Trenton ·November 18, 2025 · 8 min read
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Rowerg-Rich Ryan-Elite15 [/caption]
My name is Rich Ryan — I’m a 3x HYROX Elite 15 qualifier and hoping for a 4th this season.
I’ve run sub-55 for solo Pro HYROX and sub-49 in Pro Doubles.
I train a lot, and I think about training and HYROX a lot.
Training and racing make up a major part of my full-time profession.
So when it comes to the products I use, I take the time to research seriously.
I’ve tried a lot of stuff this year, so I hope this can help you with your performance next year.
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TheFeed. [/caption]
TheFeed.com is an online marketplace for sports nutrition — specifically for endurance athletes. It has everything you could want for performance supplements. This past season, I partnered with The Feed, which meant I got to try a lot of stuff. Imagine getting free stuff from Amazon? That’s basically what this was.
Everything on the site is NSF Certified for Sport, which means it’s safe for competition. I always research anything I take because ya boy can’t be failing any drug tests.
Here are my top products from this year:
Lactate is a fuel your body uses when oxygen is low. We all produce it during training at different levels. But when lactate builds up faster than your body can clear it, you hit fatigue. Some believe that’s the primary driver of fatigue — myself included.
Nomino claims to reduce the amount of lactate your body produces, delaying fatigue and helping you stay under your threshold longer.
They’ve got some compelling science on their site, and anecdotally, I think it works. And if it doesn’t, then I’ve just been coincidentally smashing workouts after taking it.
It’s affordable and not gross — always a win.
Check it out at TheFeed.com (no discount, not an affiliate link).
I’ve always taken a multivitamin and iron separately, but this product combines both — which I really appreciate. Getting enough micronutrients is tough for endurance athletes.
This isn’t a complete multivitamin, so I also use a greens or multi product (usually BPN for both). Still, this gets you most of the way there in one serving.
If you’re training with a lot of aerobic volume and not taking iron, you’re probably leaving results on the table.
Check it out at BPN (no discount, not an affiliate link).
Carbs are king. They just are. I bow to them. They’re a gracious king — one for the people. We’re lucky to have them.
Carbs are your primary fuel source for HYROX, especially with the high-output work on stations.
Using carbs during training and racing is a no-brainer, and training your gut to handle them is clutch. The right product makes all the difference.
For Z2 sessions and pre-training, I use BPN Go Gels (mango is the move). They taste great and digest easily.
But during HYROX efforts, when breathing gets wild, thicker gels can be a struggle. Enter the Enervit Liquid Gel — it’s the easiest thing to consume mid-effort. Think sugary juice pouch: twist, squeeze, inhale, done.
You get 30g of carbs in seconds, no choking hazards included.
Check it out at TheFeed.com (no discount, not an affiliate link).
I’ve taken a lot of sleep supplements, and most are fine. Routine and mental wind-down matter more, but supplements can take sleep from good to great — so I still use them.
Dream Shot by Formulas is new for me this year and it’s loaded with all the right stuff: magnesium glycinate, L-theanine, tart cherry — plus some unique ingredients I hadn’t seen before, like a plant-based peptide to aid sleep.
It’s a small liquid shot, so no late-night bathroom trips, and it tastes great. I actually look forward to it.
It’s pricey, so I save it for 1–2 nights a week when I want that extra boost or during heavy training blocks.
Check it out at TheFeed.com (no discount, not an affiliate link).
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Mizuno [/caption]
I love performance footwear. I like casual footwear. I like socks. If it goes on my feet — I like it.
Back when I worked for a running shoe company, I had to stay current on new models and reviews, and that habit stuck.
Here’s the truth: big brands like Nike, Adidas, and Puma aren’t designing for HYROX. Their shoes are made for runners, not hybrids.
So, no — there are no “HYROX shoes.” Even the ones marketed that way are just marathon shoes.
Right now, the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3 Lo is the best option for HYROX.
The standard Pro 3 is wild — most people hate it. But the Low version? Way more approachable, easier to handle turns, still has great pop, and elite traction. The grip alone separates it from every other super shoe.
