Comforts of a Hyrox race in a chaotic world

It feels like the whole of Bangkok is preparing and gearing up for Hyrox, a cult-like indoor fitness competition taking place from March 20-22 at BITEC in Bangna.

- NIKI CHATIKAVANIJ

Your acquaintances, friends and even a couple of colleagues from work are likely set to participate in this gruelling day of endurance, cardio and a whole lot of other things that seem too exhausting to consider paying for.Hyrox is basically an organised fun rally where you put your mind and body through a strenuous bootcamp, filled with burpees, sled pushes, wall balls and ski machine marathons. The ultimate prize? Your personal satisfaction and a high Whoop strain score for the day.

Bangkok is rapidly becoming very fitness-conscious and incredibly active, fuelled by a post-pandemic surge in wellness and self-care. A recent report published by Central Group's The One Insight showed that the new generation of Thais is increasingly spending on health, and has fully adopted the "Active Lifestyle" trend. The report also referenced Hyrox Bangkok as being a catalyst for rising consumer spending in the "Performative Footwear" category ahead of the competition in 2025.

Sports and personal wellness have expanded beyond their four walls and courts, and the desire for like-minded community building has a lot to do with that.