If you've been hearing the word HYROX a lot lately, you're not imagining it. It's one of the fastest growing fitness formats in the world right now — and it's well and truly arrived in the Highlands.
Whether you're a seasoned gym-goer looking for a new challenge, or someone who's simply curious about what all the fuss is about, here's everything you need to know.
So what actually is HYROX?
HYROX is a fitness race — but not the kind that requires you to be an elite athlete. The format is the same for everyone: eight one-kilometre runs, each followed by a functional workout station. That's 8km of running in total, broken up by exercises including rowing, sled push, sled pull, SkiErg, burpee broad jumps, farmer's carry, sandbag lunges and wall balls.
It sounds tough — and it is — but that's what makes it so compelling. HYROX takes fitness fundamentals and turns them into a comprehensive approach to performance that caters for anyone, from everyday gym-goers to competitive athletes. Everyone completes the same course, in the same order, with times recorded so you can track your progress and compare with others worldwide.
Is it really for everyone?
Yes — and that's not just a marketing line. HYROX resembles traditional circuit training with the objective of building baseline fitness covering strength, endurance, aerobic capacity, agility and skill work. The weights and distances are scaled by category, so whether you're entering as an individual, in a doubles pair, or at a competitive level, the format works for your ability.
The community around it is part of the appeal too. Walk into any HYROX training session and you'll find a wide range of ages and abilities — all pushing themselves, all supporting each other.
I've had people in their 20s training alongside people in their 60s, complete beginners next to people who've done official HYROX races. What's brilliant is that it genuinely doesn't matter — everyone's working to their own level, and that actually brings the group together rather than dividing it.
HYROX instructor, Inverness Leisure
Where can you train in the Highlands?
High Life Highland is one of the leading providers of HYROX training in Scotland, with five centres now offering regular sessions.
Inverness Leisure has a purpose-built HYROX training zone in Studio 3, with 10 classes per week and 40 spaces per class — making it one of the most accessible HYROX training facilities in the country.
Aviemore Community & Leisure Centre and Craig MacLean Leisure Centre in Grantown-on-Spey are both official HYROX training clubs, with dedicated sessions that have built a loyal and enthusiastic following.
Lochaber Leisure Centre in Fort William and Black Isle Leisure Centre both offer regular HYROX training sessions too.
What happens in a training session?
HYROX training classes are designed to prepare you for the race experience — working through the eight workout stations and building the running fitness and functional strength you need to complete the course. You don't need to have done a HYROX race to join a training class, and you don't need any prior experience. Your instructor will guide you through everything.
Sessions at our centres are included in a highlife membership — so if you're planning to train regularly, it's the best value way to do it. Find out more about membership. Classes are also bookable through the High Life Highland booking system up to seven days in advance.
Ready to put your training to the test? Enter the Aviemore Sim
If you want to experience what a real HYROX race feels like, a HYROX Simulation — or Sim — is the perfect way to do it. It's a timed event run under race conditions, giving you the full experience without the pressure of an official competition.
We have a Sim coming up that you won't want to miss.
Aviemore Community Centre — HYROX Sim Event 📅 Saturday 30 May 2026, 8:30am – 5:00pm
The event takes place on a full-size 4G football pitch with eight authentic workout stations and professional timing chips. Enter as a solo competitor in the morning session or as a doubles pair in the afternoon.
How do you get started?
The easiest way in is to book your first class at your nearest centre. No kit list, no prior experience needed — just show up, give it everything, and see how you feel afterwards. Most people are hooked from the first session.
HYROX is happening across the Highlands
Find a class at your nearest centre, or challenge yourself at our Aviemore sim event this May.
