GymNation, a fitness operator based in the Middle East, has signed a multi-year agreement with global fitness race brand Hyrox to establish dedicated Hyrox Performance and Hyrox Training Centers throughout the region and in Saudi Arabia. This partnership aims to provide competitors with a specialized space to train at a professional level.

With over 110 000 members, GymNation is responding to the growing demand for accessible fitness centers by planning to open 20 additional facilities across the UAE and Saudi Arabia this year. The GymNation Hyrox Performance Center will be equipped with gear from official Hyrox supplier Centr, ensuring that members can train with equipment used in world championship events. The centers will feature flooring imported from Europe that replicates official Hyrox race conditions, as well as Concept2 Cardio Rowers and SkiErgs.

Hyrox, which began in Germany in 2017, has seen rapid growth since its first event in 2018, which attracted 650 participants. The competitive fitness race has expanded its global presence, with attendance numbers doubling each year and online searches increasing by 233% year-over-year. Douglas Gremmen, Hyrox’s chief operations officer, highlighted the universal appeal of fitness, stating, “We’re realizing that fitness is truly universal.” He noted that fitness consumption patterns are similar across different cultures, from Americans to the Chinese.

Hyrox races follow a timed format where competitors run one kilometer before completing various exercise stations, such as sled pushes and kettlebell carries, repeating this cycle eight times. This consistent format allows participants to rank on global leaderboards and potentially advance to the season-ending World Championships. Gremmen emphasized that Hyrox can be trained in any fitness facility worldwide, similar to attending yoga or HIIT classes.

In addition to this initiative, Hyrox is set to host its second annual outdoor race in New York City this May, which is expected to attract around 15,000 athletes for a three-day event in collaboration with F45.