Creating the perfect flooring for a high-impact Hyrox training gym requires a unique mix of durability, comfort, and specialised design to support a wide range of activities, from heavy lifting and high-intensity interval training to speed lanes for agility drills.
Each type of flooring in the gym serves a unique function, and understanding these differences can help maximise both performance and safety.
Below, we’ll dive deeper into Hyrox, what's involved and how you can create the perfect Hyrox training setup. Whether you're outfitting an existing gym space or looking to support Hyrox training at-home, we'll look at the best hyrox training flooring options that not only optimise safety but elevate your performance.
What is Hyrox?
Hyrox is a rapidly growing fitness competition that combines endurance, functional strength, and high-intensity interval training in a unique and challenging format. Originally founded in Germany, Hyrox has gained traction world-wide and is now a popular event series in the UK, attracting everyone from fitness enthusiasts to elite athletes.
Hyrox is often referred to as the "fitness race for everybody," as it caters to athletes of all levels, helping individuals to train consistently and set personal targets. It combines running and functional fitness exercises into a standardised race format, making it accessible and repeatable, so participants can track their progress over time. Each event follows a consistent structure, allowing athletes to directly compare their performance against others or their previous results.
What Do HYROX Events Involve?
A Hyrox event consists of eight rounds of 1 km runs, each followed by eight functional workout stations. Participants run a total of 8 km and complete eight functional workout challenges, including:
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Ski Erg – Similar to rowing, but emulates the movement of Nordic skiing.
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Sled Push – A heavy sled push for a set distance.
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Sled Pull – Dragging a sled backward, working the back and lower body.
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Burpee Broad Jumps – Combining burpees with jumps to test explosive power.
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Rowing – Standard rowing on a rowing machine for a set distance.
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Farmers Carry – Walking with weights to build grip and core strength.
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Sandbag Lunges – Weighted lunges using a sandbag.
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Wall Balls – Throwing a weighted ball to a target, testing endurance and coordination.
The event format is the same for each Hyrox race, and competitors can participate individually or in pairs. With multiple categories available, including Men’s, Women’s, Mixed Doubles, and various age divisions, Hyrox events are open to all fitness levels.
How Often Are Hyrox Events Held?
In the UK, Hyrox events are held several times a year in major cities such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham. The races are scheduled seasonally, and the calendar typically includes multiple events each year to accommodate the rising number of participants. Some of these events also serve as qualifiers for the Hyrox World Championships.
What is a Hyrox Gym?
A Hyrox gym is a fitness facility that offers specific training geared towards preparing for Hyrox events. These gyms are equipped with the same type of functional fitness and endurance training equipment used in a Hyrox race with specially trained coaches. Training at a Hyrox gym is ideal for athletes who want to improve their times, master the workout stations, or build the necessary endurance for the event. Some athletes may choose not to compete but are still up for the Hyrox challenge, and the training methods involved.
Types of HYROX Classes and Workouts
Hyrox gyms offer a variety of classes focused on the event's core components, including:
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HYROX Endurance – Focuses on aerobic conditioning and running stamina.
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HYROX Strength – Emphasizes building the power and strength needed for exercises like the sled push and sandbag lunges.
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HYROX Technique – Helps athletes perfect the specific skills and movements required for each workout station.
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HYROX Race Simulation – A full-length workout that mimics the complete event, allowing participants to prepare for the demands of race day.
Classes can vary in intensity and duration, making them suitable for everyone from beginners to advanced athletes.
What Equipment is Used in Hyrox workout stations?
The equipment needed for a Hyrox workout class is designed for functional strength and endurance training so that athletes can prepare for upcoming events. Typical equipment includes:
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Ski Erg Sled Push Machines and Rowing Machines for cardio conditioning and exercises like rowing farmers
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Sleds for pushing and pulling, which build lower body and core strength.
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Sandbags for lunges and carries, which help improve functional strength.
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Farmers Carry weights (usually kettlebells or dumbbells) for grip strength.
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Wall Balls for explosive movements and coordination.
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Weighted Vests (used in advanced training) to add resistance and increase workout difficulty.
What Type of Flooring do I need for hyrox training?
With such a wide combination of activities involved in Hyrox training, the gym flooring should be versatile, extra hardwearing and be strong enough to withstand heavy weights and equipment. Let's look at the top flooring options for the various functional workout stations.
Heavy Duty Rubber Tiles for Weightlifting Zones
When it comes to the heavy lifting areas of a gym, durability and impact-resistance are paramount. Heavy duty rubber tiles or olympic weightlifting flooring, typically available in thicker formats (20mm to 40mm) are engineered specifically to handle the weight and force of heavy weights, kettlebells, and other lifting equipment.
Key Benefits:
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Exceptional Durability: These tiles are built to withstand repeated impact from heavy weights, which makes them ideal for deadlift and powerlifting areas. Likewise, rubber tiles will also protect your equipment from premature wear and tear.
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Shock Absorption: The added thickness provides excellent shock absorption, protecting both the subfloor and equipment from damage while also reducing noise and vibration.
