The Impact: How HYROX Training Can Benefit Student Performance in School and Sport

We are excited to introduce our new micro-blog series on student activities and extracurricular activities (ECA). We will feature short blogs about our diverse offerings for student involvement, and first up is our HYROX Academy ECA. Take a look at this exciting program that promotes student fitness and personal growth.

Student during morning hours at Chicago South Loop

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This year, BISC South Loop students have been taking on a new challenge through our Extra-Curricular Activities (ECA) program: HYROX Academy. Following the HYROX Youngstars training program, students take part in age-appropriate functional fitness activities that combine movement, teamwork and personal challenge.
Through fitness stations, team challenges, and individual goals, students have opportunities to develop physical literacy, confidence, and resilience while encouraging one another and celebrating progress.

Building the FUNdamentals

A key focus of HYROX Academy is developing the fundamentals of movement. Following the Youngstars program, students practice running, squatting, hinging, pushing, pulling and carrying, with an emphasis on technique and control before increasing intensity or load. The aim is to build movement skills and enjoyment of exercise, not simply to complete workouts as quickly as possible.

This approach aligns with the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee’s American Development Model (ADM), which emphasizes developmentally appropriate experiences, fundamental movement skills and a broad foundation for long-term participation in sport.

Supporting Performance Across Sport

HYROX Academy can complement the other sports our students enjoy. Activities developing endurance, pacing, acceleration and foundational strength, alongside appropriately designed agility and coordination challenges, can build transferable qualities useful in soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis and athletics.

The goal is not to train solely for HYROX, but to help students become more capable, confident movers who can apply these foundations across different sports and physical activities.

Developing CHAMPION Values

Physical development is only one part of the experience. The HYROX Youngstars program incorporates CHAMPION values: Courage, Humility, Attitude, Mindfulness, Persistence, Inclusion, Ownership and Network.

These values encourage students to embrace challenges, give their best effort, include others, and take responsibility for their progress. In HYROX Academy, success may mean improving technique, persevering through a challenge, achieving a personal goal or encouraging a teammate.

Fitness That Can Benefit Learning

The potential benefits of physical activity extend beyond sport. The World Health Organization identifies positive cognitive outcomes, including executive function and academic performance, among the benefits associated with physical activity in children and adolescents.

Alongside these wider benefits, HYROX Academy gives students opportunities to practice concentration, perseverance and goal-setting through physical challenges that can also be valuable in school.

Bringing HYROX Academy to BISC

HYROX Academy is led by Mr. Pilkington, a PE teacher and qualified HYROX Group Training Coach, alongside Mr. Lota. Together, they have designed and adapted activities to ensure a safe, inclusive, and engaging experience for all students, regardless of their fitness levels or abilities.

Ultimately, HYROX Academy is about much more than preparing for a race. By following the HYROX Youngstars program, we aim to help students build strong movement foundations, develop confidence, support one another and enjoy being physically active—both now and in the future.