Dedicated studio created along with five discipline-focused classes to help members train for the popular fitness events
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Hyrox is a juggernaut.
When the German-founded fitness race first took place at Excel London in 2021 – its UK debut – just 613 people took part.
In 2023, that was 24,000 and, for this year’s December event, the number of athletes competing is expected to be around 40,000.
For the first time, contestants will use a 1km indoor course at the Royal Docks venue, running a total of 8km while completing eight fitness challenges between the laps.
It’s a discipline that’s caught the minds of gym-goers and, with its finger on the pulse, an opportunity for Third Space Canary Wharf.
Europe’s largest luxury health club recently unveiled its Hyrox Training Space, a studio facility specifically tailored to those following the discipline, complete with a six-lane sled track, SkiErgs, rowing machines, treadmills, and a full suite of functional equipment.
As an official training partner, the club’s timetable has seen five classes brought in for members aimed at honing different aspects of fitness for those preparing for events or working their way to taking part in future.
bringing Hyrox to Third Space Canary Wharf
“We saw that people training in the gym were increasingly adhering to Hyrox protocols,” said Chris Stanton, sport and performance master trainer at Third Space.
“We wanted to provide the best environment for those individuals to train, all together in one space.
“We know people want to be part of something as it grows and it’s great we’re able to stay at the forefront of innovation and trends for our members at Third Space.
“Everyone leading the business is immersed in fitness and wellbeing and that allows us to rapidly make decisions to put in new facilities in response to what’s happening – responding to member feedback.
“With Hyrox, we were one of the first affiliate clubs.
“That gives us access to their courses for our coaches and the partnership is very strong.
“They’ve already expressed an interest in filming in the studio and some of their staff have come down to visit.
“It’s a thriving collaboration and they see us as an organic part of their event.
“It allows us to tap into what they’re doing and to get early access codes for our members who want to attend their events to compete.”
The partnership is about more than sexy neon lights.
Third Space’s suite of classes is laser-focused on resulting in a positive performance.
That’s something that taps into Chris’ own hybrid career.
While sporty as a youngster, his other passion led to a career in acting and musical theatre (his mum was a big Gene Kelly fan), which included spells on stage in the likes of High Society and three years in the cast of Legally Blonde.
“A little over 10 years ago, I did my first triathlon and was involved in health and fitness alongside my theatre and film work,” he said.
“In 2019, when my son was two, I made a conscious decision to pursue a fitness career – I felt I was just missing out on the more routine parts of being a dad.
“In 2020, I was offered this role and I find real satisfaction in it – I’m leading classes, I’m involved with education for our trainers and our creative programming.
“There’s a skillset that comes across from the discipline and adaptability of an actor and I see that when other performers come into the industry too – they have the ability to present and to keep the show going.”
As Hyrox is a relatively new discipline and a sport that’s still very much growing and evolving globally, the question of how to train for the events is also a developing field.
However, Chris and the team, in partnership with Hyrox, are delivering a programme that’s aimed at putting Third Space members on the cutting edge of the contest.
enjoyable and challenging
“The first time I did an event, I thoroughly enjoyed it, even if it was extremely challenging in certain areas,” said Chris.
“From the moment you cross the start line and run 100m, you’re really on your own despite all the other people.
“You might recognise one or two faces on your way but you quickly get immersed in the challenges.
“Then, when you come to the finishing line you just feel phenomenal.
“My first event was tough, but I also realised, from a sporting perspective, it was something you could train for and potentially make big gains.
“How can you find an extra 2cm in a jump? How can you get a bit of extra speed?
“How do you boost your anaerobic strength, power and endurance, your aerobic ability and then find consistency?
“We have five different class concepts within Hyrox to help members try and answer some of those questions.
“Hyrox Run tackles the biggest part of the race – it’s 50% of the event, so you need to be effective.
“Hyrox Power is about 75% cardio-focused, with 25% spent on movement and skill with a high metabolic output.
“Hyrox Power is a combination of endurance and making sure participants can dominate the various stations.
“Hyrox Train is a 12-week progressive programme aimed at developing functional fitness to get race ready.
“Finally, Hyrox 90 is our most popular option – 90 minutes is an average time for people to complete a race and the class is about participants understanding how they can get past an hour of work.
“It’s not necessarily a simulation of a race but is structured around working blocks with a desired outcome.”
crossover benefits
The Hyrox classes can, of course, also be an end in themselves.
The physical and mental gains have a great deal of crossover with other sports and can simply be enjoyed in isolation as part of a wider fitness programme.
Chris said: “There’s a direct correlation, for example, between training for Hyrox and triathlon.
“Developing an engine is a true aerobic ability and applies to many different sports.
“The most enjoyable aspect of coaching for me is when I connect with an individual and see them change and realise their goal. That I helped facilitate this is amazing. It’s about challenging people, giving them choices and making it fun.
“Not everyone will reach the highest levels of performance but health-wise, Hyrox is about efficiency and discovering different ways to do things – everyone will get from A to B in varying ways.
“As for the event itself, the fact Hyrox takes place indoors in a closed environment is so special.
“There’s a lovely moment when you’re doing an event where it feels as though you’re interacting directly with spectators because you’re so close to them – you’re not in an arena.
“It’s amazing for them too because they can see everything that’s happening.”
key details: Third Space Canary Wharf
Membership at Third Space Canary Wharf costs £245 per month inclusive of all classes including Hyrox-focused sessions and all fitness facilities.
The Wharf membership also covers full access to Third Space Wood Wharf.
Recently Third Space also launched Recovery and Recovery Plus memberships for those seeking to regularly access its Red Light, Cryotherapy and Vibroacoustic Bed facilities, all available at its Canary Wharf Recovery Spa.
These start at £115 per month.
Find our more about the new training space here
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