Meet Hyrox, the buzziest global fitness racing series taking the world by storm, joining the ranks of established endurance sports like running, triathlon, and CrossFit. Since its rise as a worldwide phenomenon, the hybrid race has sparked countless conversations: It has been dubbed “adult P.E.,” likened to a real-life simulation of The Hunger Games, and even credited with fueling the rise of “race-cations,” where athletes travel the world to compete.

But what is Hyrox, really?

In an expansive indoor arena, the race follows a consistent format across the world allowing global leaderboards and welcoming professional athletes and enthusiasts alike. 

You can choose to test yourself in the Hyrox Singles, share the challenge with a partner through Hyrox Doubles, or take on the race as a team of four in the Hyrox Relay. The competition follows a signature format: eight one-kilometer runs alternating with eight functional workout stations—SkiErg, Sled Push, Sled Pull, Burpee Broad Jumps, Row, Farmers Carry, Sandbag Lunges, and Wall Balls.

Currently, the global racing series is spread across arenas in Asia, North America, Europe and Australia, but even if there is no Manila leg yet, many Filipinos—especially celebrities—have been bitten by the Hyrox bug, travelling across the world for their race day. 

But while many Filipinos still live vicariously through their favorite celebrities, watching them sweat through burpees and grind through SkiErgs, Hyrox is sending a clear message that more than a shiny new trend, the sport is redefining people’s relationship with fitness and health. 

In this special wellness feature, Allure Philippines spotlights influential celebrities Isabelle Daza, Bubbles Paraiso, Solenn Heussaff, Nico Bolzico, David Licauco, Vince Maristela, Kim Molina-Napoles, and Jerald Napoles, who each share, in their own words, their personal stories with Hyrox and how it became a way for them to strengthen their relationship with wellness, find a new community, and explore what their minds and bodies are capable of—something they hope many Filipinos will also experience.

Read on as they share their journeys of wellness and self-discovery through Hyrox.

Isabelle Daza

Isabelle Daza has always been honest about her fitness and wellness journey. In a previous exclusive interview with Allure Philippines, she mentioned that Hyrox is a priority for her in 2025. After powering through the Hyrox Hongkong Doubles race with her husband Adrien Semblat and taking on the Seoul leg with Solenn Heussaff, the actress, host, and model reflects on valuable lessons learned.

What drew you to Hyrox, and what made you want to take on the challenge?

Hyrox was created for gym rats who wanted to compete but had no outlet, basically! It’s a sport for people who go to the gym, lift weights, and do cardio. My husband really encouraged me to try it because his company, Puma, sponsors it. He said I would love it, and he was right!

How has training for Hyrox influenced your overall approach to wellness, both physically and mentally and what has been your biggest takeaway from the experience?

My approach to wellness has evolved over time. I used to think I needed to train long hours and be totally exhausted to get a good workout in, but as I’ve gotten older, I have prioritized recovery and sleep just as much as the workout. My biggest takeaway from Hyrox is that consistency is a big factor, and I celebrate showing up, even if it’s just 20 minutes of working out or just walking and getting my steps in.

For those who are interested in trying Hyrox for the first time, what advice would you give them?

Hyrox is a lot about running, so make sure you are able to run 5 to 8 kilometers. Get a partner or a group to train with, it always makes it more fun when you have someone, or a group of people, to hold you accountable!

Bubbles Paraiso

Bubbles Paraiso has always been active. In a previous feature with Allure Philippines, the model, actress, and triathlete opened up about her autoimmune condition that prompts her to actually stop exercising. But she’s not done yet. After taking a break from triathlon following record-breaking Ironman podium finishes, Paraiso is back in her groove with Hyrox Jakarta, sharing what it means to embrace a new challenge, and not giving up.

What drew you to Hyrox, and what made you want to take on the challenge?

