01/10/2026
WHAT REALLY MAKES THE DIFFERENCE IN HYROX?
A new study looked at trained male HYROX athletes and found something interesting…
Once athletes are already well trained, VO₂max alone may not be what separates the faster performers.
What seemed to matter more?
How fast you can move at your lactate threshold, and how much of your aerobic capacity you can actually sustain.
The big findings:
✔️ Faster LT2 / threshold speed was strongly linked with faster HYROX race times
✔️ Roughly 6 minutes faster overall for every +1 km/h improvement in threshold speed
✔️ Threshold fitness was linked with station performance too, not just running
✔️ VO₂max alone didn’t clearly separate the faster athletes in this small group
So what does that mean for your training?
Don’t just chase harder and harder workouts.
Build the ability to:
Run fast without going over the edge.
Hold a high percentage of your fitness for longer.
Perform your stations while already fatigued.
Good HYROX programming should include:
Easy aerobic work + threshold training + race-specific strength endurance.
Not just endless HYROX-style workouts where you destroy yourself every session.
Want a full training programme to help get you across the line?
Message us and chat to a coach.