Hyrox in Toulouse: The Hottest Fitness Trend Hits Austria – With PUMA on Board

Just when you think the Hyrox hype might eventually cool down, you look at the results from Toulouse and instantly realise: this thing is only just gaining momentum. The competition in the south of France just wrapped up, and honestly, the atmosphere there was unbeatable. For us in Austria, that's a clear sign: the fitness revolution that was still a hidden gem for functional athletes a few years ago has now well and truly gone mainstream. And right at the heart of it: the new weapons from PUMA, which are currently causing a stir on indoor floors across the globe.

Why Toulouse was a taste of what's to come

If you think Hyrox is just mindless running and hauling weights, you've missed the point. Toulouse once again proved it's about strategy, lactate management, and above all, the right kit. The French crowd brought the house down, but I was watching closely: many of the top finishers were using the latest models from PUMA. That was no accident. The PUMA Mens Velocity Nitro 4 X HYROX, for example, was practically everywhere. That's the trainer built specifically for this format – cushioned enough for the long runs, yet stable enough for the functional workouts in the Rox Zones.

And then there's the hot ticket for those chasing speed: the PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 3 Hyrox Mens. I spotted these on several athletes who were genuinely battling for top spots. This is the model for anyone wanting to shave every second off their running time, without losing stability on the Wall Balls or SkiErg. Let's put it this way: if you're aiming for a top ten finish in a Pro Division, you can hardly go wrong with this carbon racer.

The core of the sport: more than just an event

What personally excites me about this whole evolution is the structure. Hyrox isn't just a competition you might enter over the summer. It's a system. Here in Austria, I'm seeing more and more people structuring their entire training around these eight stations. We've got gyms in Vienna, Graz, and Salzburg that are now completely geared up for Hyrox. It's no wonder: there are few other sports that foster such a sense of community while providing such clear benchmarks.

I remember this chap from my gym, a sprightly 72 years old, who competed for the first time last year. He wasn't the fastest, but the way he tackled the burpees – the young guns could have learned a thing or two. And that's exactly what it's about: Hyrox is for anyone willing to push themselves. It's not about elitism; it's about honest graft.

Which trainer suits your goal?

Of course, choosing the right gear is crucial. I'm constantly asked: "What should I wear?" If you want to maximise the fun factor and need a reliable all-rounder, go for the Velocity Nitro 4 X HYROX. That's the workhorse. But if you're aiming to hit the floor in Toulouse or later at the World Championships in Nice and chase a personal best, then invest in the Deviate Nitro Elite 3. The difference in the roll-through on the long runs is genuinely noticeable.

My advice for all newcomers: don't be dazzled by the fast times. The best trainers are useless if your squat technique isn't on point. But once you've got your training dialled in, make life easier for yourself. And that currently means: Hyrox-specific trainers. The days of compromising with old running shoes or crossfit trainers are over.

• For the runners: If you want to be fast, the Deviate Nitro Elite 3 is hard to beat – it has a plate that propels you forward.
• For the all-rounders: The Velocity Nitro 4 X HYROX offers the perfect blend of cushioning and stability for the strength stations.
• For the purists: Make sure you get trainers with good lateral support; there's nothing worse than slipping during the Sled Push.

Looking ahead

So, where do we stand? Toulouse is history, but the season is in full swing. For us in Austria, that means: preparing for upcoming events. Registrations fill up so fast these days that you really need to be ready at the starting line. I'm looking forward to seeing the new PUMA models on home turf, whether in the Alpenstrasse or in the exhibition halls – that feeling when the music's pumping, the crowd is cheering the athletes on, and the last 500 metres are powered by sheer willpower alone, it's just unbeatable.

So, get the right trainers on, train smart, and make sure you're at the next start line. I'll see you at the starting block.