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In my humble opinion, “hybrid” training seems like a loose term used to define people who simply love to train. Those who have explored different fitness disciplines and choose not to fall into a dogmatic camp by choosing only one. “Renaissance athletes” may be a helpful way to think about it. People who want to push boundaries, limits and expectations…by exploring not just one territory. True, that hybrid training may never make someone the absolute best in one discipline, but if it’s truly about the journey and not the destination…maybe that’s ok. Again, in my humble opinion 🙏🏽
I agree with this. I powerlifted pretty hard for a few years. Started running about 6 months ago. Still lifting, but definitely not as focused on the top end strength. I think for me it’s just more freedom. Sometimes I want to go for a run, move fast, and breath heavily. Sometimes I want to lift heavy things. If the goal is just “get more fit” and have fun, I’m not limited by equipment or training styles.
I agree entirely! And think that some individuals/communities are trying to claim ownership of the term that narrows this into just another 'box', rather than allowing the freedom to sit in multiple 'boxes' - for me, hanging with triathletes, bodybuilders, strongmen, CF athletes, hyrox athletes, track athletes etc over the years has given me so much value and experience that I would have been shut off from if I believed that I fell into one 'box'' - likely then falling into the trap of triathletes v runners, powerlifers v bodybuilders etc that doesn't nothing but raise the barrier to entry for people to find freedom in their own training. This is the crux of my point really! In simple terms, there are those that are trying to make 'hybrid training' binary and competitive, when it was created to be the opposite. I think it is very important to highlight the origins, so that people can be aware that it can simply be for fun and freedom, and you DO NOT need to enter a competitive fitness racing environment for it to be measured.
@@ferguscrawley95 Well said! Ironically, this is reminiscent of my spiritual journey as well. The ability to find and appreciate the value in multiple camps is the key to unity, not just for the fitness realm, but for humanity in general.
I like how Rich Ryan and Ryan Kent discussed the concept of hybrid athletes and mentioned that you can’t truly consider yourself a hybrid athlete unless you are actively competing. They emphasized that being a hybrid athlete is not just about having a broad skill set across different physical domains, but also about testing those skills in competitive environments.
It's interesting Fergus pointed out that Hyrox athletes do actually train according to Fergus' definition of hybrid training (heavy barbell work opposing the running). But he says that Hyrox itself is an endurance sport. Should Hyrox athletes define themselves has Hybrid athletes based on their training? Or endurance athletes based on their competitive outlet? Do we need to consider proportions now? I.e. if you have 70% endurance training volume and 30% heavy barbell, are you a Hybrid athlete? And if your sport has 80% endurance and 20% strength work, is it hybrid or not? Fergus said the strength work that Hyrox athletes do benefits their sport, but it certainly DOESN’T benefit their running which is HALF of the sport. The best endurance runners of the world are super slim and light... Hyrox athletes are generally bigger and heavier and slower, but can still shift some weight serious weight. They have to do opposing training to be fit for opposing modalities within the sport. Therefore, Hyrox should be considered Hybrid by Fergus' definition. Thoughts???
Powerlifting (a specific measurement of strength across movements) doesn’t make you a better runner was my example, not ‘strength training doesn’t make you a better runner’ - that isn’t the same thing at all. In the same way strength training for rugby is for rugby, as part of a sensible S&C programme to improve performance on the pitch, not to max your deadlift in a powerlifting meet. Hyrox programming should utilise strength training to underpin movement patterns, and to improve force production, in the same way a rugby player should. Specificity is the crux of this, as it always has been, and always will be. Strength is measured through maximal output, not sustained sub-maximal output. So whilst yes there are varied ‘modalities’ in terms of movements, they are not opposed, as they all require sustained sub-maximal output. It’s all just training/fitness/adult PE, whatever someone is training for - the only thing that can delineate categories (if someone chooses to do so) is performance output with testing/events (which should be entirely driven by the what is exciting to the individual, not what the internet tells them 😂)
Thanks for your reply man! @@ferguscrawley95 I see your point about the SPORT of Hyrox being mainly endurance testing, I agree with you there. Regarding TRAINING for Hyrox, I asked ChatGPT this question "Based on Fergus Crawleys definition of hybrid training (entered quote), would you say Hyrox sport requires hybrid training to excel at the sport? ChatGPT: "Based on the definition you provided-"the concurrent training of different sporting disciplines that do not inherently support one another and whose disparate components are not essential for success at any one sport"-Hyrox would likely be considered a sport requiring hybrid training to excel. Hyrox combines running (endurance) with functional strength and power exercises like sled pushes, rowing, and wall balls. These disciplines have conflicting physical demands: endurance performance typically requires aerobic efficiency and lighter body mass, while strength-based tasks rely on anaerobic power and muscular strength, often requiring greater body mass. Excelling in Hyrox demands training for both modalities, which do not inherently complement each other, fitting the essence of hybrid training. Therefore, to perform well in Hyrox, an athlete must train concurrently in these differing disciplines, aligning with the principles of hybrid training." It is funny how an endurance event does require the athlete to complete HYBRID training to excel at it haha.
P.s. I hope my comment isn't sounding argumentative. I enjoy these debates and value your expertise and video content. I would love for you to do a video defining 'Hybrid athlete" and another video on what one might count as a "Hybrid sport". =]
Long and the short of it is it doesn’t really matter as long as everyone is hitting their goals! However, I do agree with Fergus on the definition. The only slightly grey area for me is the ‘progressing’ in both areas. This can depend on where someone is in their fitness journey. A newbie to fitness in general can see progression in all areas whereas a seasoned powerlifter for instance, moving into hybrid training will see in decrease in strength. So not really progressing in that area anymore 🤷🏻♂️
Agreed! And absolutely with the grey area, but I would suggest that this comes more into play for those that are a little further down the line in their training journey - whereas the crux of a lot of my discussion here is on the following process: - Person A sees a lot of media about 'hybrid training' and gets excited to belong to a new community. - Person B, ignorant to the origins of the term, and without experience at opposing ends of the spectrum, is shooting that Hyrox/OCR/CF etc is the only way you can belong to this community. - Person A is then shut off from the full range of opportunity that might be fulfilling for them personally. - Person C (me), makes a video trying to give context that this term was designed for a specific purpose, and is a WONDERFUL tool for self-development without the requirement for competition, to challenge person B on their bias that one element is the only way, which is inherently limiting to person A's potential for development/growth. I'm like you now, where 'progress' in terms of top end strength becomes relative to opposing demands/context - but the mechanisms in terms of adaptations at play are largely the same if the desire is to hold onto that strength - if that makes sense? Sounds likes you're in the same camp.
