HYROX is back in Manchester in January 2026, and the buzz is real!

This race is set to be one of the biggest events of the year, with five days of racing at the Manchester Central Convention Complex. 

If you managed to bag yourself a ticket, it's time to get prepping.

Our friends at Life Leisure have outlined what you need to know: 

What is HYROX? 

HYROX is known as the world series of fitness racing, designed to test both strength and endurance. Eight 1km runs, eight functional workout stations, all back-to-back, in front of an electric crowd. 

The exercises (along with running) you need to focus on nailing before the big day are: 

• Ski erg 
• Sled push 
• Sled pull 
• Burpee broad jumps 
• Rowing 
• Farmer's carry 
• Sandbag lunges 
• Wall balls 

It's tough work, but that's why so many people all over the world are dying to take part. 

Top ten training tips 

You're here because you've booked your tickets and now you're wondering how to actually prepare for such a hard challenge. Let's get right into it. 

Run strong, run smart 

• Running makes up half the event, so consistency is key. Mix long runs with interval training to build both endurance and speed. 

Master the stations 

• Each workout station requires strength and skill. Nail the form and technique, but also practice them under fatigue. Efficiency on sleds, wall balls and burpees will help save minutes on the clock. 

Prioritise strength training 

• Don't forget about other functional exercises that will help you on race day. Compound lifts like squats, deadlifts, and presses build the functional strength you'll need to power through every station. 

Train under fatigue 

• The unique challenge of HYROX is transitioning between running and workouts. Practice doing exercises straight after a run to simulate race conditions and get your body used to pushing through.  

Recover properly 

• Resting is just as important as the training itself. Don't skip recovery days, or you might find yourself with an injury which will set your training back. 

Fuel your engine 

• HYROX is long — often 60–90 minutes for most athletes. Work on fuelling yourself before, after (and maybe even during) sessions to avoid hitting a wall. 

Dial in your pacing 

• Going out too fast on the early runs or smashing the sled push will come back to haunt you. Practise pacing strategies that balance speed and sustainability. There's a long way to go! 

Don't neglect mobility 

• Tight hips, shoulders, and ankles can slow you down or even cause injuries. Regular mobility work keeps you moving efficiently. Make time before and after each session to properly stretch and warm up/cool down.  

Track your progress 

• Use benchmarks like your 1km run time, weights, or consistency to see improvements over time. Tracking progress keeps you motivated and shows you where to focus next. 

Train with a community 

• Motivation skyrockets when you train with others chasing the same goal. At HYROX Training Clubs, you'll push harder, learn faster, and enjoy the process more. 

HYROX training at Life Leisure 

If you're prepping for a race or thinking about signing up in the future, there's no better place to train than with us. We're proud to have two official HYROX Training Clubs at Houldsworth Village and H1VE, with specialist HYROX classes running throughout the week. 

Our dedicated HYROX training zone at Houldsworth Village has everything you need to replicate race conditions, with official HYROX gear, accurate wall ball targets and curved treadmills. 

H1VE HYROX sessions are where the magic happens. Just you, the coach and a small bunch of people also mad enough to take on the challenge in a private studio. 

Both training clubs have expert coaches who are more than capable of helping you prepare physically and mentally for race day. 

Find out about training at Life Leisure here.

Ready to start? 

HYROX Manchester will be here before you know it. Training starts now — and we're here to help get you there. 

Tag Life Leisure on socials to keep others updated on your training, and good luck!