If you told me 6 months ago that I would fall in love with Hyrox, I wouldn’t have believed you. Since I’ve been on hiatus from triathlon because of my autoimmune flare-up, when this year started, I was still very careful about doing anything too strenuous and was sticking to Pilates. But two trips to Bali and training with people there who do Hyrox ignited the fire in me to at least try it. I made a pact with my friend that I’d race a doubles event with her after she did a solo for her birthday race, but when race registration opened up and both races fell on the same day, I made the spontaneous decision right then and there to just sign up for the solo right away as my first race.

I love that Hyrox is so different from triathlon, and I wanted to do something different. My strength and my running legs were back to zero, and building up the strength, stamina, and endurance in 12 weeks was a challenge I was willing to take. I’m just grateful that I was able to get an amazing coach (shoutout to my coach, Culver Padilla) to guide me.

How has training for Hyrox influenced your overall approach to wellness, both physically and mentally and what has been your biggest takeaway from the experience?

As a triathlete, if there’s anything I sort of ignored, it’s strength training. Sure, I did some weights, but my training consisted mostly of swimming, biking, running, yoga, and then strength and conditioning only came years later as an afterthought. Hyrox training has taught me how important strength training is, and it’s also reminded me of the importance of mental toughness and grit, which are much needed when racing with tired legs.

For those who are interested in trying Hyrox for the first time, what advice would you give them?

Get a coach and enroll in a gym that doesn’t just prioritize your workouts but also builds a community. I’ve been so lucky that the Hyrox gym I train at, ‘Awaken,’ has such a strong and supportive community, and they really showed up and showed support (and cheers!) on race day. It tremendously helped me enjoy my race knowing I had people there rallying for me, aside from also trusting the training program that my coach gave me, which we followed to a T.

Solenn Heussaff

What can’t Solenn Heussaff do? The actress, artist, and mother shared in a previous exclusive interview with Allure Philippines how she has been committed to her health journey for years, even until now. From pushing herself out of her comfort zone to pairing up with Isabelle Daza in the Hyrox Women’s Doubles race in Seoul, Heussaff reflects on the purpose and mindset that continue to fuel her journey.

What drew you to Hyrox, and what made you want to take on the challenge?

I love trying new challenges, and Hyrox felt like something that would push me out of my comfort zone. It’s nice because it isn’t just about being fast or strong—it’s about consistency, resilience, and seeing what you’re capable of. Aside from the race itself, I appreciate the community. Everyone is supportive, and there’s this shared mindset of encouraging each other to get better every time. It is also something I can do with Nico. In a lot of sports, it is hard to train together because of our different levels of strength, but with Hyrox, we get to train together and could join as a team. But as a traveller, my favorite part is that Hyrox gives me the opportunity to experience races in different cities. It turns fitness into something that’s also an adventure.

How has training for Hyrox influenced your overall approach to wellness, both physically and mentally and what has been your biggest takeaway from the experience?

Training for Hyrox  has given my workouts more purpose. Usually, I just gym to gym because I know strength is important as we get older. But with Hyrox, I’m training with a specific goal in mind, and that keeps me motivated. Mentally, it has taught me that progress doesn’t happen overnight. Some sessions feel amazing, while others are humbling, but every workout adds up. My biggest takeaway is that you’re often capable of much more than you think. Like everything else, you just have to keep showing up and staying consistent.

How has training for Hyrox influenced your overall approach to wellness, both physically and mentally and what has been your biggest takeaway from the experience?

Don’t wait until you feel “ready.” Almost everyone feels intimidated at first, but that’s part of the experience. You have all walks of life and ages joining Hyrox races. Remember to train at your own pace, enjoy the process, and don’t compare yourself to anyone else. The Hyrox community is incredibly welcoming, and whether you’re aiming to compete or simply finish your first race, crossing that finish line is an amazing feeling. Chances are, you’ll already be thinking about signing up for your next one.