@ I do agreed with! I do come from a strength background and moved into hybrid 2 years ago. Although I can still probably add a few kg on the deadlifts for instance, my progress has actually been maintaining the weight but dropping body weight. Running however I believe can be a constant improvement. Ive do actually have my first hyrox next week in London however I agree that it’s not hybrid. Do Inv well a hyrox, still lifting heavy and being able to switch to endurance all within a relatively short period of time is however hybrid. Dial it up, dial it down! 👌🏻
Love the discussion around this topic and watching the video has definitely prompted my own thoughts here. I have been drawn to the concept of Hybrid training and would like to consider myself in the Hybrid athlete camp, as I’ve been doing triathlons for the last couple of years alongside strength training, and so thought that I could stake a claim to this approach in my own fitness protocol. However, after seeing this, I’m not sure that I can any longer, at this moment in time, state that I am truly hybrid as the strength training elements seem to be more tailored to ‘functional fitness’ that is aiding my endurance, rather than being a complete opposite end of the spectrum when it comes to pure strength. I’m now minded to tray and change the strength elements to look more at the power lifting movements and concentrate more on those rather than undertaking a plan that really just helps with slight strength increases for one type of activity. I suppose my question now is when does it become truly Hybrid as opposed to just adding functional strength adaptations that support an endurance based protocol?
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Im not sure what the singular hyrox event has to do with whether somebody falls into the classic definition of a hybrid athelete. Hyrox events are usually a handful of times per year, but the training required to complete one at a decent level usually requires singular focus on endurance, strength, power, speed, etc. throughout the training cycle. Yoi dont just do a hyrox every day during training. The training probably falls into your hybrid definition (albeit slightly skewed to endurance, so 5km and deadlift correlation might not be the same). Whilst training for a max effort 5km and a 2.5x bodyweight deadlift you're also likely to blend certain elements of training together throughout the training cycle. And you certainly take part in events that might not then fall in the definition of "hybrid" just for that one or few days.
I kind of agree with your first point that you can’t define what hybrid is other than multiple sports. I’m an ex-crossfitter (which could be considered like hybrid) but hybrid training has been very liberating because CrossFit is so rigid based on what you should and shouldn’t be doing. Like they looked down on me for swimming because I apparently shouldn’t have been doing it because I wasn’t a games athlete which is silly. I think hybrid training should be inclusive and there shouldn’t be standards or limits. It’s great for people to get into lots of sports. It doesn’t really matter if they’re not the “most optimal” or the best. There is no obligation to be good at any of the sports we do. You can just do it for fun
I feel like this is trying to own the word hybrid and add additional meaning to the original sense of the word. Definitions of hybrid: -A thing made up of 2 different elements -of mixed character, composed of different elements. Both of these styles, hyrox/deka/OCR, and the simple running +lifting are hybrid forms of training as they are made up of different elements. Sure maybe this is not how the people who coined "hybrid training" used it, but let's not gatekeep. I like these mixed events because they reward the fact that I like to include different fitness elements into my training. Surely that is exactly what hybrid is.
As a 51 year old mum of teens, all I can say is that being "an average lifter and a shit runner" is a pretty robust and aspirational goal for me to train towards thank you very much 🙏🫠
Some used to consider powerlifting&weightlifting as hybrid, now, typically, it's a powerlifter who runs/cycles. I train calisthenics, strongman, weightlifting, powerlifting, kettlebell&clubbell, kickboxing, tai chi, some bodybuilding and lots of old school lifts. I also rabdomly jog, and often sprint. I can cycle but I'd rather rope flow lol what would/could you call me?
@steelmacecontinuum8696 nah my brain function isn't anywhere near that line (I was born gifted). I used to only "powerbuild" yet I've learned to blend everything together for my personal benefits. I care more about my zercher squat than my low bar 🤣🤣 good one tho 😋
Yeah Stefi Cohen and Hayden Bowe tried to adopt it for that, but again, Alex coined the term before this. You can be whatever you want to be my man! And you clearly train across the full range of the spectrum 🤝
totally agree with your perspective! Just one question to try and steel-man the opposing view: If you are a hybrid athlete today training for a deadlift PB and 5k PB concurrently, and tomorrow a competition or new event is announced that awards a winner for best deadlift and 5k "total", then are you no longer hybrid since that just became a single discipline that you can train for? (That's essentially what happened to crossfit when they combined many disciplines into one format to determine "fittest on earth")
Very valid Q! I view the nuance here being that it would require the individual elements to be tested as they normally would be, not in a 'blended' format - so a max deadlift, tested alongside a max 5km = yes. However, if it became a 'blended' version like CF (where every individual component is mashed together rather than tested in isolation), then that would fall out with the category for which the original concept was created for. CF doesn't pull together a collection of sports and test them individually, it pulls them together and blends them together. (Again, in no way less inherently valuable, just where the distinction lands in terms of the original defining parameters). Specific training for specific outcomes is at the core of all this, and specific adaptation at one end of the spectrum is physiologically at conflict with the other, this is where the challenge lies. CF is specifically unspecific in some ways 😂 which is the beauty of it! I for one would love to see an event that just tests conventional metrics, but the 5k (5000yd) run proved that HQ will try to deliberately avoid this, which I think is silly as I would love to see top CF athletes send it across those metrics. As I said, a lot of my narrative in the video is addressing those who believe that new racing formats are what Hybrid Training is and then start believing that is the only way, when in reality, this isn't where the term nor methodology originated - so it is important to reinforce that, I believe!
@@ferguscrawley95 This is actually incorrect Fergus. As a watcher of the Crossfit Games (I don't train for Crossfit by the way), I can tell you that they ALWAYS have stand alone endurance events such as the 5k run, distance swims etc. every year, not blended with anything else. They also have stand alone powerlifting component tests such as deadlift max events, not blended with anything else.
For what it’s worth, the benefit as far as I can see over CrossFit is that to be remotely competitive in that, you have to spend years developing skills that are only really useful for CrossFit (butterfly pull ups etc.) most people can learn how to bench, squat and deadlift with semi-decent technique, and barring injury or disability, everyone can run, therefore hybrid training is far more accessible.
This is my favourite thing as well, it allows you to take conventionally understood and accessible sports, and ride the wave of balancing them concurrently - which means you can discuss your 5km time with your co-workers, your bench with the lads over a pint, or your triathlon time with anyone else having a mid-life crisis 😂 It gives you access to LOTS of different communities, to be able to extract the value and expertise from all of them individually, rather than putting yourself in a box and closing yourself off to other communities.
