Nikesh and Hema Patel at an event in Paris

THINK dragging sleds, swinging sandbags, running laps and rowing for your life, covered in sweat competing in a stadium of screaming people.

While some people prefer gentle exercise or the occasional weekly gym class, Hyrox has become the fastest-growing fitness craze in the world.

At Hiit Gym in West Hampstead, business owners Hema and Nikesh Patel saw fit to jump on the trend and start running Hyrox training classes at their gym on Broadhurst Gardens.

“Things like Hyrox is a new trend at the moment – we’ve had to really try and jump on the bandwagon there,” said Ms Patel, adding: “You do have to keep up with the trends but you also have to carve out a niche because to get into the gym space the barrier for entry is quite low.”

Nikesh Patel, who has already completed six Hyrox events, five of which were last year, added: “Anything that is popular, you do want to try and capitalise on and jump on the trend and stay trendy.”

Hyrox is a global indoor fitness competition that combines endurance running with strength exercises.

Participants complete eight 1km runs, each followed by a workout such as sled pushes, rowing or wall balls, in a format designed to be accessible to both amateur and elite athletes.

Nikesh Patel competing at a Hyrox event in Paris

Mr Patel, who has competed in single and double Hyrox events in Paris, London and Cardiff, said the appeal of Hyrox is that it is open to everyone and requires minimal skill.

“You feel like you’re a famous athlete when you compete,” he said.

“The atmosphere is crazy, it’s so electric. Even before you start it in the tunnel your heart rate is just through the roof. They’ve obviously mastered the performance for both the athletes and the spectators that when the gun goes off there is smoke everywhere that comes out, and that happens every 10 minutes as people start their races. There are also videos in the tunnel motivating you and it’s so loud, people shouting and cheering.

“The competitions are super-addictive and you just want to keep beating your time.

“Hyrox gives you something to train towards, there is a set deadline in two months’, three months’ time, rain or shine you’re going to have to go on that day to perform.”

The Hiit gym in West Hampstead

Hyrox was founded in 2017 by Christian Toetzke and Moritz Fürste with the first event being held in Hamburg in 2018.

The competition events take place globally, but finding an event in the UK in your home city can happen only once or twice a year.

Mr Patel, who has owned Hiit Gym with his wife since 2018, said: “It’s a mass market event. But you’re lucky to come by the events in your home city. So many people, like myself, complete two competitions in one day, a singles and doubles event. That’s becoming more common.

“The only thing people complain about is the price. It is very expensive for what it is. But there are no alternatives.”

A Hyrox competition ticket can range from £140-£200 depending on the location.

Add-ons like photos are extra, and if you choose to compete abroad, online estimates suggest that travel and accommodation fares for one event can cost as much as £2,000, as well as the training paid for beforehand.

Mr Patel said: “It’s a cool thing to be doing, but it is commercial. It milks every pound you have, but they must be doing something right as its popularity is only increasing.” – See www.hiitgyms.com