Nico Bolzico

It has been clear to Nico Bolzico since his youth as a soccer player that wellness is a part of life. With an unquenchable thirst for fitness, Bolzico, at 43, is still raising the bar, recently setting a Philippine Sub-1 Hyrox Doubles record in Singapore with his Hyrox partner Gabb Rosario. Today, he shares the lessons he’s learned about finding excitement in redefining his limits and discovering new ways to test his strength.

What drew you to Hyrox, and what made you want to take on the challenge?

I’ve been competing in sports my whole life, and of course, I always want to stay competing, even if it’s against yourself. I think Hyrox gives you that hunger for competition, but at the same time it helps with mobility, strength, and endurance, and there is that mental aspect that makes you get to know yourself.

I believe the Hyrox race is one of those races where you really need to know your body if you want to maximize your performance. And of course, there’s the community. Every time you go to a gym and start training and getting to know people, there’s this commonality of being able to discuss, “Oh, what station do you like better? What station do you like worse? What is your strategy?”

How has training for Hyrox influenced your overall approach to wellness, both physically and mentally and what has been your biggest takeaway from the experience?

I think when it comes to Hyrox, you do kind of everything in a way. I’ve been playing football my whole life, and I got endless injuries in my knees, ankles, and groin. And with Hyrox, it’s something that really makes you stronger in all those aspects because your knees hurt less, and you start building muscles.

And mentally, it’s incredible because it takes you to this place where you want to give up all the time. The moment you start doing Hyrox, you go to these places where the lactic acid spikes, you’re mentally drained, and you cannot continue. But somehow, you find that strength in a place that you didn’t know you had and make yourself go through it. In my case, I always have a target. When I finish a race, I feel that all this workout paid off. It’s probably one of the greatest feelings I can ask for, especially at my age, at 43 years old.

For those who are interested in trying Hyrox for the first time, what advice would you give them?

It’s my first race. I just showed up. Everyone can do it. That’s the beauty of the sport. And at the end of the day, it’s up to you how you want to pace it and how you want to push it. You will be part of a community that is very welcoming and open. There are no high barriers to entry, and people aren’t looking at you weird if you don’t know how to do things. It’s a great way to hang out, meet new people, and bond with others. And of course, it’s also an opportunity to travel. That’s part of the sport that is not that inclusive in the sense that you need to be able to afford traveling. But I believe in 2028, Hyrox will be coming to Manila, and I’m very much looking forward to as many Filipinos as possible trying it.

David Licauco

David Licauco is the man of the hour. The actor, model, and entrepreneur makes time for fitness—and he means business. His latest challenge? Hyrox. In both his Hyrox Jakarta and Taipei races, he didn’t just cross the finish line; he emerged victorious, hailed as the top Filipino competitor across all age groups. Today, he shares what it takes to be passionate enough to train hard, but wise enough to know that slowing down is part of the entire process.

What drew you to Hyrox, and what made you want to take on the challenge?

To be honest, my sister Jean was the one who first introduced me to Hyrox. She told me it was fun and challenging, so I got curious. I never really stopped working out, but I felt like Hyrox was something that would push me more and test my limits. At that time, I was also preparing for a teleserye, so of course, I wanted to look my best. Then after trying it, I just never stopped. Now I’m a full-time Hyrox athlete—just kidding!

How has training for Hyrox influenced your overall approach to wellness, both physically and mentally and what has been your biggest takeaway from the experience?

I’ve always believed that how you do one thing is how you do everything. Hyrox training is hard, but I feel like it also affects how I handle other parts of my life. It taught me to keep pushing, stay disciplined, and not give up easily. But at the same time, you also have to watch your pace. You can’t always go all out because you’ll burn out. I feel like life is the same. You have to know when to push, but also when to slow down, observe, recover, and be grateful.

For those who are interested in trying Hyrox for the first time, what advice would you give them?