Hey Fergus, I get that hyrox isn't your thing but would you do any other "hybrid" style races/competitions which aren't hyrox? Because in the UK there are loads of others: Nuclear fit Deadly dozen Athx (could be up your street as it tests the different modalities separately) Superhuman games I mention these as they are all quite unique and different from each other, unlike Deka which is just hyrox light. It's just that I think these comps do finally give us hybrid athletes a chance to test our overall fitness instead of just running a half marathon or doing a powerlifting comp. And I (and i'm sure many others) would love to see my favourite youtube hybrid athlete take on some kind of hybrid/mixed modality event (Even if you don't call it hybrid, I don't mind)
So Fergus, if I was to aim for a 20 minute 5k whilst also having specific bodybuilding strength targets, say 6 sets of 10 x 70kg bench, would that be considered hybrid by your definition? It's not as extreme as a 1RM deadlift etc, but still opposing goals IMO
Hybrid: lift something, run somewhere, and add some flair to it. Seems easy to me. Its another thing when someone says Hybrid Athlete. Like are you a top competitor in various sports, or just signed up for the local turkey trot 😂
@fergus do you think ‘hybrid’ athletes are better defined by their ability to adapt to a new stimulus (aka, maybe something like CrossFit where they introduce a new event), or their ability to get really good at more than one opposing sport (I.e., running and powerlifting) for example. Inherently linked I suspect anyway but I think key
I would suggest the latter! CrossFit's methodology is designed to make athletes highly adaptable to randomisation within the typical components of the sport. Hybrid training, by original definition is designed to make athletes highly specific to pre-determined opposing end of the spectrum. Both are great, both are rewarding, both are equally valuable, but both require an approach unique to the demands of the outcomes desired. Make sense? Let me know if any clarity needed.
Thanks for the reply! I think I agree with you! I do think we have more modalities than just strength and endurance, they’re just the ones you’ve picked and likely most common. I don’t think you’re arguing against that anyway but just another thing to think about. Great post and discussion - a hot topic
Absolutely this. I'm unsure why we're still trying to define it or why people get pissy over it. As long as someone is moving their body, improving physically and/or mentally, and having a good time in the process, who cares what it's called?
I agree entirely here - and made this clear. My reason for definition is to try and address those that a) get pissy over it or b) believe they’re doing anything more than simply improving physically or mentally, because it isn’t anything more than that at it’s core. If other people are trying to incorrectly define it, it is not unproductive for me to reinforce the correct origins, to try and make others aware of the value that can be found, rather than getting sucked into feeling the need to be competitive with others rather than just with yourself.
Is it the training or the event that makes one hybrid? If I run a marathon, but train in a hybrid way, am I no longer a hybrid athlete? I would wager a lot of hyrox athletes break their training into individual disciplines.
It's entirely up to you and what you determine 'in a hybrid way", but I am just keen to highlight that the origin and reason the concept was created was to create a methodology that most effectively balances opposing ends of the spectrum! As I have said, the only people I dispute, are those trying to narrow the 'testing/qualification' of a hybrid athlete to a competitive fitness-racing environment, as it is much more broad than this, and is reductive of the range/freedom that the original concept was designed to create. At risk ofd repeating myself with other comments, so feel free to check out some of the longer responses below!
So when I did CrossFit and running I was hybrid? And when I was running and lifting I was hybrid, but as soon as I sign up for a HYROX I’m not? 😂 I mean I swim too so that’s not the case but that seems silly. I don’t think you can gatekeep it.
Hi Beth! That's not what I said/intended to come across? I disputed those claiming that Hyrox is inherently hybrid and (with ego) saying that is the only way it can be measured. I also said I don't think it can be gate kept (the only person that can is Alex), and that I'm directly addressing those that are trying to gatekeep it whilst being ignorant to the original definition/terms - do you not think those should be taken into account? Given that the whole reason the concept was created is to be inclusive and give people confidence and freedom to try new disciplines without fear of abandoning others - my current frustration is the fact that a lot of fitness-racing communities are trying to claim ownership of the term, which prevents that inclusivity, range, and freedom. My favourite thing about the term is it allows people to place themselves into numerous 'boxes' which all have different experiences, lessons, value, people, and insights - HOWEVER, I think there is a narrative that is trying to make 'hybrid'/Hyrox a box in and of itself, which just creates friction between communities/categories that go against the whole reason the concept was created! Like you said with your CF experience (in comment below) a binary view on what you should be doing, that is what I believe we should try and avoid - because self-driven, diverse, and novel 'fun' is where I see the value. I'll be very disappointed if the age-old triathlon v runner, or powerlifter v bodybuilder, or CF v athletics etc becomes hybrid athlete v everyone else here. The value I have personally found through being able to hang with triathletes, powerlifters, bodybuilders, strongmen, track athletes etc has been life changing - granted, like you, training is a huge part of my life. I'm biased, of course, because I have experienced the varied lessons/experiences to explore from either end of the spectrum, but I challenge the ego and ownership that SOME people are trying to allocate to fitness-racing. Ideal situation in my mind, fitness-racing becomes a gateway drug to people exploring new skills, experiences, people, and communities through the opposing ends of the spectrum. I think we agree a lot more than we disagree? What do you think?
I would say hybrid is a very loose term used in the masses. My definition and example of how I use the term. I’m by no means an athlete or compete is any sport, I enjoy lifting weights for my physique, health and mental health. I also enjoy going on my bike for the same reasons. Two complete opposites but yet no actual sport related goals. So maybe I’m just hybrid health
@ another loose word thrown around which has crossed paths or maybe lost its own meaning. Functional… can you be a functional athlete and hybrid athlete. Or again is it just people trying to claim ownership of something with a new buzz word
@ haha I’ve always found functional puzzling, because function is defined by outcome. For a BJJ athlete, a hammer curl is hugely functional. For a bobsled athlete, less, if at all. I don’t think every exercise and combination of them is inherently functional, depending on the specific outcome desired 🤷♂️ Again, my favourite word: specificity - the 👑 What matters is an individual feeling empowered to go after the goals that are important to them, and even better if they find alignment/community along the way - if that happens to be through a buzzword then that’s great! If small camps then try closing the door to that buzzword (without even being aware of it’s origins) - that’s where I would say less great 😂
I think hyrox / HIIT style training is excellent to implement into your workout splits (unless you’re a Body builder lol) , helps with that muscular endurance that you need when doing larger amounts of reps, and gets your HR going more than a regular paced workout
Having prioritized strength the past few months, I’m personally skeptical that your average untrained Joe can hit impressive strength numbers (3/4/5 plates on bench/squat/dead, for example) while also doing 1-2+ hours of cardio per week… I imagine that most very strong hybrid influencers did not build their strength and physique through hybrid training… Could be wrong though!
Those (advanced) numbers don't happen quickly though? It took me 7 years of training to bench 3 plates - patience + consistency are a core component of strength development. 1-2 hours or cardio will have zero impact on any strength or hypertrophy development, unless it is all very intense track focused work which is systemically demanding. The challenge is balancing the pursuit of top end strength with top end endurance (relative to the individual) and accepting that those things will move slower if doing both concurrently. Forgive me if I have misunderstood, but are you suggesting that you don't believe strength can bee build alongside endurance capacity?
