It's been just over a year since we launched our first HYROX classes at Lochaber Leisure Centre in Fort William and Aviemore Community Centre. Since then, the fast-growing fitness sport has gone from strength to strength across High Life Highland.
HYROX classes now available at five centres
HYROX sessions are now running at an additional three of our leisure facilities: Black Isle Leisure Centre in Fortrose, Craig MacLean Leisure Centre in Grantown-on-Spey, and Inverness Leisure. That's more than 30 classes a week, attracting over 1,000 participants.
We've also invested heavily in our team, with almost 40 members of staff now trained as HYROX instructors and coaches, bringing new skills and qualifications to leisure teams across the Highlands.
HYROX combines running with eight functional fitness stations in a structured, accessible format. Its appeal lies in its simplicity — there's a challenge in it for everyone, from complete beginners to elite athletes.
An Aviemore couple's journey to the world stage
Among those who've fully embraced HYROX are Aviemore residents Carol Blakeley (70) and Charlie Davies (79), whose achievements over the past year have taken them from local classes all the way to the world stage.
The retired teachers have just returned from the HYROX World Championships in Sweden, where they finished an impressive sixth place — the only couple from Scotland and the UK competing in their section.
Carol explained: "I was coming up to a significant birthday and fancied a new challenge. I had been reading about this new thing called HYROX and thought, 'Yes, that's for me and Charlie.'"
The pair approached Aviemore Community Centre's Josh Brannan to ask whether HYROX could be introduced at High Life Highland — unaware that plans were already well underway.
Since then, Carol and Charlie have become regular faces at HYROX training sessions in Aviemore, Craig MacLean Leisure Centre, and Inverness Leisure. In the two months before the World Championships, they trained ten times a week.
Their dedication has paid off. Alongside qualifying for the World Championships, they've competed in official HYROX events in Dublin, Oslo and Glasgow — taking first place in their age category at all three.
We are 70 and 79 and still going — we hope that we can inspire others to be physically active. You don't stop because you get old, you get old because you stop!
HYROX competitor
More than a competition
For Charlie, the appeal of HYROX goes beyond competing: "We love HYROX. It's a lovely community of friendly people and very inclusive," he said. "People see our HYROX backpacks in airports or on the train and come and talk to us about it. It really opens up conversations."
Carol hopes their story will encourage others to become more active, regardless of age or fitness level.
"Strangers come up to us and say 'well done,'" she said. "They don't have to be doing HYROX; any movement is better than none at all."
The couple credit our HYROX classes with helping them build strength, fitness and confidence, alongside the encouragement of instructors and fellow participants.
"We love the classes. Everyone works really hard, the instructors are brilliant — so motivational and encouraging — and it's always such a good vibe," they added.
HYROX Sim events bring race day to you
Alongside our growing programme of classes, we've developed a series of HYROX Sim events, designed to recreate the atmosphere of an official race. With professional timing chips, high-energy music and authentic workout stations, they've proved popular with participants wanting to test themselves in a competitive environment.
Inverness Leisure has hosted two HYROX Sims so far, while Aviemore Community Centre and Lochaber Leisure have each staged their own successful events. Craig MacLean Leisure Centre in Grantown-on-Spey will host its first HYROX Sim next month.
The rapid growth of HYROX across High Life Highland represents a significant investment in specialist equipment, staff training and facility development — including the transformation of Studio 3 at Inverness Leisure into a dedicated space to meet growing demand.
Graeme Ross, Head of Leisure at High Life Highland, said: "The introduction of HYROX has been incredibly exciting for both our customers and staff. It's one of our most popular fitness offerings and is now available seven days a week across our facilities.
"What has been particularly encouraging is the enthusiasm shown by our staff, who have embraced HYROX and genuinely enjoy delivering the sessions. We have seen participants of all ages and abilities get involved, improve their fitness and become part of a fantastic community.
"Carol and Charlie's achievements demonstrate exactly what HYROX is all about. Their journey from attending local classes to competing at the World Championships is inspirational and shows that fitness goals can be achieved at any age."
HYROX classes are included as part of a highlife membership, with classes available at Lochaber Leisure Centre, Fort William; Aviemore Community Centre; Craig MacLean Leisure Centre, Grantown-on-Spey; Inverness Leisure; and our newest addition, Black Isle Leisure Centre, which is building a steadfast HYROX following.
Senior Operations Manager Allan Robertson said: "Black Isle Leisure Centre love being part of the High Life Highland HYROX family. Our dedicated staff are really enthusiastic about running these classes, and our customers are full of positive comments about how the sessions are improving not just their physical health, but their mental health as well."