You just have to try it. It may look hard, and honestly, it really is! But it also depends on your pace. You don’t have to be the fastest or strongest. Everyone starts somewhere. What’s nice about Hyrox is you always have something to look forward to. You’re challenging yourself, improving every day, and working toward a goal. It’s also a good balance with work because it gives you something outside of your usual routine.

Vince Maristela

Vince Maristela has long been dedicated to fitness, drawn to the challenge of constantly discovering what his body can achieve. After years in bodybuilding, he’s now entering a new era with Hyrox. From his first Hyrox race in Bangkok to teaming up with David Licauco in the Hong Kong race, Maristela shares the lessons he’s learned about making time despite a busy schedule and why love is the perfect metaphor for the commitment it takes to show up.

What drew you to Hyrox, and what made you want to take on the challenge?

I’ve been into fitness since 2018 and always enjoyed pushing my limits. Coming from a bodybuilding background, strength and physique talaga ang focus ko before. But eventually, I wanted something that would challenge me as a complete athlete, and sa totoo lang, the sport really humbled me. That’s what drew me to Hyrox. It’s not just about being strong or fit—it tests your endurance, mental toughness, and how well you perform under pressure. Sabi ko sa sarili ko, “Ito yung challenge na gusto kong subukan.” I wanted to prove to myself that I could do more than just lift weights. 

How has training for Hyrox influenced your overall approach to wellness, both physically and mentally and what has been your biggest takeaway from the experience?

Training for Hyrox completely changed the way I approach fitness. I now pay equal attention to running, mobility, recovery, nutrition, and sleep because I realized they’re all important if you want to perform at your best.

As an actor, medyo challenging din because I have tapings, shoots, and events in between my training. May mga araw na sobrang hectic ng schedule, but Hyrox taught me to be disciplined and flexible. Mentally, Hyrox has made me more resilient. Kapag pagod ka na pero may natitira pang time, wala kang choice kundi lumaban at magpatuloy. That mindset has helped me not only in training but also in my career and everyday life. My biggest takeaway is that consistency will always beat perfection. Kahit maliit na progress every day, it all adds up over time.

For those who are interested in trying Hyrox for the first time, what advice would you give them?

Just start. Huwag mong hintayin na maging “ready” ka because you never really know until you put yourself out there. Ang nangyari sakin, I booked my first Hyrox race just a month before the event, and honestly, I wasn’t even sure if I was ready. But sometimes, you just have to commit and trust the work you’ll put in along the way.

Feeling ko dun rin ako nag-eenjoy eh, pag na-pe-pressure ako mag-training, kapag kulang pa yung weekly run ko, etc. I balance training with tapings and shoots, but if something matters to you, you’ll make time for it. Parang love, trust the process, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. Syempre, except “challenge yourself” kasi kapag love dapat easy lang.

Kim Molina-Napoles and Jerald Napoles

There’s a palpable chemistry between husband and wife Kim Molina-Napoles and Jerald Napoles—not just on screen, but also in the way they talk about wellness. In fact, Hyrox was a chapter in the couple’s love story, with their race day serving as part of their pre-nuptial activities. From celebrating their union to embracing the challenge together, the couple proves that strength is found not only in pushing forward, but in having someone beside you along the way.

What drew you to Hyrox, and what made you want to take on the challenge?

KIM: For the first time, I just did it for our prenup. But the first time that I did Hyrox, I got into it already, and apparently, it’s something that I want to do also in the long run. Right now, this year, I’m 35. And I just want to prove to myself that I could still move the way that I used to move when I was in high school. Because during my high school days, I was a cheerleader. So I haven’t been that active since. So, I wanted to know if I could still move the way that I used to before.

JERALD: I got into Hyrox because it’s a fitness check for me. At the age of 43 years old, I’m in that era wherein we want to prove something to ourselves that we can still do something active. But, you know, sometimes the recovery takes longer. And also, one of the reasons that I kind of got into Hyrox was I’ve been very curious ever since with CrossFit. And then when I saw Hyrox, I thought, this is like an easier CrossFit for me. But I know it’s a different thing.