@ thanks for your response - I’m not saying it’s impossible to pursue both… I’m suggesting (guessing) that many/most people who are very strong and very fit (you, Nick, etc.) got very strong/big first (or at least heavily prioritized strength first) and then gradually got more fit while maintaining/holding onto as much strength and size as possible. Again, it’s just a guess… This is why the best crossfitters come from powerlifting, for example … (they’re the best at CrossFit because they were the strongest when they started doing CrossFit) I’m 41 and basically following a starting strength type program, adding 5 pounds to squat/bench/press/deadlift over three workouts a week. Not crazy volume but hard, hard work… I personally find that I CANNOT make progress on this program- at my age of course- if I don’t take my off days very easy… And I know you’re saying that I could make slower strength progress while adding in more cardio - and that might be true… but I’m arguing it might just be worth spending 6 months doing only strength and then maintaining it while shifting to more cardio once you hit your main strength goals … Big fan and long-time subscriber - thanks for all your content!
It's not up to me at all, as I said? I gave context on the (indisputable) origins of the term itself, and said I will only disagree with someone when they aren't aware of this whilst believing that fitness-racing is the only thing that fits within the category. Jake is an absolute savage and one of the most well-rounded athletes on the planet, and portrays a really good message of approaching different disciplines with respect and humility, and I would wager acknowledges that Hyrox lacks demand at far ends of either spectrum, which I know that he has gone after in the past as well - in my mind Jake is legend and can call himself whatever he wants to. If he was telling everyone that Hyrox is the only way to 'get involved' with the Hybrid Athlete buzzwordery (and therefore, community/alignment people are looking for in the modern world) then I would disagree with that, as I said here. Don't know of Graham so couldn't comment I'm afraid, but if he's anything like Jake then I'm sure I would say the same. Salty from the off? Because I haven't done one, and always said it's just not exciting to me personally? Whilst always acknowledging how amazing the events are and how great it is at reducing the barrier to entry? Please explain how I've otherwise come across as salty.
This isn’t directed at Fergus, you seem like a humble chill dude. But I don’t like the vibes from the so called ‘hybrid athletes’. It feels a bit elitist, and egotistical, it’s about how jacked can I look while running fast shirtless in a tiny pair of shorts. It’s like… what’s the point? If you’re competing in Hyrox (which also seems a lot about vanity), atleast you are using your training to compete in something that actually requires a ‘hybrid’ body. I love the concept of hybrid training, but detest the influencers that are the ones pushing it on social media (excluding yourself).
Have you watched his other videos? I really don't think the vanity label can be thrown at Fergus/his attitude to Hybrid training at all. I also don't think anyone could say that he didn't require a "hybrid body" for the same day challenges that he has taken part in.
I accept that it's a wildly male dominated "discipline" but the 'pull your 5k time' test realllllly doesn't work for female athletes 🙈 it would be a long ass road for women to consider themselves a hybrid athlete by that measure because of the deadlift 😅
This was the context of the discussion amidst 3 males, I agree that it wouldn't work, and also said that I am categorically not intelligent enough to come up with a relative co-efficient/ratio to be able to go beyond that 😂 and again, as I said, that was just a fun example of a way of categorising a male as advanced, but that's all it is: fun.
@ferguscrawley95 can't help but give a little chuckle that you've assumed I'm a bloke though 😉 love your content: it would be amazing to see/hear more about female hybrid athletes if you get the opportunity on the pods etc (apologies in advance if you have had some female guests, I'm still making my way through the episodes, as I only recently discovered your content) 😊
@@dani_GSC haha I’m so sorry! I’m trying to get back to as many comments as possible so clearly rushed this one 😂 (no offence intended, and I’m going to edit my original comment to remove humiliation 😂) This is the fun, is that metrics are near impossible to qualify, but this doesn’t mean that x fitness race therefore becomes the qualification as some people are trying to claim - which is what I’m challenging here mainly as I take huge pride and value from the fact that creativity/curiosity underpins this pursuit!
@@ferguscrawley95 haha, no apology necessary! Hybrid UA-cam is very much a boy's area so usually a safe assumption... and the name Dani adds to the confusion! Totally agree, whilst I think Hyrox might be fun to have a go at and obviously can be extremely challenging to do well in its own right, it's always seemed very much endurance-based to me, and as you say in the vid - a sport in itself to be trained for, rather than a test of necessarily different skills. Keep up the good work man! Your videos are very inspirational to keep getting out there for my adult PE sessions 😌
Personally I think hybrid athlete is slightly cringe. I’ve been a multi sport athlete since childhood and I don’t even consider myself an athlete because I don’t compete professionally. I’m just a dude who likes running, lifting, swimming, climbing, biking and moving my body in a variety of ways.
This is great, and I agree the term has evolved into something a bit more vague and cringe than previously - but is still a GREAT way for people to find the confidence and believe that they can do more than one thing well concurrently. The crux of the discussion here is on fighting against those that believe that a competitive environment is a requirement for 'hybrid training' to be measured, when that isn't the case. I would dispute the 'athlete' element though, anyone who trains with intent is an athlete in my mind - and you sound like a really well rounded one!
Nope! Cross-training has conventionally been intentionally utilising other disciplines for the purpose of supporting your primary sport, not working against it in the pursuit of progress in another one.
@ the nuance is in the details. I guess for a casual like me lifting and running supports each other because my core strength is being increased by both sports even though most people consider those two things adverse, or even in opposition to one another.
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In my humble opinion, “hybrid” training seems like a loose term used to define people who simply love to train. Those who have explored different fitness disciplines and choose not to fall into a dogmatic camp by choosing only one.
“Renaissance athletes” may be a helpful way to think about it. People who want to push boundaries, limits and expectations…by exploring not just one territory.
True, that hybrid training may never make someone the absolute best in one discipline, but if it’s truly about the journey and not the destination…maybe that’s ok.
Again, in my humble opinion 🙏🏽
I agree with this. I powerlifted pretty hard for a few years. Started running about 6 months ago. Still lifting, but definitely not as focused on the top end strength.
I think for me it’s just more freedom. Sometimes I want to go for a run, move fast, and breath heavily. Sometimes I want to lift heavy things. If the goal is just “get more fit” and have fun, I’m not limited by equipment or training styles.
@ Absolutely! Freedom is key when it comes to anything! Being able to choose and not having to be locked into a certain discipline is a great feeling.
I agree entirely! And think that some individuals/communities are trying to claim ownership of the term that narrows this into just another 'box', rather than allowing the freedom to sit in multiple 'boxes' - for me, hanging with triathletes, bodybuilders, strongmen, CF athletes, hyrox athletes, track athletes etc over the years has given me so much value and experience that I would have been shut off from if I believed that I fell into one 'box'' - likely then falling into the trap of triathletes v runners, powerlifers v bodybuilders etc that doesn't nothing but raise the barrier to entry for people to find freedom in their own training.
This is the crux of my point really! In simple terms, there are those that are trying to make 'hybrid training' binary and competitive, when it was created to be the opposite. I think it is very important to highlight the origins, so that people can be aware that it can simply be for fun and freedom, and you DO NOT need to enter a competitive fitness racing environment for it to be measured.
