Hyrox is a global sports phenomenon with origins in Germany. The competition attracts many gym fans. But sports scientists also see dangers in the mix of strength and endurance.

The latest trends in the industry are presented year after year at the Fibo fitness trade fair in Cologne. When I was there this spring, I discovered a few athletes in the basement doing some kind of intensified circuit training. They ran from one station to the next, one kilometer at a time. Then they dragged sandbags and pulled heavy sleds with weights, all on time.

This sport, in which – judging by the faces of the participants – you can exert yourself quite badly, is called Hyrox.

And it’s about to become a global fitness trend. As I found out, there are now competitions in the USA, Africa, Asia and Australia.

Hyrox: Running, rowing, lugging sacks – this fitness competition inspires thousands