Crossfit Townsville launch CFTSV Hyrbid Challenge inspired by viral Hyrox competition

Townsville’s fitness enthusiasts are in for a treat as a popular local CrossFit gym introduces its own twist on a viral fitness challenge that’s taking the world by storm.

Competitors Alexander Springall and Emma Barbagallo ahead of the CFTSV Hybrid Challenge being held at CrossFit Townsville. Picture: Shae Beplate.

A crossfit gym is putting their own spin on a viral fitness competition that’s taking the world by storm, as dozens of Townsville teams prepare to put their bodies to the ultimate test.

The owner of Crossfit Townsville, Daniel Strickland has always taken inspiration from the German founded Hyrox events which put competitors through a hybrid fitness challenge.

“It’s a very clever format, it’s repeatable, it can be done anywhere, and it can be done by anyone,” Mr Strickland said.

Hyrox first popped up in 2017 and has since held events in 11 countries around the world, including Australia.

The competition includes running and functional workout stations where participants run one kilometre, followed by one functional workout station, repeated eight times.

While the Crossfit Townsville varies slightly to the traditional Hyrox with increased running distances and less repetitions, Mr Strickland wanted to provide North Queenslanders with the opportunity to test themselves in this format.

CrossFit Townsville owner Owner Dan Strickland. Picture: Shae Beplate.

“Hyrox at the moment is not super accessible. It comes to Australia and does Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane (and Perth) and then it’s gone,” he said.

“For people up here it’s a long way to go so I think this does two things, it gives them a fix but then also gives them a taste of ‘maybe I want to train for this’ and that’s what we want our people to do.”

Competitors Alexander Springall and Emma Barbagallo ahead of the CFTSV Hybrid Challenge being held at CrossFit Townsville. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Now their own spin on the event, dubbed CFTSV Hybrid Challenge, is gaining plenty of interest with nearly fifty pairs ready to take on the challenge.

“I thought that if we get three or four teams I’ll still be happy … we’ve got the place to do it and we’ve got the gear to do it which is perfect so I thought lets just give it a crack,” he said.

Next year Mr Strickland has hopes of launching a series of hybrid and functional fitness events throughout the year.

“There’s good potential for it up here and the goal is to give our people something to train for and then also give them the taste to go hit something like a Hyrox.”

The CFTSV Hybrid Challenge will be held Sunday 18 at Crossfit Townsville with athletes checking in at 6:30am.

Registrations for participants is closing midnight Wednesday.

Originally published as Crossfit Townsville launch CFTSV Hyrbid Challenge inspired by viral Hyrox competition