@@ferguscrawley95 Well said! Ironically, this is reminiscent of my spiritual journey as well. The ability to find and appreciate the value in multiple camps is the key to unity, not just for the fitness realm, but for humanity in general.
I like how Rich Ryan and Ryan Kent discussed the concept of hybrid athletes and mentioned that you can’t truly consider yourself a hybrid athlete unless you are actively competing. They emphasized that being a hybrid athlete is not just about having a broad skill set across different physical domains, but also about testing those skills in competitive environments.
I’m just trying to avoid the dad bod and the hybrid approach does the trick. 😂
😂 that's all that matters my man, I hope you enjoy it too!
I run, cycle and lift. I don't consider I hybrid train. I just keep fit
It's interesting Fergus pointed out that Hyrox athletes do actually train according to Fergus' definition of hybrid training (heavy barbell work opposing the running).
But he says that Hyrox itself is an endurance sport.
Should Hyrox athletes define themselves has Hybrid athletes based on their training? Or endurance athletes based on their competitive outlet?
Do we need to consider proportions now? I.e. if you have 70% endurance training volume and 30% heavy barbell, are you a Hybrid athlete?
And if your sport has 80% endurance and 20% strength work, is it hybrid or not?
Fergus said the strength work that Hyrox athletes do benefits their sport, but it certainly DOESN’T benefit their running which is HALF of the sport. The best endurance runners of the world are super slim and light... Hyrox athletes are generally bigger and heavier and slower, but can still shift some weight serious weight. They have to do opposing training to be fit for opposing modalities within the sport. Therefore, Hyrox should be considered Hybrid by Fergus' definition.
Thoughts???
Powerlifting (a specific measurement of strength across movements) doesn’t make you a better runner was my example, not ‘strength training doesn’t make you a better runner’ - that isn’t the same thing at all.
In the same way strength training for rugby is for rugby, as part of a sensible S&C programme to improve performance on the pitch, not to max your deadlift in a powerlifting meet.
Hyrox programming should utilise strength training to underpin movement patterns, and to improve force production, in the same way a rugby player should.
Specificity is the crux of this, as it always has been, and always will be.
Strength is measured through maximal output, not sustained sub-maximal output. So whilst yes there are varied ‘modalities’ in terms of movements, they are not opposed, as they all require sustained sub-maximal output.
It’s all just training/fitness/adult PE, whatever someone is training for - the only thing that can delineate categories (if someone chooses to do so) is performance output with testing/events (which should be entirely driven by the what is exciting to the individual, not what the internet tells them 😂)
Thanks for your reply man! @@ferguscrawley95
I see your point about the SPORT of Hyrox being mainly endurance testing, I agree with you there. Regarding TRAINING for Hyrox, I asked ChatGPT this question "Based on Fergus Crawleys definition of hybrid training (entered quote), would you say Hyrox sport requires hybrid training to excel at the sport?
ChatGPT:
"Based on the definition you provided-"the concurrent training of different sporting disciplines that do not inherently support one another and whose disparate components are not essential for success at any one sport"-Hyrox would likely be considered a sport requiring hybrid training to excel.
Hyrox combines running (endurance) with functional strength and power exercises like sled pushes, rowing, and wall balls. These disciplines have conflicting physical demands: endurance performance typically requires aerobic efficiency and lighter body mass, while strength-based tasks rely on anaerobic power and muscular strength, often requiring greater body mass. Excelling in Hyrox demands training for both modalities, which do not inherently complement each other, fitting the essence of hybrid training.
Therefore, to perform well in Hyrox, an athlete must train concurrently in these differing disciplines, aligning with the principles of hybrid training."
It is funny how an endurance event does require the athlete to complete HYBRID training to excel at it haha.
P.s. I hope my comment isn't sounding argumentative. I enjoy these debates and value your expertise and video content.
I would love for you to do a video defining 'Hybrid athlete" and another video on what one might count as a "Hybrid sport". =]
Long and the short of it is it doesn’t really matter as long as everyone is hitting their goals!
However, I do agree with Fergus on the definition. The only slightly grey area for me is the ‘progressing’ in both areas.
This can depend on where someone is in their fitness journey. A newbie to fitness in general can see progression in all areas whereas a seasoned powerlifter for instance, moving into hybrid training will see in decrease in strength. So not really progressing in that area anymore 🤷🏻♂️
Agreed! And absolutely with the grey area, but I would suggest that this comes more into play for those that are a little further down the line in their training journey - whereas the crux of a lot of my discussion here is on the following process:
- Person A sees a lot of media about 'hybrid training' and gets excited to belong to a new community.
- Person B, ignorant to the origins of the term, and without experience at opposing ends of the spectrum, is shooting that Hyrox/OCR/CF etc is the only way you can belong to this community.
- Person A is then shut off from the full range of opportunity that might be fulfilling for them personally.
- Person C (me), makes a video trying to give context that this term was designed for a specific purpose, and is a WONDERFUL tool for self-development without the requirement for competition, to challenge person B on their bias that one element is the only way, which is inherently limiting to person A's potential for development/growth.
I'm like you now, where 'progress' in terms of top end strength becomes relative to opposing demands/context - but the mechanisms in terms of adaptations at play are largely the same if the desire is to hold onto that strength - if that makes sense? Sounds likes you're in the same camp.
@ I do agreed with! I do come from a strength background and moved into hybrid 2 years ago.
Although I can still probably add a few kg on the deadlifts for instance, my progress has actually been maintaining the weight but dropping body weight.
Running however I believe can be a constant improvement.
Ive do actually have my first hyrox next week in London however I agree that it’s not hybrid.
Do
Inv well a hyrox, still lifting heavy and being able to switch to endurance all within a relatively short period of time is however hybrid.
Dial it up, dial it down! 👌🏻
Love the discussion around this topic and watching the video has definitely prompted my own thoughts here. I have been drawn to the concept of Hybrid training and would like to consider myself in the Hybrid athlete camp, as I’ve been doing triathlons for the last couple of years alongside strength training, and so thought that I could stake a claim to this approach in my own fitness protocol. However, after seeing this, I’m not sure that I can any longer, at this moment in time, state that I am truly hybrid as the strength training elements seem to be more tailored to ‘functional fitness’ that is aiding my endurance, rather than being a complete opposite end of the spectrum when it comes to pure strength. I’m now minded to tray and change the strength elements to look more at the power lifting movements and concentrate more on those rather than undertaking a plan that really just helps with slight strength increases for one type of activity. I suppose my question now is when does it become truly Hybrid as opposed to just adding functional strength adaptations that support an endurance based protocol?
Skibidi Toilet:
* It's a plumbing emergency in a 3D animation.
* A musical group that only sings about toilets.
* A secret government project to turn toilets into spies.
* The answer to life, the universe, and everything... but it's still under construction.
Hope this helps
It does and doesn't equally. Thank you, but also, no thank you?