These things will probably hit discount racks soon, and when they do, I’ll be reselling mine secondhand — and it won’t be cheap.
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HyGlove [/caption]
If you don’t wear gloves, you’re either a beast or you don’t fully care about your finishing time.
HYROX changed the carpet surface and cracked down on chalk usage (no bringing your own), so gloves are basically insurance. There’s always a chance they’ll run out of chalk during your wave — and if that happens mid-pull, you’re toast.
I use a cheap pair from Amazon for training but really like HyGlove, which has a breathable mesh back and solid grip.
They’re simple and effective.
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LSKD Shorts [/caption]
I’ve been on a mission for solid HYROX shorts. I need pockets for gels and gloves, but I’m not rocking a hydration belt. A man has limits.
The LSKD Lift 6-inch shorts are my current go-to.
I wish they were slightly shorter, but the two side zip pockets keep my gloves secure, and the fabric is light yet durable.
They’ve also got a 5-inch hybrid short I’m excited to try next.
Code rich15 for 15% off
My home gym setup took big strides this year. I added a bunch of new gear — some hits, some misses — but everything has a purpose.
Cycling is a great HYROX tool, especially stationary cycling. I’m not skilled (or brave) enough for outdoor riding, but the low-impact aerobic work is gold.
I first tried using a road bike and trainer setup, but it was inconsistent, inaccurate, and annoying. I’d pop tires way too often.
So I bought the C2 BikeErg, and it’s quickly become my most-used piece of gym equipment. Reliable, low-maintenance, and great for zone work.
Highly recommend.
Didn’t think I’d be a guy with multiple barbells, but here we are.
The safety bar just feels good. It puts you in better positions, gives more mobility in the torso, and still lets you load heavy. Not essential, but if you’re a home-gym junkie, it’s worth a look.
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Amazfit [/caption]
Think Whoop — but without the subscription. That alone sold me.
After a year of use, it’s held up against any fitness tracker I’ve tried (and I’ve tried them all).
The Helio Strap delivers accurate data, integrates perfectly with my Amazfit Balance 2 watch, and even works as a reliable HR monitor during training (get the arm band for better accuracy).
At only $99, it’s a no-brainer — and you can get 15% off with this link (applied at checkout).
Double no-brainer.
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Output [/caption]
Velocity-based training measures how fast you move weight. Research shows you can build similar strength by lifting fast instead of heavy — but it’s tough to gauge by feel alone.
The Output Sensor gives you real-time feedback on bar speed, helping you target specific speed zones without guesswork. The app basically teaches you how to use VBT — which is awesome.
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Ice Barrel [/caption]
I’ve been into contrast therapy for a while, but it used to be tough to access. Ice Barrel changed that.
They sent me the Ice Barrel 500 with Chiller, and I’ve been using it nonstop. It’s now part of my morning routine — 2–3 minutes most mornings — and I feel a clear boost in energy and mood.
I don’t plunge right after training, since cold exposure can blunt adaptations, but it’s perfect for recovery windows or morning wake-ups.
It’s pricey, but if you’re serious about recovery, it’s worth it. You can also add a chiller later.
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Sauna Box [/caption]
When I got the Ice Barrel, I wanted the full contrast setup. A traditional cedar sauna was out — too expensive, too bulky, too much power draw.
The Sauna Box is a one-person steam sauna that fits in the corner of my garage. Basically a nylon tent with a steam plate, and it gets hot.
Not as hot as a dry sauna, but the humid heat hits harder since you can’t evaporate sweat as easily. It’s uncomfortable in the best way.
The ambient temperature affects how it feels — colder weather makes it less intense — but it’s affordable and effective. Perfect for home use.
Who doesn't love rankings?!?! I didn’t mean for these to be 12 like 12 days of x-mas - but funny how life works out sometimes.
So make sure to share this with your training buddies who like to gift themselves new toys — or with loved ones who are bold enough to give weird but useful gifts that actually make you better at fitness.
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