Never too late: Johan (69) shows how it’s done at Hyrox event
At 69, Hyrox challenger Johan Classens defies age and obstacles, inspiring others to embrace fitness and a healthy lifestyle.
Johan Classens (69) proved that you are never too old to undertake a great fitness challenge.
He recently participated in the Hyrox fitness event (men’s 65+ division) held in Cape Town, where he finished third, and he hopes to go even further in his journey by competing at an international level.
According to Johan, Hyrox is a fitness challenge similar to CrossFit, but in his opinion, it is more physically demanding.
“It’s like CrossFit on steroids,” he said.
He added that taking part in the challenge pushed his limits to the point where he even surprised himself.
The official Hyrox website [https://hyrox.com/the-fitness-race/] explains that running and functional workout stations are combined in Hyrox, where participants run 1km and then complete one functional workout station eight times.
“Each race is hosted indoors in expansive exhibition halls, creating an immersive and electrifying race, where your spectators can support you from the very beginning to the very end. Accommodating both professional athletes and everyday fitness enthusiasts looking to take their training to the next level, Hyrox is the sport for everybody,” the website stated.
Johan added that the Cape Town event attracted over 6 000 participants and drew thousands of spectators.
“It’s incredible, from the minute you step onto the concrete, it’s not just you going up against other competitors but you against yourself and it’s pure adrenaline,” Johan said.
Johan explains that his efforts at the event meant more than just securing third place. He hopes to raise awareness about fitness and inspire the community to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
“No matter who you are or where you come from, I would recommend that anyone live healthily. I enjoy physical exercise. I was never a fitness fanatic. If anything, I was quite the opposite because I had my share of bad habits, like smoking and drinking brandy when I was younger. However, as I grew older, I became more aware, especially after surviving a stroke, ” he explained.
Despite his age and obstacles, Johan maintains that he still feels youthful and intends to compete in more Hyrox challenges in the future.