Im not sure what the singular hyrox event has to do with whether somebody falls into the classic definition of a hybrid athelete.
Hyrox events are usually a handful of times per year, but the training required to complete one at a decent level usually requires singular focus on endurance, strength, power, speed, etc. throughout the training cycle. Yoi dont just do a hyrox every day during training. The training probably falls into your hybrid definition (albeit slightly skewed to endurance, so 5km and deadlift correlation might not be the same).
Whilst training for a max effort 5km and a 2.5x bodyweight deadlift you're also likely to blend certain elements of training together throughout the training cycle. And you certainly take part in events that might not then fall in the definition of "hybrid" just for that one or few days.
I kind of agree with your first point that you can’t define what hybrid is other than multiple sports. I’m an ex-crossfitter (which could be considered like hybrid) but hybrid training has been very liberating because CrossFit is so rigid based on what you should and shouldn’t be doing. Like they looked down on me for swimming because I apparently shouldn’t have been doing it because I wasn’t a games athlete which is silly.
I think hybrid training should be inclusive and there shouldn’t be standards or limits. It’s great for people to get into lots of sports. It doesn’t really matter if they’re not the “most optimal” or the best. There is no obligation to be good at any of the sports we do. You can just do it for fun
Got back to you on your other comment!
I feel like this is trying to own the word hybrid and add additional meaning to the original sense of the word.
Definitions of hybrid:
-A thing made up of 2 different elements
-of mixed character, composed of different elements.
Both of these styles, hyrox/deka/OCR, and the simple running +lifting are hybrid forms of training as they are made up of different elements.
Sure maybe this is not how the people who coined "hybrid training" used it, but let's not gatekeep.
I like these mixed events because they reward the fact that I like to include different fitness elements into my training. Surely that is exactly what hybrid is.
Could not agree more
As a 51 year old mum of teens, all I can say is that being "an average lifter and a shit runner" is a pretty robust and aspirational goal for me to train towards thank you very much 🙏🫠
@@healthyhabitscoach2621 totally agree! Everyone has different goals and a different starting point for their training.
Some used to consider powerlifting&weightlifting as hybrid, now, typically, it's a powerlifter who runs/cycles. I train calisthenics, strongman, weightlifting, powerlifting, kettlebell&clubbell, kickboxing, tai chi, some bodybuilding and lots of old school lifts. I also rabdomly jog, and often sprint. I can cycle but I'd rather rope flow lol what would/could you call me?
Adhd ;)
@steelmacecontinuum8696 nah my brain function isn't anywhere near that line (I was born gifted). I used to only "powerbuild" yet I've learned to blend everything together for my personal benefits. I care more about my zercher squat than my low bar 🤣🤣 good one tho 😋
Yeah Stefi Cohen and Hayden Bowe tried to adopt it for that, but again, Alex coined the term before this.
You can be whatever you want to be my man! And you clearly train across the full range of the spectrum 🤝
@@ferguscrawley95 yeah I have their Hybrid blender bottle lol as do I with Rogue bottles. Yeah I consider myself an everything-practioner haha
totally agree with your perspective! Just one question to try and steel-man the opposing view: If you are a hybrid athlete today training for a deadlift PB and 5k PB concurrently, and tomorrow a competition or new event is announced that awards a winner for best deadlift and 5k "total", then are you no longer hybrid since that just became a single discipline that you can train for? (That's essentially what happened to crossfit when they combined many disciplines into one format to determine "fittest on earth")
Very valid Q! I view the nuance here being that it would require the individual elements to be tested as they normally would be, not in a 'blended' format - so a max deadlift, tested alongside a max 5km = yes. However, if it became a 'blended' version like CF (where every individual component is mashed together rather than tested in isolation), then that would fall out with the category for which the original concept was created for.
CF doesn't pull together a collection of sports and test them individually, it pulls them together and blends them together. (Again, in no way less inherently valuable, just where the distinction lands in terms of the original defining parameters).
Specific training for specific outcomes is at the core of all this, and specific adaptation at one end of the spectrum is physiologically at conflict with the other, this is where the challenge lies.
CF is specifically unspecific in some ways 😂 which is the beauty of it! I for one would love to see an event that just tests conventional metrics, but the 5k (5000yd) run proved that HQ will try to deliberately avoid this, which I think is silly as I would love to see top CF athletes send it across those metrics.
As I said, a lot of my narrative in the video is addressing those who believe that new racing formats are what Hybrid Training is and then start believing that is the only way, when in reality, this isn't where the term nor methodology originated - so it is important to reinforce that, I believe!
@@ferguscrawley95 This is actually incorrect Fergus. As a watcher of the Crossfit Games (I don't train for Crossfit by the way), I can tell you that they ALWAYS have stand alone endurance events such as the 5k run, distance swims etc. every year, not blended with anything else. They also have stand alone powerlifting component tests such as deadlift max events, not blended with anything else.
ua-cam.com/video/2mC1T8jcmj0/v-deo.htmlsi=lhZk1-d3o25_uZlx
For reference. Event 7 2023. 5k run.
For what it’s worth, the benefit as far as I can see over CrossFit is that to be remotely competitive in that, you have to spend years developing skills that are only really useful for CrossFit (butterfly pull ups etc.) most people can learn how to bench, squat and deadlift with semi-decent technique, and barring injury or disability, everyone can run, therefore hybrid training is far more accessible.
This is my favourite thing as well, it allows you to take conventionally understood and accessible sports, and ride the wave of balancing them concurrently - which means you can discuss your 5km time with your co-workers, your bench with the lads over a pint, or your triathlon time with anyone else having a mid-life crisis 😂 It gives you access to LOTS of different communities, to be able to extract the value and expertise from all of them individually, rather than putting yourself in a box and closing yourself off to other communities.
whene are you doing a run amsterdam? would love to meet you!!
I’ll make it happen for sure, as soon as I’m back consistently running again! (Injured at the moment)
@@ferguscrawley95 wish you the best recovery, just got back from one as well but back to running now! hope too see you soon
Hey Fergus, I get that hyrox isn't your thing but would you do any other "hybrid" style races/competitions which aren't hyrox? Because in the UK there are loads of others:
Nuclear fit
Deadly dozen
Athx (could be up your street as it tests the different modalities separately)
Superhuman games
I mention these as they are all quite unique and different from each other, unlike Deka which is just hyrox light. It's just that I think these comps do finally give us hybrid athletes a chance to test our overall fitness instead of just running a half marathon or doing a powerlifting comp. And I (and i'm sure many others) would love to see my favourite youtube hybrid athlete take on some kind of hybrid/mixed modality event (Even if you don't call it hybrid, I don't mind)
Props for showing respect to Alex Viada
So Fergus, if I was to aim for a 20 minute 5k whilst also having specific bodybuilding strength targets, say 6 sets of 10 x 70kg bench, would that be considered hybrid by your definition? It's not as extreme as a 1RM deadlift etc, but still opposing goals IMO
Absolutely - specific goals related to progress at opposing ends of spectrum, that’s clear 🫡
Are you planning on releasing a hyrox and strength program?
