin class with Trainer and HYROX Competitor Sarah Gregory at 24e Huntsville — A local favorite gym for a decade now, 24e Huntsville is preparing for several additions and new equipment over the next few months. (Ben Johnson / Hville Blast)

24e Health Clubs got its start in 2010 with its first location in Hoover outside of Birmingham, and has since expanded to six locations. While each location offers different amenities, all have built a reputation for being an affordable gym with approachable programs for people at every stage of their wellness journey.

The Huntsville 24e location opened in 2016. 24e Huntsville Manager and Trainer Ashley DeRuyter outlined the health club’s top amenities + options:

InBody scans
group fitness classes
personal training
circuit training
locker service
tanning
child care for kids ages 6 weeks to 12 years
24e premium memberships

24e Huntsville Health & Fitness Club

📍 Where: 6125 University Dr, Huntsville, AL 35806
🕥 Hours: Open 24 hours daily
- Front desk: Mon.-Fri., 6AM-9PM; Sat., 9AM-6PM; Sun., 1PM-6PM
- Kids Zone: Mon.-Thurs., 8AM-1PM + 3:15-8PM; Fri., 8AM-1PM + 3:15-6PM; Sat., 7:30AM-Noon; Sun., 1-5PM
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