Training to compete at Hyrox
I have been meeting Hyrox athletes quite often recently and they are all excitedly awaiting possible news of a Hyrox competition in the country this year. They are all telling me how preparing to compete builds a community and how it is a powerful motivation to be regular in one’s workouts.
Just last Nov. 23-24, Isabelle Daza-Semblat joined the Hyrox in Hong Kong at the Asia-World Expo and she posted on her Instagram her full journey. She mentioned that if you frequent the gym, you can definitely join the race with little preparation. We know you’d rather be prepared so we asked one coach who both trains and participates in the games. Coach Anton Sietereales, who created The Grin Method, outlined his own preparation strategy.
THE PHILIPPINE STAR: What specific training regimen do you follow to build both endurance and strength for Hyrox competitions, and how do you balance these two aspects in your weekly routine?
ANTON SIETEREALES: I do CrossFit as a strength and conditioning methodology to effectively build both endurance and strength for Hyrox competitions, I religiously follow a structured weekly training regimen that incorporates varied workouts targeting both components. I just run a lot more now since Hyrox is a running sport.
What role does nutrition play in your performance and recovery as a Hyrox athlete, and what does your typical meal plan look like leading up to a competition?
I continue to follow my established animal-based diet, which prioritizes high-protein and high-fat intake to support muscle recovery. I also incorporate fruits and honey as beneficial sources of carbohydrates, which significantly enhance my overall energy levels and performance. I make sure to hit my protein requirements for the day to optimize recovery. Hitting your protein is very important for you to be consistent with training.
What mental strategies do you use to stay focused and motivated during the rigorous training sessions and the actual Hyrox events?
The manner in which you train reflects your aspirations for success in life. Engaging in this journey not only enhances your physical abilities but also unravels profound insights about yourself. Discovering new facets of your character through the challenges of sport is arguably the most rewarding aspect of the training experience. Discipline creates character.
How do you incorporate mobility and injury prevention techniques into your training to ensure that you can perform at your best without risking injuries?
Staying mobile and focusing on recovery are essential components of any fitness program. Mobility enhances flexibility and range of motion, helping to prevent injuries and improve performance. Meanwhile, recovery allows your body to repair and rejuvenate, ensuring you’re ready for your next challenge. Together, these practices promote overall well-being and longevity in your fitness journey. It’s the dynamic duo for optimal performance.
How do you use these personal experience in helping others prepare for the popular fitness race?
I share insights on the importance of mobility and recovery for race preparation. By promoting a training plan with dynamic stretching, warm-ups, and active recovery, I help others improve performance and minimize injury risk. I offer practical advice from my experiences, creating a supportive environment where participants learn to listen to their bodies and prioritize self-care. This holistic approach empowers individuals to feel confident and ready for their fitness races. It’s really about educating the people with real-life experience! Practicing what you preach is very important.
Coach Anton teamed up with Edmund Vega to create a functional box powered by Metkon in the newly reformatted Gold’s Gym in Venice Mall.
Followers of coach Anton’s The Grin Method include television celebrity Kim Atienza. He recently posted on Instagram his preparation for Hyrox 2025 with the caption: “Turning 58 in a month. Here’s to Hyrox this coming year. Here we go.”
Meg Jacoby, the 2024 Hyrox elite champion from the United States, admitted in a Nov. 19 Instagram post why she fell in love with Hyrox: “One big reason I fell in love with Hyrox is the community! Community is important because it gives people support to overcome difficult challenges, motivates people to push their limits, inspires people to think and work outside their comfort zone and take chances, bands people together with a common goal and similar mindset. It allows people to come together to solve problems and celebrate the wins in life and in sports.
“Community, for me, has also held me accountable; you have high expectations and belief in me which allows me to hold myself to a higher standard. I know you expect me to perform, and that pushes me to be better in training. So for that, I thank you. Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much! Leaders lead.”
