HYROX Gains Popularity, Doctor Urges Fitness Enthusiasts to Know Their Limits

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - HYROX is increasingly attracting the attention of fitness enthusiasts. However, behind its growing popularity, the workout, which combines running with various strength exercises, still requires preparation suited to each individual's fitness level.

Primary Care Family Medicine Specialist dr. Aghnaa Gayatri, in a recent interview with RRI Voice of Indonesia, said people need to understand their exercise capacity before starting HYROX training.

According to her, people who previously led a sedentary lifestyle — meaning a lifestyle with very little physical activity — should not immediately push themselves into high-intensity training.

“When you first consider doing a HYROX, an important question to ask yourself is what is your current exercise capacity. Do you run regularly or do you train regularly?” Aghnaa said.

She explained that everyone's starting point is different. Someone who regularly runs or does strength training will have a different starting point from someone whose physical activity is limited to light exercise, such as walking for 20 to 30 minutes on weekends.

Therefore, preparation for HYROX should be done gradually. In addition to fitness level, certain health conditions should also be taken into consideration, particularly among people with cardiovascular disease or significant cardiovascular risk.

“So, uncontrolled hypertension, significant respiratory disease, people who have asthma or COPD, diabetes or significant musculoskeletal problems or previous injuries, know your body's limit, like what are the problems that you currently have within your body,” she said.

She added that people who experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or near-fainting during exercise should also take extra precautions before undertaking high-intensity training.

“What i said pre-participation assessment, so you need to assess your body and what your current fitness level is and how you can train, adjust your training routines and training for the actual event,” the doctor said.

By understanding their physical capacity and gradually increasing training intensity, people can take part in the growing fitness trend more safely.