Inspired by HYROX? Here’s How to Turn That Motivation Into a Training Plan
By Alicia Bell, founder of Train It Right
Watching a fitness race can make you want to sign up for something, push your training further or finally commit to the goal you keep putting off. That excitement is useful. What you do with it over the next few weeks is what matters.
HYROX is a good example of a goal that gives training a clear direction. The race combines eight 1 kilometre runs with eight workout stations, alternating between running and functional exercises. It asks you to bring strength and endurance together. See the official HYROX race format.
But you don’t need a race entry to train with purpose. You might want to build muscle, improve your conditioning, feel more confident in the gym or get back into a routine. Each of those goals deserves a plan that reflects where you are starting and what you can realistically commit to.
Give your goal a clear direction
“Get fitter” can mean a lot of things. Before you change your workouts, decide what you want to improve. Is it your running endurance? Your strength? Your ability to move confidently through a full session? Having a clear answer helps you choose what belongs in your program.
For someone preparing for HYROX, that means considering the demands of both the running and the stations. For someone focused on building muscle, the priorities will look different. A useful program connects the work you do today to the outcome you want later.
Start with your current ability
I want to know what you are already doing, how consistently you are doing it and how you feel afterwards. Your training history, available equipment and weekly schedule all matter.
Being strong in the gym doesn’t automatically tell us how prepared you are for repeated running efforts. Being comfortable running doesn’t tell us how you will handle loaded carries or other strength tasks. Those details help us decide where to start and what needs the most attention.
The same approach applies when you are returning to training or learning new exercises. We choose a starting point you can perform with control, then build from there.
Give every session a purpose
When a goal feels exciting, it can be tempting to make every workout as demanding as possible. I prefer to give each session a specific job.
A strength session might focus on controlled technique and gradually improving the load or repetitions you can manage. A conditioning session might focus on sustaining a comfortable effort. A more specific session might practise combining movements and managing your pace.
Exactly how those sessions fit together depends on the person. The aim is to create a week you can repeat, learn from and progress, with enough room to recover between demanding efforts.
Track something you can use
Keep a simple record of your training. Write down the exercises, loads, repetitions and how the session felt. For conditioning, you might track duration, distance or pace, depending on the workout.
That record gives us something concrete to review. Are you completing more controlled repetitions? Is a familiar session feeling more manageable? Are you showing up consistently? Are you recovering well enough to keep progressing?
Those details help guide the next step. They also make it easier to recognise progress when a single workout or a number on the scale doesn’t tell the whole story.
Build a plan that fits your life
Your program needs to work around your actual week. Work, family, travel, sports and access to equipment all affect what you can maintain.
If you can reliably train three times a week, we can build around that. If your schedule changes, we can discuss how to organise your priorities. Coaching starts with understanding the person who will be doing the program.
My background as a kinesiologist, former national level sprinter and IFBB Figure Pro shapes how I coach. I bring a science based approach to exercise selection and progression, along with the perspective of someone who has trained for both performance and physique goals. I work with beginners, experienced lifters and athletes, helping them build strength, confidence and consistency.
Ready to put a plan behind your goal?
Whether HYROX has sparked your interest or you have a personal fitness goal you want to take seriously, I would love to hear what you are working towards.
For personalised online coaching, contact me here with your goal, current routine and the support you are looking for.
For personal training in Toronto, view my in person training options and contact me before purchasing so we can discuss availability and the right fit.
You can also learn more about my background and follow @trainitright on Instagram for training content and updates.
Choose your goal. Give it a plan. Let’s Train It Right.