Hybrid: lift something, run somewhere, and add some flair to it. Seems easy to me. Its another thing when someone says Hybrid Athlete. Like are you a top competitor in various sports, or just signed up for the local turkey trot 😂
@fergus do you think ‘hybrid’ athletes are better defined by their ability to adapt to a new stimulus (aka, maybe something like CrossFit where they introduce a new event), or their ability to get really good at more than one opposing sport (I.e., running and powerlifting) for example. Inherently linked I suspect anyway but I think key
this is a great question, I hope Fergus sees this and answers it
I would suggest the latter!
CrossFit's methodology is designed to make athletes highly adaptable to randomisation within the typical components of the sport.
Hybrid training, by original definition is designed to make athletes highly specific to pre-determined opposing end of the spectrum.
Both are great, both are rewarding, both are equally valuable, but both require an approach unique to the demands of the outcomes desired. Make sense? Let me know if any clarity needed.
Thanks for the reply!
I think I agree with you! I do think we have more modalities than just strength and endurance, they’re just the ones you’ve picked and likely most common. I don’t think you’re arguing against that anyway but just another thing to think about.
Great post and discussion - a hot topic
Capoeira + alpine climbing.
Sans le savoir je pratique l'entraînement hybride depuis 1994! Powerlifting et running.
Good man! What’s been your favourite event over the years?
@ferguscrawley95 , my favorite event was "Le grand raid des Pyrénées " in 2013:.160km/10000mD+
Please Fergus, don't get caught down the definitional rabbit hole. It's so unproductive! Just do what you do and have fun.
Absolutely this. I'm unsure why we're still trying to define it or why people get pissy over it. As long as someone is moving their body, improving physically and/or mentally, and having a good time in the process, who cares what it's called?
I agree entirely here - and made this clear. My reason for definition is to try and address those that a) get pissy over it or b) believe they’re doing anything more than simply improving physically or mentally, because it isn’t anything more than that at it’s core.
If other people are trying to incorrectly define it, it is not unproductive for me to reinforce the correct origins, to try and make others aware of the value that can be found, rather than getting sucked into feeling the need to be competitive with others rather than just with yourself.
Good! We'll hold you to it ;)
I think instead of timestamps we should have tache stamps. Far easier to track the chronological order 😂
This would be like Inception 😂 (I’m going to adjust my moustache style tomorrow as well)
If you pull up with a handlebar/kurt Russell in tombstone effort I will sign up tomorrow 😁
Spitting facts😂
🏃🤸🏋
🤝
Is it the training or the event that makes one hybrid?
If I run a marathon, but train in a hybrid way, am I no longer a hybrid athlete?
I would wager a lot of hyrox athletes break their training into individual disciplines.
It's entirely up to you and what you determine 'in a hybrid way", but I am just keen to highlight that the origin and reason the concept was created was to create a methodology that most effectively balances opposing ends of the spectrum!
As I have said, the only people I dispute, are those trying to narrow the 'testing/qualification' of a hybrid athlete to a competitive fitness-racing environment, as it is much more broad than this, and is reductive of the range/freedom that the original concept was designed to create.
At risk ofd repeating myself with other comments, so feel free to check out some of the longer responses below!
So when I did CrossFit and running I was hybrid? And when I was running and lifting I was hybrid, but as soon as I sign up for a HYROX I’m not? 😂 I mean I swim too so that’s not the case but that seems silly. I don’t think you can gatekeep it.
Hi Beth! That's not what I said/intended to come across? I disputed those claiming that Hyrox is inherently hybrid and (with ego) saying that is the only way it can be measured. I also said I don't think it can be gate kept (the only person that can is Alex), and that I'm directly addressing those that are trying to gatekeep it whilst being ignorant to the original definition/terms - do you not think those should be taken into account?
Given that the whole reason the concept was created is to be inclusive and give people confidence and freedom to try new disciplines without fear of abandoning others - my current frustration is the fact that a lot of fitness-racing communities are trying to claim ownership of the term, which prevents that inclusivity, range, and freedom.
My favourite thing about the term is it allows people to place themselves into numerous 'boxes' which all have different experiences, lessons, value, people, and insights - HOWEVER, I think there is a narrative that is trying to make 'hybrid'/Hyrox a box in and of itself, which just creates friction between communities/categories that go against the whole reason the concept was created! Like you said with your CF experience (in comment below) a binary view on what you should be doing, that is what I believe we should try and avoid - because self-driven, diverse, and novel 'fun' is where I see the value.
I'll be very disappointed if the age-old triathlon v runner, or powerlifter v bodybuilder, or CF v athletics etc becomes hybrid athlete v everyone else here.
The value I have personally found through being able to hang with triathletes, powerlifters, bodybuilders, strongmen, track athletes etc has been life changing - granted, like you, training is a huge part of my life.
I'm biased, of course, because I have experienced the varied lessons/experiences to explore from either end of the spectrum, but I challenge the ego and ownership that SOME people are trying to allocate to fitness-racing. Ideal situation in my mind, fitness-racing becomes a gateway drug to people exploring new skills, experiences, people, and communities through the opposing ends of the spectrum. I think we agree a lot more than we disagree? What do you think?
Hybrid training: when you get bored quickly training one discipline so train multiple at the same time.
Fun > everything else.
Amen mate! Do what you love!
I would say hybrid is a very loose term used in the masses. My definition and example of how I use the term. I’m by no means an athlete or compete is any sport, I enjoy lifting weights for my physique, health and mental health. I also enjoy going on my bike for the same reasons. Two complete opposites but yet no actual sport related goals. So maybe I’m just hybrid health
Awesome, sounds very open-minded and non-exclusive which is the best possible evolution of the term IMO!
@ another loose word thrown around which has crossed paths or maybe lost its own meaning. Functional… can you be a functional athlete and hybrid athlete. Or again is it just people trying to claim ownership of something with a new buzz word
@ haha I’ve always found functional puzzling, because function is defined by outcome.
For a BJJ athlete, a hammer curl is hugely functional.
For a bobsled athlete, less, if at all.
I don’t think every exercise and combination of them is inherently functional, depending on the specific outcome desired 🤷♂️
Again, my favourite word: specificity - the 👑
What matters is an individual feeling empowered to go after the goals that are important to them, and even better if they find alignment/community along the way - if that happens to be through a buzzword then that’s great! If small camps then try closing the door to that buzzword (without even being aware of it’s origins) - that’s where I would say less great 😂
I think hyrox / HIIT style training is excellent to implement into your workout splits (unless you’re a Body builder lol) , helps with that muscular endurance that you need when doing larger amounts of reps, and gets your HR going more than a regular paced workout
@@olivernolan892 agreed (and can have a place for bodybuilders too if programmed sensibly)!