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Anti-Slip Surface: Rubber tiles generally have a textured, anti-slip surface, which is crucial in a high-intensity environment where safety is paramount.
Considerations:
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Installation: Thicker rubber tiles are typically available in interlocking styles, which makes installation more straightforward and minimises movement over time.
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Maintenance: Rubber tiles are generally easy to clean, but regular maintenance will ensure they stay in peak condition. They’re also water-resistant, which is essential in any area that will see moisture and humidity from perspiration.
Ultra-Smooth Self-Locking Rubber Mats for Comfort and Versatility
For areas requiring more versatile flooring, ultra-smooth interlocking gym mats are an ideal choice. Interlocking tiles usually come in a 20mm thickness which allows for weight-based activities as well as functional training and conditioning workouts.
What makes these tiles a good choice for Hyrox is their versatility, extra stability and comfort. The hidden connection inserts keep the tiles held tightly together so that the surface remains in position even throughout the most intense training sessions.
With an extra soft slip-resistant surface, the tiles deliver an additional layer of comfort allowing users to train without premature fatigue and optimise their performance for the next hyrox event.
Key Benefits:
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Quick and Simple Installation: Self-locking mats are designed for easy installation, which saves time and eliminates the need for adhesives. Their edges interlock snugly, keeping them securely in place during workouts.
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Enhanced Comfort: With a slightly softer surface than heavy-duty tiles, these mats add comfort underfoot, especially for exercises that involve getting down on the floor.
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Shock Absorption: While not as thick as heavy-duty rubber tiles, these mats still offer a good level of shock absorption, helping protect users from impact-related injuries.
Considerations:
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Flexibility: If the gym layout changes frequently, these mats are ideal as they’re easy to uninstall and move around.
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Cleaning: Self-locking mats are generally low-maintenance, but their smooth surface makes them easy to wipe down, which is perfect for high-traffic areas.
Functional Training Turf for Speed Lanes and Agility Tracks
Functional training turf, often used in the form of speed lanes, agility tracks or sled tracks are becoming a popular addition in high-impact gyms. Designed specifically for sprinting, sled work, and agility drills, turf provides a versatile surface that complements more intense and dynamic training activities.
Key Benefits:
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Specialised for Functional Training: This turf is made to endure high-speed, high-impact movements, making it ideal for speed and agility work that is central to Hyrox training.
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Durable and Resilient: Functional training turf is built to last, even under heavy use. The fibres are designed to withstand dragging, pushing, and pulling motions without wearing down.
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Traction and Stability: Turf offers excellent traction for users, which helps in preventing slips during quick changes in direction. It also provides a stable surface for sled pushes and other resistance work.
Considerations:
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Customisation: Speed lanes and agility tracks can be customised with markings, which adds to the aesthetic and functional appeal of the gym.
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Maintenance: Regular brushing and cleaning are essential to keep the turf looking fresh and to prevent wear from accumulated dirt and sweat.
Rubber Rolls for Seamless Cardio Areas
For the cardio zones where machines like treadmills, bikes, and rowers are placed, rubber matting roll provides a seamless and protective surface that is ideal for both high and low-impact activities. Rubber roll flooring is a top choice for its resilience and versatility, as it can cover large areas with minimal seams, enhancing both the look and functionality of the gym floor.
Key Benefits:
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Continuous and Seamless Surface: Rubber rolls create a smooth, continuous surface without the need for as many seams, reducing the chances of tripping or separation over time.
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Noise Reduction: The rubber absorbs sound, helping to muffle the noise from cardio machines, which contributes to a more pleasant gym environment.
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Protects the Subfloor: Rubber roll flooring acts as a protective barrier between heavy cardio machines and the subfloor, preventing indentations and scratches from equipment.
Considerations:
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Installation: Rubber rolls may require professional installation for best results, as they need to be cut to fit the space precisely.
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Easy Maintenance: The seamless nature of rubber rolls makes it easy to clean and maintain, ideal for spaces with heavy foot traffic.
Selecting the Right Flooring Mix for a High-Impact Hyrox Gym
Each type of flooring in a high-impact Hyrox training gym plays a unique role in supporting different activities. Here’s a quick summary to help make the right flooring choices:
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Heavy Duty Rubber Tiles: Essential for weightlifting areas that experience heavy impacts.
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Ultra-Smooth Self-Locking Rubber Mats: Ideal for versatile training zones and quick installation.
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Functional Training Turf: Perfect for agility and speed drills, adding a dynamic element to the gym.
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Rubber Rolls: Provides a seamless, protective surface for cardio zones, ensuring stability and durability.
By carefully choosing and combining these hyrox training flooring types, you can create the perfect environment for hyrox and meets the demands of these intense workouts, while ensuring longevity, safety, and comfort for gym-goers.
Whether you’re designing a new gym or upgrading an existing space for hyrox classes, the right flooring mix can elevate the overall training experience and support a full range of activities within a single, cohesive space.
