Fitness

When you hear the word HYROX, it sends a chill down your spine – and for good reason. In the fitness world, it’s a serious test of endurance, strength and mental grit. This is not the kind of event where you just ‘wing it’. Training involves intense high-volume workouts with weights and running. It’s a real test of fitness and that’s exactly what Chané Grobler experienced at her first HYROX event. This full-time med student took on challenges leading up to and during the event, but the reward of crossing that finish line and saying, “I just did that” made it all worthwhile. It’s a reminder that no fitness journey is easy – long hours of training, consistency and mental toughness are all part of the deal, especially when you’re balancing it all with a busy life.READ MORE: Everything To Know About Hyrox, The Tough New Fitness RaceA Fit Foundation Chané’s fitness journey didn’t begin with grand ambitions of competition. Growing up in an active household where movement was part of daily life, it was her dad who first introduced her to the world of fitness. High school netball didn’t ignite a passion for team sports, but after school, she found her own space in the gym. With her dad mentoring her through the ups and downs, she built the foundation for what was to come.At first, her motivation was simple curiosity. She wanted to explore what her body was capable of and create her own sanctuary in the fitness world. But it wasn’t long before this fascination turned into something much bigger.The CrossFit ConversionAlthough Chané’s journey started with traditional weight training, everything changed when she discovered CrossFit. Two years ago, she shifted from her regular gym routine to this high-intensity sport and she hasn’t looked back since. CrossFit, with its endless variety of movements and constant challenges, offered her a new perspective on fitness. The discipline and dedication it required were nothing short of addictive, and it didn’t take long for her to realise that this sport was here to stay.“CrossFit will always be a challenge, no matter how fit or strong you become. It forces you to constantly improve,” Chané reflects. This experience not only built her physical strength but also laid the groundwork for handling the demanding training required for HYROX.Falling In Love With Running – EventuallyRunning wasn’t always a love affair for Chané. In fact, when she first started at the end of 2023, she hated it. Like many, her early runs were battles of will, hoping the act of pushing through would somehow make it easier. Eventually, though, she began to enjoy it. So much so that she co-founded her own running club, Brooklyn Run, alongside a group of like-minded individuals. What had once been a weakness became one of her greatest joys.This newfound love for running, combined with her passion for CrossFit, set the stage for her HYROX debut. “When I heard about HYROX, it felt like the perfect blend of CrossFit and running – two things I had become semi-good at,” Chané jokes. She knew this was something she wanted to try, although she had no idea how much it would challenge her.Training For HYROX: Physically and MentallyPreparing for HYROX was no easy task, especially on top of being a full-time med student. Physically, Chané felt confident in her strength but was most nervous about the running component. She adapted her CrossFit sessions to include more HYROX-specific movements, focusing on tough exercises like sled pulls and pushes. Saturdays became dedicated HYROX days, complete with simulations and fitness tests.However, running needed extra attention. “A few 5 km runs a week wasn’t going to cut it,” Chané admits. She incorporated track and hill sprints into her routine and discovered just how little she knew about proper running training. But as her fitness improved, so did her confidence.The mental preparation was a whole different game. “I had to stop comparing myself to people who’ve been doing this for years,” she says. With HYROX being relatively new, she scoured every “tips and tricks” video she could find, but soon realised that information overload could be paralysing. Trusting her training, she focused on celebrating small victories and learning from the tougher days.The biggest shift in her mindset came after completing her first HYROX simulation about a month before the event. Suddenly, what once seemed impossible began to feel achievable and her nerves started to settle.READ MORE: Don’t Fall For These Common HYROX MistakesThe Challenges of TrainingTraining for HYROX was demanding, but doing it alongside her medical studies added another layer of difficulty. One of the toughest battles was silencing the nagging voice that said, “You’re not doing enough.” Chané constantly had to remind herself that she wasn’t a professional athlete – she was a full-time student trying to manage both responsibilities.She learned to