Having prioritized strength the past few months, I’m personally skeptical that your average untrained Joe can hit impressive strength numbers (3/4/5 plates on bench/squat/dead, for example) while also doing 1-2+ hours of cardio per week…
I imagine that most very strong hybrid influencers did not build their strength and physique through hybrid training…
Could be wrong though!
Those (advanced) numbers don't happen quickly though? It took me 7 years of training to bench 3 plates - patience + consistency are a core component of strength development. 1-2 hours or cardio will have zero impact on any strength or hypertrophy development, unless it is all very intense track focused work which is systemically demanding.
The challenge is balancing the pursuit of top end strength with top end endurance (relative to the individual) and accepting that those things will move slower if doing both concurrently.
Forgive me if I have misunderstood, but are you suggesting that you don't believe strength can bee build alongside endurance capacity?
@ thanks for your response - I’m not saying it’s impossible to pursue both…
I’m suggesting (guessing) that many/most people who are very strong and very fit (you, Nick, etc.) got very strong/big first (or at least heavily prioritized strength first) and then gradually got more fit while maintaining/holding onto as much strength and size as possible. Again, it’s just a guess…
This is why the best crossfitters come from powerlifting, for example … (they’re the best at CrossFit because they were the strongest when they started doing CrossFit)
I’m 41 and basically following a starting strength type program, adding 5 pounds to squat/bench/press/deadlift over three workouts a week. Not crazy volume but hard, hard work…
I personally find that I CANNOT make progress on this program- at my age of course- if I don’t take my off days very easy…
And I know you’re saying that I could make slower strength progress while adding in more cardio - and that might be true… but I’m arguing it might just be worth spending 6 months doing only strength and then maintaining it while shifting to more cardio once you hit your main strength goals …
Big fan and long-time subscriber - thanks for all your content!
What would you class the likes of Jake Dearden, Graham Halliday etc as then? You’ve always seemed a bit salty towards hyrox from the off.
It's not up to me at all, as I said? I gave context on the (indisputable) origins of the term itself, and said I will only disagree with someone when they aren't aware of this whilst believing that fitness-racing is the only thing that fits within the category.
Jake is an absolute savage and one of the most well-rounded athletes on the planet, and portrays a really good message of approaching different disciplines with respect and humility, and I would wager acknowledges that Hyrox lacks demand at far ends of either spectrum, which I know that he has gone after in the past as well - in my mind Jake is legend and can call himself whatever he wants to. If he was telling everyone that Hyrox is the only way to 'get involved' with the Hybrid Athlete buzzwordery (and therefore, community/alignment people are looking for in the modern world) then I would disagree with that, as I said here.
Don't know of Graham so couldn't comment I'm afraid, but if he's anything like Jake then I'm sure I would say the same.
Salty from the off? Because I haven't done one, and always said it's just not exciting to me personally? Whilst always acknowledging how amazing the events are and how great it is at reducing the barrier to entry? Please explain how I've otherwise come across as salty.
Lets open a can of worms by saying "Hybrid training is a new way of telling people that you're a Crossfiter, without telling people you do Crossfit "
This isn’t directed at Fergus, you seem like a humble chill dude. But I don’t like the vibes from the so called ‘hybrid athletes’. It feels a bit elitist, and egotistical, it’s about how jacked can I look while running fast shirtless in a tiny pair of shorts. It’s like… what’s the point? If you’re competing in Hyrox (which also seems a lot about vanity), atleast you are using your training to compete in something that actually requires a ‘hybrid’ body. I love the concept of hybrid training, but detest the influencers that are the ones pushing it on social media (excluding yourself).
Have you watched his other videos? I really don't think the vanity label can be thrown at Fergus/his attitude to Hybrid training at all. I also don't think anyone could say that he didn't require a "hybrid body" for the same day challenges that he has taken part in.
@ mate I was literally writing that Fergus is the exception to this. I’m talking more about influencers like Nick Bare
Isn't hybrid training just what the military has been doing for years?
I accept that it's a wildly male dominated "discipline" but the 'pull your 5k time' test realllllly doesn't work for female athletes 🙈 it would be a long ass road for women to consider themselves a hybrid athlete by that measure because of the deadlift 😅
This was the context of the discussion amidst 3 males, I agree that it wouldn't work, and also said that I am categorically not intelligent enough to come up with a relative co-efficient/ratio to be able to go beyond that 😂 and again, as I said, that was just a fun example of a way of categorising a male as advanced, but that's all it is: fun.
@ferguscrawley95 no criticism intended! Just goes to show how hard it is to come up with such a metric!
@ferguscrawley95 can't help but give a little chuckle that you've assumed I'm a bloke though 😉 love your content: it would be amazing to see/hear more about female hybrid athletes if you get the opportunity on the pods etc (apologies in advance if you have had some female guests, I'm still making my way through the episodes, as I only recently discovered your content) 😊
@@dani_GSC haha I’m so sorry! I’m trying to get back to as many comments as possible so clearly rushed this one 😂 (no offence intended, and I’m going to edit my original comment to remove humiliation 😂)
This is the fun, is that metrics are near impossible to qualify, but this doesn’t mean that x fitness race therefore becomes the qualification as some people are trying to claim - which is what I’m challenging here mainly as I take huge pride and value from the fact that creativity/curiosity underpins this pursuit!
@@ferguscrawley95 haha, no apology necessary! Hybrid UA-cam is very much a boy's area so usually a safe assumption... and the name Dani adds to the confusion!
Totally agree, whilst I think Hyrox might be fun to have a go at and obviously can be extremely challenging to do well in its own right, it's always seemed very much endurance-based to me, and as you say in the vid - a sport in itself to be trained for, rather than a test of necessarily different skills.
Keep up the good work man! Your videos are very inspirational to keep getting out there for my adult PE sessions 😌
Personally I think hybrid athlete is slightly cringe. I’ve been a multi sport athlete since childhood and I don’t even consider myself an athlete because I don’t compete professionally. I’m just a dude who likes running, lifting, swimming, climbing, biking and moving my body in a variety of ways.
This is great, and I agree the term has evolved into something a bit more vague and cringe than previously - but is still a GREAT way for people to find the confidence and believe that they can do more than one thing well concurrently. The crux of the discussion here is on fighting against those that believe that a competitive environment is a requirement for 'hybrid training' to be measured, when that isn't the case.
I would dispute the 'athlete' element though, anyone who trains with intent is an athlete in my mind - and you sound like a really well rounded one!
So cross training is not equal to hybrid athlete but they are the same thing 😂
Nope! Cross-training has conventionally been intentionally utilising other disciplines for the purpose of supporting your primary sport, not working against it in the pursuit of progress in another one.
@ the nuance is in the details. I guess for a casual like me lifting and running supports each other because my core strength is being increased by both sports even though most people consider those two things adverse, or even in opposition to one another.
Hybrid training is if you do more than 1 sport. Nothing else special.
No one said it was special?
It’s like Hyrox except for men