Hyrox Youngstars

The Hyrox Youngstars, Hyrox's version for the youth, was initially launched in Hamburg, the birthplace of Hyrox, in 2017.

Is Hyrox Youngstars like CrossFit Kids?

Currently, Hyrox Youngstars is exclusively a competition for young participants and it occurs during the events of adult races. Think of it like a Parkrun that also offers a junior Parkrun.In contrast, CrossFit Kids provides a venue for children to engage in a CrossFit-style class and absorb the components and workout routine. It serves more as an educational platform for the young ones, while Hyrox Youngstars at present is exclusively a race. As of now, this might be altered with the addition of more Hyrox affiliates (partner gyms), but this is the current situation (April 2024).

The upcoming weekend will witness the premiere of Hyrox Youngstars in the UK, making its debut at the HYROX London (Olympia).

What is Hyrox Youngstars?

Hyrox Youngstars is a scaled down Hyrox race that challenges kids aged 8-15 to complete a series of Hyrox-esque physical elements. These challenges are inspired by the popular Hyrox fitness competition for adults, which combines functional exercises and running to create a unique and challenging workout. The Hyrox Youngstars competition is designed to be fun and inclusive, with different age categories and scaled-down versions of the adult challenges.

What is the Hyrox Youngstars Race?

Presently, these are the UK race elements: Shuttle Run, Ski-Erg, Weight Pull, Slalom Shuttle Run, Horizontal Jumps, Rowing, Obstacle Shuttle Run, Farmers Carry, Wall Balls. Age groups have varying weights and distances.

> What are STIXITS?

The initial aspect you'll encounter while delving into the race components is the beginning Shuttle Run, and you'll wonder, "WHAT IN THE WORLD ARE STIXITS?" Don't worry, you're not alone. Given I own a gym, we're a Hyrox partner, we sale gym equipment, and I deal with Germany daily for business, if anyone was going to know, you'd think it would be me. Nope! I Googled it, too. In short, these are weighted bags to carry or pull/ drag, replacing the sled work.

Don't you think the sled work could've been left for the kids? Kids love this, in my experience.

> What else is making me a bit Meh? 🫤

Next, I will halt at Ski-Erg and Rowing. I am aware that at the age of 8, Concept2's are not really appropriate. The proportions are not really set up for them. From 10, you're essentially good. However, this one remains uncertain.

How to Prepare

If your child is interested in participating in Hyrox Youngstars, there are a few things you can do to help them prepare. The skills and overall fitness gained from most sports are transferable, so it's crucial to keep children engaged and, more importantly, help them enjoy being active. Your support in their accomplishments will be greatly beneficial, including applauding them, commending good effort and behavior, and perhaps even setting a model to emulate or exercising with them. Under this scenario (a kid showing interest in Hyrox-style workouts), it's usually because they've been influenced by a parent. In addition to local sports clubs being a beneficial resource, I suggest checking out the classes specifically designed for children at your local gym or gymnastics centre.

Conclusion

I really like the concept and thought of including children's races in Hyrox events. I'm also fond of the idea of integrating it into Hyrox partner gyms, similar to what CrossFit did with CrossFit kids, should Hyrox consider this path.

With an 8-year old who adores the gym - proficient in Parkour, plays rugby, participates in age-appropriate gym classes, loves running, can conquer an assault course or an obstacle course - and considering his Mum is a Hyrox athlete and I bring him to watch, you might assume I have a future Hyrox Youngstar in the making. Nonetheless, he exhibited minimal enthusiasm towards the elements of the race. Frankly, I don't fault him. He desires to engage more in what Mum's involved in. If Hyrox manages to nail the components, I foresee their success. It's a minor modification, honestly.

With the first ever UK Hyrox Youngstars happening this weekend, I applaud its inclusion. However, I anticipate it might not draw a large crowd since all Hyrox partners have recently been granted free spaces for their children. Hopefully, Hyrox will find ways to enhance the appeal of Youngstars, thereby gaining more traction as we move forward.

Matt AKA Gym Professor

Other Hyrox articles you may be interest in include:

HYROX FAQ's

What are the Weights and Distances for HYROX?

Should I become a HYROX Partner Gym?