Table of Contents
- Hyrox: Merging Fitness Training with Running
- Krav Maga: A Combat Sport from Israel
- CrossFit: The Ultimate Mix of Endurance and Strength
- Swim & Run – Navigating Land and Water
- Paddle Tennis – Making Waves in the USA and Beyond
- Five Challenging Sports That Bring Significant Benefits
Everyone who exercises should bear in mind a fundamental principle: It ought to be enjoyable. It might seem simple, but this tends to be overlooked. I work out up to five times a week, not out of compulsion, but because I derive pleasure from it. I adore cycling or weightlifting. Running isn't my favorite, but I do it when the mood strikes me. However, my path to regular fitness was filled with failed attempts and extended periods of inactivity. I only became a true athlete when I discovered sports that matched my lifestyle and preferences. Although I would love to play tennis frequently, that's just a dream, as my schedule doesn't permit fixed appointments. Dancing seems appealing and is considered healthy, but it wouldn't be fun for me.
For several years, I've been writing about fitness-related topics. I've heard every motivation under the sun, such as "you must", "you should", and "it's good for you". However, I'm convinced that none of these persuasions has ever motivated anyone to exercise regularly. The key to success is "fun". To discover what truly thrills you in sports, you need to experiment. To offer some encouragement during your pursuit of the ideal physical activity, we're introducing five sports that we believe are worth exploring.
Hyrox: Merging Fitness Training with Running
The sport's name was inspired by a relatively new competition created by hockey Olympic champion Moritz Fürste, who questioned why there was no competition for fitness athletes. The answer is Hyrox. The central event is a fitness race that visits various cities worldwide. Athletes run eight kilometers, interrupted by one kilometer on a ski ergometer, pulling and pushing a heavy sled, 80 meters of burpees with a jump, 1,000 meters of rowing, 200 meters with two heavy kettlebells, 100 meters of lunges with a weight on the neck, and concluding with throwing a medicine ball at a target 75 times at a height of three meters. Sounds tough? It definitely is.
Yet, Hyrox is explicitly a sport for everyone. The exercises can be performed by anyone with a certain level of basic fitness and can run and jump. There's no time limit or sweep vehicle in the races. The completion rate is approximately 99%. The fastest competitors finish in just under an hour. The slowest participants took almost five hours. Even people over 70 participate in Hyrox. And every performance is celebrated.
The popularity of the Hyrox race series is staggering. Events sell out quickly. Numerous fitness studios offer courses to effectively prepare for the race. Since both muscle strength and endurance are required on the course, it's a sport that offers the complete package.
Krav Maga: A Combat Sport from Israel
The sport originates from Israel, and its name in Hebrew means "contact combat". Krav Maga is a self-defense technique that incorporates various striking and kicking techniques, grappling, leverage, and ground fighting. In layman's terms, one must possess a fighting spirit to feel comfortable with this sport. The roots of Krav Maga stem from the Israeli army, where it evolved into a sport taught worldwide. Krav Maga enhances endurance, strength, and reaction speed. It also trains the psyche, as many exercises are performed under stress. Frequently, threatening situations are simulated, from which one must then escape.
CrossFit, the perfect blend of endurance and strength
For those seeking a workout that combines endurance and strength, CrossFit is ideal. The sport hails from the USA. It's a highly popular sport that quickly and intensely combines endurance and strength training. It was born in the 90s in the USA, initially as training for firefighters, soldiers, and police officers, and later given the brand name CrossFit - today, it's estimated that around five million people worldwide participate in CrossFit.
It's an incredibly effective full-body workout that incorporates squats, pull-ups, push-ups, rowing, or wall ball shots. All squeezed into workout sessions of one hour, always led by trainers. This form of interval training is highly intense but also productive. As a science journalist, I know that we lose muscle mass with each passing year. But with targeted training, this process can be significantly slowed down. The sooner we start, the better. CrossFit is a sport that effectively counters muscle loss.
Swim & Run – traversing land and water
Not many are familiar with this sport yet, and it falls into the "complex" category. However, the fun factor is immense. Swim & Run is an endurance sport that combines swimming and running disciplines. The concept originates from Sweden and was born from a bet to travel between islands. The principle is simple: you run and, if there's a body of water between the start and the finish, you swim across it.
Since 2006, Swim & Run competitions have been a thing, with an annual event in Stockholm being one of them. Competitors must navigate multiple islands and conquer both short and long swimming sections. The total swimming distance is ten kilometers, while the running distance clocks in at sixty-five kilometers. There are also numerous events happening in Germany now. For those who opt for more intense training, it's always recommended to go with a companion to assist in case of emergencies during swimming.
Paddle Tennis Gaining Traction in Various Regions
As a previous tennis player, I'm a fan of this sport. The gameplay is similar to tennis, but it's played on mini courts with compact, unstrung paddles. Traditionally, rackets were crafted from wood, but nowadays, they're usually made of plastic. This sport has a significant following in Spain, South America, and the USA. The court layout resembles that of tennis, with some variations incorporating the surrounding walls into the game.
Paddle tennis can be enjoyed either in singles or doubles format. Its history dates back over a century, with Reverend Frank Peer Beal credited with its invention. He was seeking an engaging recreational activity for young people in Manhattan. The first paddle tennis courts were established in 1915 in Washington Square Park, New York. These courts are typically constructed of concrete, and scoring is done in the same manner as tennis. Paddle tennis is currently experiencing a surge in popularity among Germans, leading to an increase in both indoor and outdoor facilities for the sport.
I've heard about various fitness competitions and sports, but Hyrox stands out due to its inclusivity and challenging nature. With exercises that can be performed by people of different fitness levels, it's a sport that anyone can join, even if running isn't their favorite activity. Later this year, I'm planning to participate in a Hyrox event to test my endurance and strength.
The popularity of Hyrox is evident, with events selling out quickly and numerous fitness studios offering courses to prepare for the race. It's a complete package, requiring both muscle strength and endurance, making it an ideal sport for individuals looking to improve their overall fitness level.
