What It Takes to Perform in HYROX With Dr Ludwig Rappelt and Prof Paul Laursen

HYROX is exploding in popularity, but the science behind what actually drives performance is only beginning to catch up.Dr Ludwig Rappelt joins the podcast to unpack new research examining the demands of HYROX and how performance has evolved across its first seven seasons. With running accounting for nearly half of total race time, endurance provides the foundation, but the data suggests strength based stations can play an outsized role in separating stronger performances from weaker ones. The conversation explores the balance between strength and endurance, potential thresholds for VO2 max and maximal strength, where athletes may still have untapped performance gains, and how HYROX specific training could evolve as the sport and its research base continue to mature.Today’s speakers:Prof Paul Laursen https://www.paullaursen.com/Dr Ludwig Rappelt https://www.linkedin.com/in/ludwig-rappelt-b5239b18a/Resources:https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2026.1847569/full