Level up

TheLab Athletic Club, a HYROX-accredited facility, is elevating fitness right here in Tauranga.

PHOTOS ALAN GIBSON

Chas Clark.

When pro athlete Chas Clark decided to open a fitness centre, he knew it had to be something special. Something different.

TheLab Athletic Club is the fulfilment of that vision. In the heart of Tauranga, it’s a new kind of fitness and wellness facility that puts as much emphasis on training and recovery as it does on its community.

“At our facility, we aim to transform the training experience with an inspiring space designed to elevate your fitness journey," explains Chas. "Our progressive approach not only challenges but nurtures, creating an environment where you're encouraged to not only discover but to surpass your potential in all areas of health and wellness." The gym offers group classes, personal training, Vo2 max testing, hyperbaric chambers, saunas, physio and a café (Solara) onsite.

The premium facility offers purpose-driven, science-backed functional fitness classes that supports individuals in everyday activities through to triathlons, running, cycling, functional fitness and hybrid racing events. It’s also the leading HYROX-accredited facility in the Bay, with multiple coaches and members representing New Zealand in the breakthrough sport at the recent World Championships in Chicago back in June this year.

But, he says, it’s seeing the potential in each individual, as well as connection, that's at the heart of the experience.

“Community to me means eliminating the barriers that we set ourselves, or those that are placed upon us," says Chas. "Connecting through learned experiences, with a passion to embrace growth in ourselves and others, is vital."

With 660m2 of space, multiple class offerings and the popular café, Solara, offering sensational coffee, nutritious smoothies, bowls and other rotating selections, the facility has become a hub of wellness and social connection.

“It’s a nice space to do a workout and get a really good coffee or a protein shake, afterwards,” he smiles.

Having only opened their doors eight months ago, Chas says he’s stoked with the community response, seeing plenty of new faces coming in the doors each week from near and far, and with the warmer months approaching, it’s only going to keep growing.

“Coming into summer, we’re seeing a lot more buzz around for sure. With the longer, warmer days we always see an increase within the fitness space, with participation and people actively seeking events to train for and attend. Our Sunday Service session has been a hit, especially for those seeking to know more in the HYROX space."

It may sound a lot, but the team has worked hard to ensure TheLab is as welcoming to beginners and competitive athletes. “We have tried and tested for years to ensure a well-balanced programme that gets the most out of you as an individual, in terms of feeling strong, confident, fit and just being an absolute weapon when you need to be.”

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HYROX hits the Bay

HYROX is the new fitness trend taking the world by storm. But what is it and why has it become so popular, so fast? UNO investigates.

PHOTO ALAN GIBSON

By now, you’ve probably heard of HYROX, the hot new fitness craze that’s taken over the fitness world, and most likely your social feeds, at a cracking pace. But what is it? And why are so many people getting into it?

“HYROX is a new fitness race, I guess you’d call it,” Francis Bondad, the gym affiliation manager for HYROX New Zealand, explains. “The format is standardised globally, so each race is consistent worldwide. That allows athletes to compare their times and ranking across global events.”

This, we suspect, is one of the keys to its lightning-quick success. With its ease of accessibility and competitive slant that can be as casual or hardcore as you like, it tickles that part of the brain that other fitness disciplines can’t. In some ways, it’s similar to the far more serene sport of golf in that most participants’ biggest rival will be their last high score.

HYROX started in Germany only eight short years ago. Like all sports, there are various categories to compete in, but the format is the same for each: run 1km to a functional workout station, complete the task, then repeat the process another seven times. Each workout station is different and could include things like burpee board jumps, sandbag lunges or kettlebells.

It’s simple enough not to be intimidating to newbies wanting to have a crack, but formidable enough to challenge even elite athletes.

“That’s the reason it stands out,” Francis smiles. “Anyone can compete. There’s that inclusivity where athletes of all levels can compete at their own pace, at their own race. If you’re a first timer who wants to give HYROX a go, you can do it. The second time, you might want to beat your time. Seasoned or elite athletes can compete in the global rankings.”

“The easiest way to explain HYROX is if CrossFit and triathlon had a baby,” Chas Clark grins.

Chas is a pro athlete who has competed in 10 HYROX events around the globe and represented Aotearoa at the World Championships in June. He’s also behind TheLab Athletic Club, a hybrid training facility in Tauranga that offers dedicated HYROX classes for those keen to get involved.

“It’s a phenomenon,” he enthuses. “It’s just so accessible, and they’ve really built a culture around it. Anyone can do the race; you don’t need a million things in terms of equipment, and you don’t have to do any sort of crazy diet to perform. You can just go and have fun.”

Another unique thing about HYROX is that its events are held indoors. Chas makes these sound more like a party than a serious and strenuous athletic event, with DJs and live music and a boisterous crowd spectating in the stands.

“It’s kind of like a rave. There are smoke machines, loud music and everyone’s come to watch. In Sydney, for example, 21,000 people are competing, and 30,000 people are inside the stadium watching and cheering,” he laughs.

“It’s absolutely wild. The vibe is amazing,” Francis adds. “Once you’ve done one, you’re pretty much hooked because it’s fun.”

He has simple advice for anyone who may want to give it a go. “Start running,” he says. “It’s 50 percent of HYROX with the eight 1km runs. Get used to jogging first, then progress to running. But if you don’t have that level of fitness, then you can reach out to our HYROX-affiliated gyms. All the coaches are HYROX certified and can help you build your fitness and then on to your first race.”

For Chas, the fact that it gives you a goal to aim for, the big race days, gives it the edge over other fitness regimes or just hitting the gym.

“It’s an accessible fitness race for everyone, from the everyday person to the elite,” he says. “There’s something to work towards with a start, a finish and an end goal. If you want to train and achieve a goal within yourself, you can. But there’s also the opportunity to take it more seriously and really chase that elite level and treat it like an actual sport. It’s really accommodating to both professional athletes and everyday fitness.”

“But the most important thing is that those who are interested just get out there and give it a go,” says Chas. “The sense of accomplishment you feel when you finish an event is worth it for that alone.”