TZANEEN – Tzaneen’s fitness enthusiasts are gearing up for an upcoming Hyrox performance race, with local personal trainer and Hyrox performance coach Nyiko Masango helping participants prepare for the challenge.

Tzaneen heads for the start line

The Virgin Active Hyrox Johannesburg event is scheduled for November 26 to 29. It will be South Africa’s final Hyrox event for the year.

Masango and six members of his team will represent Tzaneen at the event.

Running meets functional fitness

Hyrox originated in Germany in 2017 and has since grown into an international fitness phenomenon.

The competition combines running with functional workout stations, with participants completing a 1km run followed by a workout station, repeated eight times for a total running distance of 8km. The functional exercises include lunges, pushing weighted equipment and the farmers’ carry, in which participants carry dumbbells over a set distance, mimicking the everyday task of carrying heavy loads.

Masango said one of the biggest advantages of Hyrox was that it catered for people of different fitness levels.

The beauty of this is that anyone, regardless of their fitness level, can take part in Hyrox.

“The important thing is to register early, as demand is high and entries often close early due to the large number of interested participants,” he said.

The coach behind the team

During the week, Masango trains clients at Ben Vorster High School, helping them prepare for Hyrox while improving their physical fitness and mental well-being.

He is also known for his endurance adventures over the years, including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to Gilman’s Point in 12 hours. The point is approximately 200m from Uhuru Peak, the mountain’s highest point.

His other feats include cycling 3 400km from Tzaneen to Tanzania, cycling from Musina to Cape Town, and walking from Tzaneen to Johannesburg.

For more information about Hyrox training, contact Masango at 082 732 9669.