HYROX vs. CrossFit vs. Functional Fitness: What’s the Difference?
When thinking about what type of fitness is right for you, it helps to start with your goals. Beginners in the gym are often told to make building a routine their first priority. Joining classes or utilizing a trainer are great ways to create structure in your fitness life and get more comfortable with gym features and work outs that fit your goals best.
With experience comes the freedom to get more adventurous with the type of fitness you could get into. There are so many different options when it comes to style of workout, it can definitely be overwhelming if you’re thinking about trying something new. To help that transition, we want to give more information on these different styles so you can take it and decide which route is the best for you.
There are so many different fitness competitions and training styles, so deciding what you might be interested in can get very overwhelming very fast. HYROX, CrossFit and Functional Fitness are all great ways to further a commitment to a fitness lifestyle. In addition, all of these options push that commitment because they require more extensive training plans as well as a stronger sense of dedication and discipline.
HYROX
HYROX is a competitive fitness race that combines short runs with functional exercises in intervals that you can do alone, with a partner, or by relay. This race is particularly difficult because it combines running with high intensity functional exercises like sled pushes, rowing and burpees etc. This entire race is high intensity and therefore requires an equally as intense training schedule. What that looks like on average is a 4 to 5 day a week training frequency that includes functional strength training sessions to build muscle, mixed in with endurance training to build pacing for prolonged high intensity effort. All this is to say that training for a HYROX race takes hard and consistent effort. Luckily, our gym is a certified HYROX training facility and our trainers have lots of experience with HYROX races. We offer HYROX training equipment in our private gym, and our group gym holds 2 to 3 group training sessions weekly along with intermittent Saturday simulation races to test athlete progress in preparation for race day. You don’t have to be a pro athlete or extreme gym-goer to compete in HYROX since the doubles and relay options split up the race intensity with a partner or group. Even if you aren’t training for a race, the HYROX training style builds excellent overall athleticism while testing your strength and endurance limits.
CrossFit
Lots of people know CrossFit because it has been around for so long; CrossFit was created in the early 2000s and is a branded method of training that combines strength training with HIIT (high-intensity interval training) and endurance work. This type of workout is less goal oriented as there is no race or event in mind to train for. It’s heavily considered to strictly be a training style based on performance and intensity. CrossFit is a challenge for athletes because it pushes the AMRAP mindset; as many reps as possible (AMRAP) tests mental and muscle stamina by pushing athletes to their max effort. CrossFit works best for people who want to be well rounded in their fitness, but not adhere to any training schedule. It caters to those who are competitive and benefit from community oriented training and team accountability.
Functional Fitness
The goal of functional fitness veers greatly from HYROX or CrossFit goals as it focuses much more on practical strength and mobility for everyday life. We fully believe in what functional fitness can offer our members and prioritize this training mindset in our classes and personal training sessions. Functional Fitness training aims to prioritize control and safety as opposed to endurance or competition; it highlights movements that translate to the real world and is very adjustable to different goals and fitness levels. This training style may be most beneficial towards athletes with specific sport goals in mind, older adults or even members with other priorities that still want to get in a good workout. We also recommend that all new gym goers start out with training for functional fitness to build a foundation for high intensity strength training in the future. Results of functional fitness do come slower than that of HYROX or CrossFit, but the long term benefits and low injury risk make it one of the better choices for those seeking safe strength and prolonged health.
When it comes down to it, knowing which way to train can be based on where you are currently and where you want to go with your fitness journey. Our personal trainers can help you make this decision and give you the tools for success to venture out and try new ways to train and challenge yourself. The fitness space is ever evolving and the right choice is always the one that makes you feel the best and works with your goals/daily life.
Ready to find your fit?
Stop by for a free class, talk to a coach, or tour our training spaces. We’ll help you choose a path that works and feels good.
Let’s train smarter, not just harder.
>>> Explore Your Options <<<
FAQs
Q: I’m new — which training style should I try first?
A: Start with Functional Fitness. It builds a strong foundation safely and gets you familiar with key movements. You can branch into HYROX or CrossFit from there.
Q: Can I combine these training styles?
A: Absolutely. Many of our members do. For example: group HYROX workouts, solo strength sessions in the private gym, and occasional CrossFit-style circuits.
Q: I don’t want to compete. Should I skip HYROX training?
A: Not at all. HYROX training builds incredible endurance and full-body strength, even if you never race.
Q: How do I know what’s right for me?
A: That’s what our coaches are here for. Book a free consult or jump into a class and we’ll help you figure out what feels good and fits your life.
Want more help figuring out your training style? Check out these posts next:
- Group Training vs Personal Training vs Private Gym: Which Is Right for You?
Learn how different setups at Primitive x Swole AF fit different schedules, goals, and personalities.
- Discipline > Motivation: How to Show Up When You Don’t Feel Like It
Build the habits and routines that keep you going when the hype wears off.
- Why We Created a Private 24/7 Training Space (And Who It’s For)
Discover how our Private Gym gives you the freedom and flexibility to train on your terms.
- Recovery Myths That Are Holding You Back from Gains
Understand how rest, mobility, and recovery are just as important as training itself.
Written by the Primitive Movement x Swole AF Team
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