Hubris and Hyrox: good intentions are just around the corner

The most common New Year’s resolution among Germans for 2025 is: “do more exercise”. “More” is relative here, of course. It could involve simply strolling around the block once a week, feeling super motivated – then sipping an energy-boosting protein shake in the firm belief that even lifting a bag of crisps is enough to burn a few calories.

But no, what we’re talking about here is a hardcore boot camp where even Arnold Schwarzenegger would need a pair of compression leggings: “Hyrox” is a competitive indoor fitness programme that originated in Germany and has gained worldwide popularity – a mixture of running, rowing and other muscle-building disciplines. One of these is “sled pulling”. The uninitiated layman may initially be put in mind of a snow-covered winter landscape, but this particular activity involves a sled that is loaded with weights: the aim is to manoeuvre it across the gym floor until your thighs burn. Hyrox was developed in 2017 by fitness entrepreneurs Christian Toetzke and Moritz Fürste to create a toning workout for sports enthusiasts – and it is enjoying a rapidly growing fan base. Even the name is striking: it sounds rather like a futuristic drill robot urging you on. 

No doubt a heroic endeavour – for a couple of days in January. Then you’d probably just stretch and relax on the couch: the only pulling you’d be doing after that is hauling the trolley with the frozen pizza from the oven to the TV. After all, even the best New Year’s resolutions tend to fizzle out like fireworks in the sky – as our personal hubris evaporates into the realm of fantasy. 

But nothing is as unchanging as change itself – or at least the effort to achieve it. So here’s to yet another new beginning: “Hyrox, here we come!” First thing tomorrow. Or next week. In 2026. But this time for real!