What if there was one exercise system that provided everything you needed? It included aerobic, anaerobic, strength, speed, coordination, power, and mobility, and you were required to perform no other fitness.
Christian Toetzke and Moritz Fürste of Hamburg, Germany, had the same query. They both had backgrounds in fitness and competitions, but saw a vacancy for a new approach to training and within that, a new approach to racing that was for every body.
In 2017, they developed a new program called HYROX™, and since then, it has grown exponentially all over the world. In fact, HYROX is the fastest-growing indoor workout in the world and is known as, "the world series of fitness racing." There are over 250,000 people who sign up to compete annually, and 60 global races in 2024-25. Now, finally, it is in Santa Clarita at The Paseo Club.
In this article, you will learn what HYROX™ is, why it’s leading the world in fitness and racing, who the HYROX coach in Santa Clarita is, and how you can get involved.
What is HYROX™?
The founders of HYROX™ designed this new sport in fitness to cover the most fundamental movement patterns of functional training. The movements are: pushing, pulling, lunging, squatting, hingeing, and carrying.
Biomechanists discovered that these basic motions mimic the natural movements people do in everyday life, such as pushing a stroller, picking up groceries, or placing a box on a top shelf. In an era of sedentary lifestyles, training and building capacity in these movements cannot be overestimated. They are the key to full-body fitness and longevity — and what makes this sport so accessible to the masses.
Christian and Moritz reviewed hundreds of options, and after considerable research, settled on eight core movements and running.
- Row
- Ski Erg
- Sled Pull
- Wall Balls
- Sled Push
- Farmer’s Carry
- Sandbag Lunge
- Burpee Broad Jump
HYROX™ was developed to highlight movements that are challenging for the seasoned athlete and accessible to beginners. It requires no Olympic weight lifting and no gymnastics. The movements are teachable to everyone, and yet they give you a run for your money every time.
Why race?
There is a segment of the population that identifies as being competitive and enjoys the experience of going against others in some form of contest. However, that is not the majority of the population.
Most people think of competing — especially in some type of athletic race — as an activity reserved for the elite (and the young!). Spectating sports is one thing, but participating is entirely different.
HYROX™ is turning the world of competition on its head by creating a race that almost everyone can join — and is encouraged to join. The races are open to 16-year-olds and up, and for people of all skill levels. They also have an adaptive division for participants who have physical disabilities.
The races are on everyone’s terms and at their individual pace. You can join as an individual, a pair, or as a relay team of four. The race is as follows:
(8) 1 km runs interspersed with…
- 1000 meter ski erg
- 50 m sled push
- 50 m sled pull
- 80 m burpee broad jump
- 1000 m row
- 200 m farmer carry with kettlebells
- 100 m lunge with weighted sand bag
- 100 wall balls
The weights vary according to gender and whether you register in the open or the pro division (no entry qualifications necessary). Your final time is when you complete all eight runs and the eight stations.
Introducing certified HYROX™ Coach Sean Ferguson
The Paseo Club, along with athlete and coach Sean Ferguson, is bringing HYROX™ to Santa Clarita. Sean has over 18 years of teaching experience and has competed in bodybuilding, marathons, and HYROX™. He even qualified and competed at the HYROX™ World Championships in Nice, France, in June 2024.
Sean is passionate about coaching HYROX™ to people of all ages and backgrounds. Every movement can be scaled, and each person can move at their own pace. His philosophy is, “everyone has an inner athlete waiting to be unleashed,” — and he is here to help you find your inner athlete.
Sean helps people perform better, faster, and stronger, but equally important is his focus on “bulletproofing your body” via mobility, core, and recovery. His attention to recovery will help you minimize injury, maximize energy, and stay active well into your “golden years.”
How can you do HYROX™?
When you sign up for HYROX™, you will learn everything you need to become competent and confident in all the functional movements featured in a race. You will train in events that mirror the format of a real HYROX™ race. You may even earn a trip to an official HYROX™ competition — your chance to represent your club on the big stage!
Sean’s class is a small group training program at The Paseo Club, which means there will only be 15 people per class. This will ensure that all participants have ample attention, supporting each person’s individual goals.
- The program begins on August 23, 2025
- It is held on Saturday mornings from 8 to 9:15 am
- The fee is $120 per person for a six-week series of classes
- The Paseo Club is also opening this program up to non-members for $180
Register for HYROX now. Space is limited, and we expect the class to fill quickly.
Living your best life at The Paseo Club
The Paseo Club is dedicated to serving individuals and families, offering the best quality resources in health and fitness possible. That is why we are so pleased to bring you HYROX™.
The Paseo Club has served the Santa Clarita community since 2003. We offer swimming, tennis, pickleball, Pilates, and fitness options for people of all ages and abilities.
There are many small group programs every season and over 60 group exercise classes taught every week. Check out the athletics calendar for more information.
Do you want to become a member of The Paseo Club? There is no time like the present! Sign up online, and you will instantly be granted access to all eight acres of the club. Not only can you enjoy fitness and court facilities, you can also delight in our top-notch amenities, such as the cafe and clubhouse, spa, Kids Club childcare, pro shop, executive locker rooms, and more! Sign up today! We can’t wait to see you!
