If you’ve hung around in the CrossFit and circuit training circles long enough over the past couple of years, you might have already heard of Hyrox, the fitness sport established back in 2017 that’s steadily amassing a stream of followers.

Hyrox is intense and structured, with each race consisting of eight stations of an alternating one-kilometer run and a functional exercise done for eight reps. This format is the same everywhere you compete, allowing for standardization and comparing times with your rivals. The simplicity, replicability, and intensity make it an easy sport to get into and a challenging one to master. If you’ve got friends who are super into Hyrox, this is likely why.

Hyrox is intense and structured, with each race consisting of eight stations of an alternating one-kilometer run and a functional exercise done for eight reps

As for me, I’ve seen some friends and acquaintances travel to other countries such as Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand to compete in Hyrox events, and I’ve noticed local circuit and functional gyms offer Hyrox training classes. While the sport’s spartan format makes it easy to train for it just about anywhere with equipment and space, there hasn’t really been a true Hyrox-dedicated gym in Manila.

That is, until now.

Gold’s Gym x Metcon has opened the country’s newest dedicated Hyrox training hub at the Venice Grand Canal Mall in McKinley Hill, Taguig. The 750-sq.m. gym is packed to the gills with specialized Hyrox equipment and thoughtfully planned out with training zones that are optimized for race training.

“Hyrox represents the future of functional fitness competition, and Gold’s Gym x Metcon is helping Manila join this growing trend,” says Edmundo Luis R. Vega, the owner of Gold’s Gym x Metcon. “We’ve built a complete training space for this competition format, from the specialized equipment to the coaching expertise to our proprietary Grin Method training system.”

For its Hyrox training, Gold’s Gym x Metcon is touting the Grin Method, a proprietary training system developed by Filipino fitness expert Anton Sietereales, whose method has already produced significant results for competitive athletes.

“The Grin Method is specifically designed to prepare athletes for Hyrox’s unique demands,” explains Sietereales during the launch event. “By building endurance, strength, and movement efficiency, we’ve created a training approach that delivers real results for both competitive athletes and fitness enthusiasts.”

“Hyrox represents the future of functional fitness competition, and Gold’s Gym x Metcon is helping Manila join this growing trend,” says Edmundo Luis R. Vega, the owner of Gold’s Gym x Metcon

The Hyrox coaching team at Gold’s Gym x Metcon is joined by Justin Hernandez, who made history as the first Filipino male CrossFit Games athlete and four-time CrossFit Open National Champion for the Philippines. When it comes to preparing Filipinos for physically demanding Hyrox events, the pedigree of the facility’s staff is unmatched.

“I’ve seen firsthand how Filipino athletes excel at the mix of endurance and strength that Hyrox demands,” says Hernandez. “Our goal is to build a solid team of competitors from right here who can make their mark at events across Asia.”

Why try Hyrox?

With so many fitness trends out there, from the established CrossFit to the newfound rising popularity of padel and tennis, the people behind the new Hyrox hub are encouraging active and fit individuals to dip their toes in the sport. The key consideration is that it’s not as intimidating or physically complex as other sports.

“Hyrox can be a more inclusive starting point because the movements don’t require a high level of skill to begin with,” says Vega. While CrossFit does an excellent job offering scaled options for different fitness levels, Hyrox is built around simple, repeatable tasks like running, lunges, rowing, and sled work—things that most people can learn quickly.”

The varying levels of skill among trainees and participants mean that the team at Gold’s Gym x Metcon takes great care in keeping members safe while preparing for races, so there’s no need to worry about getting injured.

“While CrossFit does an excellent job offering scaled options for different fitness levels, Hyrox is built around simple, repeatable tasks like running, lunges, rowing, and sled work—things that most people can learn quickly”

“Hyrox focuses on endurance and consistency using straightforward movements,” says Vega. “We use the Grin Method to gradually build capacity while teaching proper form, so members stay safe and prepared—no matter what level they’re starting from.”

Everything about Hyrox suggests that it may be a fulfilling fitness trend to get into and try to master, so I’ll be trying it to see what it does for my conditioning. I’ll be reporting back after I’ve gotten my feet into it.

“As demand grows, we’re aiming to bring this model to more parts of Metro Manila, so more people can experience high-level coaching, real progress, and a true training community,” continues Vega.

Ultimately, Vega and the team promise that Hyrox is an adventure that can be life-changing for those who dare to try it.

“Members get purpose-driven training with the option to turn it into a global adventure—racing in cities like Singapore or Seoul and making fitness part of their lifestyle,” Vega shares. “Many even travel together for Hyrox races across Asia, turning fitness into a shared adventure. It’s not just about personal gains; it’s about growing with a team.

“It’s not about being the fastest,” he thoughtfully concludes. “It’s about showing up, testing yourself, and doing it with a community that has your back.”