adjust her training based on her academic load, waking up early to fit in runs before class or staying up late to finish her assignments so she could train longer the next day. “When something’s important to you, you find a way to make it work,” she says.Another unexpected challenge was nutrition. About two months into her training, Chané hit a wall. She was exhausted all the time, falling asleep in class and her training quality dropped. She quickly realised she wasn’t fuelling her body enough for the amount of work she was doing. Increasing her calorie intake – particularly carbs –and focusing on hydration made a world of difference.The Big DayThe day of HYROX Cape Town was one filled with nerves, excitement and, ultimately, triumph. Chané’s heat didn’t start until 17:10, giving her the whole day to think about what was coming. But once she entered the arena, all those nerves melted away. The atmosphere was electric, with music pumping, lights flashing and spectators cheering. She couldn’t wait to get started.Crossing the finish line was a moment she’ll never forget. “It was impossible to wipe the smile off my face that evening,” she recalls. “We are capable of so much more than we give ourselves credit for.”Pushing ThroughOne of the standout moments during the event was Chané’s performance in the sled push, where she placed fourth overall. “I think I made the CrossFit community proud with that one,” she laughs. But not everything came so easily. The burpee event nearly broke her spirit. At one point, she questioned whether she’d even be able to finish. But seeing her parents cheering from the sidelines gave her the strength to push through.From there, a new fire was ignited. She powered through the rowing and other movements, making up for lost time and finishing strong.Evolving Body and MindsetThroughout her HYROX journey, the most transformative change was in both her body and mindset. Initially, her drive was fuelled by a desire to impress those around her, but as the training progressed, her “why” became far more personal. “I shifted from ‘I need to impress everyone around me’ to ‘I am doing this to make myself proud.’ A bitter pill to swallow is that far fewer people care about what you do than you might think,” she reflects.She soon realised that external validation wasn’t sustainable. “If your only motivation is avoiding failure, you’re going to fail. And failure is the only way you’ll truly get better,” she says. This shift gave her the confidence to embrace the process, leading to a deeper sense of self-pride.Physically, the transformation was just as impactful. Initially hesitant about incorporating running, she feared it might interfere with her strength-building goals. But over time, her body adapted in ways she hadn’t anticipated. “I’m still trying to figure out the sweet spot between too much and too little running, but my endurance has significantly improved and my body handles fatigue better than ever.”Words of WisdomFor anyone considering participating in HYROX or embarking on a fitness journey from scratch, she offers some valuable advice. “Don’t overwhelm yourself with too much information. Stick to a few trusted sources, especially if you’re not part of a CrossFit or HYROX gym,” she advises.She also emphasises the importance of running: “Running is the most crucial part of a successful HYROX and sets a strong foundation for any fitness venture. Strong running equals more energy for the functional components.”Equally important is mastering the movements. “Know the movements and movement standards well, and focus on the quality of your movements during training. Don’t wait until competition day to figure it out – being prepared will put you at ease on the big day.”And lastly, she stresses the power of community: “Surround yourself with people who want to see you win. You’ll need them when training gets tough or when self-doubt creeps in. I’m so grateful for the people I’ve met and the communities I’ve become a part of. We need people; they make us much stronger.”What’s Next?With HYROX Cape Town behind her, Chané’s sights are now set on HYROX Johannesburg 2025. She’s also preparing for the CrossFit Open early next year, aiming to qualify for the quarterfinals once again. Her focus is on improving her running and endurance, particularly when fatigued and finding ways to streamline her performance.As Chané reflects on her journey, one thing is clear – HYROX has transformed not only her body but also her mindset. “I’ve gained so much confidence in myself and my abilities,” she says. “The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that failure is a part of growth. You’re going to fail, but that’s the only way to get better.”And for anyone considering their own fitness journey, her advice is simple: find your people, focus on the basics and don’t be afraid to take the leap. You just might surprise yourself. More