CHRIS HEMSWORTH'S CENTR POWERS HYROX

The list of major fitness trends for 2025 differs depending on the party issuing the list, but there are common predictions such as wearables, functional training, weight lifting, Pilates, recovery programs, personalized experience (use of personal trainers). Added to the list this year are the use of AI technology in fitness programs and Hyrox fitness games.

- MYLENE MENDOZA-DAYRIT

The list of major fitness trends for 2025 differs depending on the party issuing the list, but there are common predictions such as wearables, functional training, weight lifting, Pilates, recovery programs, personalized experience (use of personal trainers).

Added to the list this year are the use of AI technology in fitness programs and Hyrox fitness games.

THE NEXT BIG THING

Hyrox, dubbed "the next big thing" in fitness, was developed and first staged in Germany in 2017 with only 618 participants. This fitness race has since grown exponentially with over 220,000 participants in the 2023-2024 games held across 30 cities worldwide with 500,000 onsite spectators. This number is expected to double as Hyrox plans to organize 60 races in 2025.

It is a race. So, of course, training and preparation are required from participants. Currently, there are 3,500 affiliated gyms worldwide where Hyrox-certified trainers prepare gym goers for the popular fitness battle.

Who do you compete with? The idea is you compete with yourself. Think of it as a fitness test that you can take with your gym community to assess your strengths and weaknesses, your achievements and advancements from working out, or to guide you on your fitness goal-setting. For many, signing up for a race is a good motivation to keep workout schedules regular.

Experts say that the popularity is due to the fact that you need not be very good at it to join, much like the marathons where you can just brisk walk all throughout despite everyone speeding past you. You can be bad and slow in the beginning but hopefully, with training, you will be better; you compete with yourself at your own pace and level.