How to choose a box to prepare for a Hyrox

Not every box has a sled or a SkiErg. A CrossFit gym can be excellent for general strength work and have none of the race's eight stations. Before signing up anywhere, it's worth checking three things: what's actually in the gym, who's coaching, and how much it costs to try it out.

The equipment on site matters more than the "Hyrox" label

A gym that advertises "Hyrox prep" on its window doesn't necessarily have a sled to push or a sandbag to carry in lunges. Points to check before booking a trial class:

• SkiErg and rowing machine (often already present in a typical cross-training gym)
• A sled and space to push and pull it over at least 10-15 metres
• Heavy kettlebells for farmers carry and sandbags for lunges
• Wall balls at regulation weights

The gym directory lists the equipment actually declared by each gym, filterable directly, rather than relying on a marketing tagline.

Specialist coach or general gym: both are valid options

A coach who has raced the format themselves corrects details a generic programme misses: the transition rhythm between running and a station, sled technique under fatigue, managing heart rate coming out of wall balls. A general functional cross-training gym remains a good choice if the main goal is building strength and cardio, with more specific work added yourself in the final weeks before the race.

Drop-in, the best way to test before committing

A monthly membership makes no sense before trying the gym once or twice. A drop-in session costs far less than a rower or a SkiErg at home, and lets you train directly on the discipline's actual equipment. It's also the best way to compare two nearby gyms before committing for several months.

Proximity to a race: a real plus

A box in a city that regularly hosts an event on the calendar often has a more experienced community of athletes, and sometimes group sessions timed around race dates. It isn't a dealbreaker, but it weighs in the choice when equipment is otherwise equal.

What not to expect from a box

A gym doesn't replace a structured training plan spread over several weeks. The 8-week beginner programme and its 12-week intermediate version give the framework; the box provides the equipment and, if needed, the coaching to execute it correctly. The two work together, they don't replace each other.

Before making a final choice, a read through the full beginner's guide puts every step back in order, from registration to the race itself.