Hybrid training: A look at the new wellness trend

The phrase “hybrid athlete” is gaining popularity on social media, with thousands of followers embracing a multi-disciplinary approach to training and racing. While it’s considered a positive trend, experts warn that diving into an intense training routine can be risky if not executed properly. Hyrox is a fitness competition that blends running with functional exercises. It's rapidly becoming one of the fastest-growing fitness sports globally, with events held in more than 11 countries and 30 cities. Karla Maganto Parisotto started competing over a year ago. Since then, she's witnessed its popularity skyrocket. “It just went crazy, I just knew everyone doing it and then in Melbourne as well and now it's just the new thing,” she says. Hyrox is a key element of a growing social media trend, called “hybrid training.” A “hybrid athlete” typically refers to someone who combines various types of training, such as endurance and strength. Though the concept isn't new to athletes, fitness influencers are popularizing the approach with demanding workout routines, inspiring thousands of followers to give it a try. “Seeing muscle-bound guys with their shirts off running marathon distances is intriguing, is interesting, is extraordinary and all of these things feed engagement on social media,” says musculoskeletal physiotherapist, Nick Ilic. Overall, hybrid training is a positive concept, but experts warn that if not done correctly, an unrealistic routine can have harmful consequences. “Do so slowly and progressively. Make sure you're fueling appropriately and just making small changes to your training and making sure there's enough recovery in there,” says Ilic. Done right, it can lead to a positive community. “I think it's really good to motivate people to get out there and do stuff as long as they get out there and do things gradually and gradually expose themselves to these big strength loads or big endurance loads,” adds Ilic. “Different fitness components, different ages, different body types, I saw there was a very big community in it and everyone pushing each other,” adds Maganto Parisotto. This article was provided by The Associated Press.