Tough Mudder, Ultramarathons and Spartan racing take note – the new word in fitness competition is… HYROX. And what’s more, one of the reasons that HYROX is the fastest growing fitness sport in the world is because at its core, HYROX is designed to be inclusive and open to everyone. This makes the new partnership between HYROX and The Y an excellent and exciting fit – with The Y Auckland City becoming the first ‘mainstream’ gym in New Zealand to become an official HYROX Training Club.
What is HYROX?
Launched in Germany in 2017, HYROX held its first New Zealand event in Auckland in February this year to huge success. The event at Auckland’s showgrounds attracted over 6,000 participants from all over New Zealand and Australia, making it the largest HYROX launch event in the Southern Hemisphere, even surpassing Hong Kong when it launched a few years ago.
The HYROX format combines exercises based on natural movements: run, squat, lunge, hinge, push, pull, twist, carry and jump. This combination both limits the chance of injury and makes it more accessible – at the Auckland event there were athletes of all ages and mobility.
The Y team at HYROX 2025
Taking part in the energetic, enthusiastic and supportive Auckland launch event were a team from The Y.
Auckland City Gym Fitness Manager Dani Palmer had the idea to put a team together as soon as she heard that HYROX was coming to New Zealand.
“HYROX is based on functional fitness, which is something I’m passionate about. I wanted to create an opportunity for our Y members to challenge themselves, and create memorable moments in a way that was fun, and inclusive for all”
Preparing for the competition
Once Dani had put the word out, she put together a 10-week training programme to help the group prepare with the equipment used in the competition, and to build their fitness ready for the event. The programme included specialised classes up to six times per week and had three phases – building a base, growing intensity and then sharpening to become competition-ready.
The event ran over the weekend, with The Y competitors meeting up ahead of time to get ready, cheer each other on and do their absolute best.
Kate, part of The Y team competing at HYROX, shares her experience “I had done various sports casually and functional classes at The Y for about a year, but this was my first event. I took part in The Y’s 10-week HYROX programme before the event. The best part was cheering for and being cheered on by other Y members and coaches. Their enthusiasm made competing fun – being in a team also helped
The Y and HYROX
The 2025 event was such a success for both the HYROX community and for the Y team taking part that we are delighted that The Y Auckland City Gym is now an official HYROX Training Club. With HYROX still relatively new to New Zealand, The Y can play a major role opening up inclusive fitness events to a wider audience.
Chloe, one of the participating members, said that HYROX 2025 was "absolutely amazing! Don’t get me wrong while doing it I was questioning my life choices but I’m a competitive person through and through and love a bit of a challenge, this was exactly what I had hoped for! But the lead up to the event was also epic. Such a great feeling to be surrounded by like-minded people who are all wanting to go their best and smash it out of the park. The trainers and the support from friends and family that we got was also what made this event such a special one"
Francis Bondad from HYROX New Zealand: “Having The Y onboard with HYROX is an incredible opportunity to expand the community’s reach and impact. The Y’s commitment to community and fitness aligns perfectly with what HYROX stands for—bringing people together through fitness, challenge, and personal growth. This partnership will open doors for more athletes to experience the HYROX journey, and I can’t wait to see the energy and enthusiasm it brings”
The HYROX space coming to The Y Auckland City Gym
The new HYROX commitment is bringing change to The Y Auckland City Gym – in April, the gym will be transformed, with new functional fitness equipment arriving, creating a specialist-designed space which includes both the equipment and the setup needed to prepare for future competition.
But don’t worry – if competing at HYROX isn’t your thing, Dani shares how the new set up at The Y Auckland City Gym will benefit everyone.
“Our goal is to design a space that facilitates community-based and performance focussed training. Still staying true to the essence of why we do what we do - supporting our community to achieve their fitness goals. Our gym zones will take care of the everyday gym user who wants to do what’s familiar with machine-based workouts, plus a boutique studio experience that delivers on high level programming with the introduction of HYROX and PRVN classes. With health, fitness, excellence and community at the forefront of everything we do, we are excited to bring a fresh and improved service to our members that inspires personal growth”
Curious about HYROX? To give functional fitness at The Y Auckland City a go - click here