How has training for Hyrox influenced your overall approach to wellness, both physically and mentally and what has been your biggest takeaway from the experience?

JERALD: Because it’s a fitness race, it actually requires training. Everyone knows the saying that ‘you cannot cheat fitness’.  So, you really have to train if you want to do Hyrox. And also, by training for Hyrox, I learned more about myself. And I learned more about the science of training, especially recovery. Sometimes, recovery is more important than training. 

KIM: It’s also because of the community. It influenced me in a big way. Because it’s actually the first time that me and Jerald enrolled in a gym wherein there is this kind of community, compared to before when we used to do just bodybuilding. But in Hyrox, it’s more of a group kind of training, especially in Metcon PH, where we train. And at the same time, I got to meet all of my “Ates.” I actually posted a video of a tribute to all of them during Mother’s Day because they’re all mothers. And I was just so inspired by how dedicated they are when it comes to fitness. Since I just started training for Hyrox, I really wanted to continue training physically because I want to be like them.  I want to be present all the time for my family. 

For those who are interested in trying Hyrox for the first time, what advice would you give them?

KIM: Just do it. You should also keep in mind that, especially for the people who are the same age as I am or the same age as Jerald, you have to also look into the physical aspect of it and the health aspect of it. And when you do something like this, it’s not just because of the hype. You have to put your mind to it that you’re doing this not just for social media. It’s really good for you to see that you’re doing this for yourself and you’re doing this for your future self.

JERALD:  Basically, Hyrox is a race, you know, but you don’t have to race. But for me, it was made to be a race. Because of that, my first advice is you should run more because Hyrox is a running sport. And then when you get addicted to running like me, or you become passionate about it, then it’s going to be easier for you to love Hyrox. And then second is that I kind of just want to support the idea when Kim said that just do it. You know why I believe that idea is because everyone who decided to do Hyrox, they started training because they need to. But the moment you start training, you are actually gearing yourself toward a goal. And the moment you reach that goal, it’s very rewarding.

Wellness is a journey


These influential celebrities have taught us the valuable lesson that wellness is indeed a personal journey and a shared experience that welcomes everyone.

Take it from the stars: their wellness journeys were not built on flashy photos, expensive athletic wear and gear, or luxurious gym memberships. They all began with the courage to take the first step and stay consistent, even taking a pause if need be. Because progress is not just found in record-breaking bests; it lies in the sweet reward of discovering how far you’ve come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hyrox is a global fitness racing series that combines eight one-kilometer runs with eight functional workout stations — SkiErg, sled push, sled pull, burpee broad jumps, row, farmers carry, sandbag lunges, and wall balls. Racers can compete solo, in doubles, or as a four-person relay team.

Isabelle Daza, Bubbles Paraiso, Solenn Heussaff, Nico Bolzico, David Licauco, Vince Maristela, Kim Molina-Napoles, and Jerald Napoles have all raced Hyrox internationally — in cities like Hong Kong, Seoul, Jakarta, Taipei, Bangkok, and Singapore — since Manila doesn’t yet have its own leg of the race.

Not yet. The global series currently races across arenas in Asia, North America, Europe, and Australia. Nico Bolzico, however, expects Hyrox could arrive in Manila by 2028, which would let more Filipinos experience the race at home for the first time.

Several athletes recommend building running endurance first, since Hyrox includes eight one-kilometer runs, and finding a partner, coach, or supportive gym community. Isabelle Daza and Bubbles Paraiso both stress that consistency and accountability matter more than raw speed or strength when you’re just starting out.

No. Celebrities including Nico Bolzico and David Licauco note that Hyrox welcomes every fitness level and pace, with no steep barrier to entry. Across interviews, the shared advice is the same: start training, show up consistently, and adjust intensity to what your own body can handle.

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