Anushka Nandani left a corporate career to build one of India’s most popular fitness communities alongside Karan Sawhney and Robin Behl. Kriti Sanon walked in to lose 15 kilos post-Mimi (2021) and walked out a co-founder. Five years on, The Tribe India has become a space where the goal is simple: get as many people as strong as possible. When she’s not doing that, she competes on the global <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://thenodmag.com/search/hyrox?page=1&amp;sort=desc">Hyrox</a> circuit in her spare time, because apparently that’s just how she operates. So, when she says her evenings are non-negotiable, you believe her. Here’s how she actually ends her day.<h3>What do your evenings usually look like once you’re home?</h3>I’m usually back between 6 and 7 pm on most days. I genuinely look forward to my evenings—I’ve built a few rituals around them that I won’t compromise on. It starts with a long shower, then dinner, while I unwind with a true-crime documentary or series on Netflix. After that, a warm cup of tea, my skincare routine, some time cuddling my dog, and I’m aiming to be in bed by around 10:30.<h3>Walk us through the PM skincare shelf.</h3>There was a time when my routine had far too many steps and products. I’ve simplified it a lot over the years—a few hero products that are effective and easy to stay consistent with. I start with the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.tirabeauty.com/product/cetaphil-gentle-skin-cleanser-125ml-3z8oqdfqtg?srsltid=AfmBOorXmu1lNwHGq2pgOd9olwLT4S5_qr7LzcIGNq5V88S8hUareQAU">Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser</a>, follow it with the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.tirabeauty.com/product/medicube-zero-pore-pad-2-0-155-g-70-pads-8845746">Medicube Zero Pore Pad</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.tirabeauty.com/product/paula-s-choice-skin-perfecting-2-bha-liquid-travel-size-30-ml-9462045">Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid</a>, then the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.tirabeauty.com/product/torriden-dive-in-serum-50-ml-8618534">Torriden Dive-In Serum</a> for hydration, and seal everything with the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.tirabeauty.com/product/embryolisse-lait-creme-concentre-moisturizer-and-primer-30ml-zfgxa5lhnqcd">Embryolisse Lait-Concentré Cream</a>. That’s it. I’ve found that less is genuinely more.<h3>Anything for your hair before bed? And are you on the silk pillowcase train?</h3>I use the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.tirabeauty.com/product/kerastase-genesis-anti-hair-fall-daily-scalp-serum-mini-with-1-5-aminexil-ginger-extract-30-ml-8929225">Kérastase Genesis Serum</a> on my scalp before bed—that’s my one hair ritual. No silk pillowcase yet, but it’s something I’ve been thinking about adding.

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<h3>Gadgets, supplements, LED masks?</h3><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://thenodmag.com/content/magnesium-bodycare-supplements-sleep-stress-relief">Magnesium</a> glycinate is the one supplement I never go to bed without. It helps me relax and has become a real cornerstone of my nighttime routine. As for LED masks, I haven't tried one yet, but I’m genuinely curious to see what all the fuss is about.<h3>Tell us about the shower. Because it sounds like it’s doing a lot of heavy lifting.</h3>My morning <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://thenodmag.com/content/beauty-bath-products-everything-shower">shower</a> is quick and functional. But my evening shower is where the actual relaxation happens. I dim the lights, put on some music, and use <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://hoophello.com/products/epsom-body-wash-300ml?srsltid=AfmBOop-XTcw4Y_yOr9tRje_xbA3vyw1KfZK9Q-Z5CbhCG22Nri473V2">Hoop Epsom Body Wash</a>—it’s my way of signalling to my body that the day is winding down. I’m also currently loving the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.tirabeauty.com/product/ouai-scalp-body-scrub-250-g-7607033">Quai Scalp and Body Scrub</a>. Afterwards, I apply a magnesium body lotion and keep the rest simple.<h3>What’s on the dinner table on a night in?</h3>My dinners are pretty consistent because I like ending the day with something nourishing but light. Usually quinoa, grilled tofu, and vegetables alongside a pumpkin or drumstick soup. It leaves me satisfied without feeling heavy, and I wake up energised the next morning. It works, so I stick to it.<h3>Any rituals that help you truly decompress?</h3>A warm cup of peppermint tea while I go through my affirmations is how I switch off from the day. I also make a real effort to stay off my phone for at least 15 to 20 minutes before bed. It’s not always easy—I’m actively working on it—but when I manage it, the difference is noticeable.<h3>Last thing before lights out?</h3>I recite a paragraph of affirmations that I’ve been saying every night for the last six or seven years. It’s become a genuinely comforting ritual, a way to close the day on a positive note, no matter how it went.<h3>Your one tip for a better night’s sleep?</h3>Keep your phone away. Simple advice, but it makes all the difference.

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Anushka Nandani goes hard on the Hyrox circuit, and harder on her bedtime ritual

Wind Down

Any new fitness activity starts with a fresh pair of shoes. As if being a gym rat or a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://thenodmag.com/content/unlock-everyday-pilates-studio-coworking-space-ballard-estate-mumbai">Pilates</a> princess wasn’t enough, now there’s a new occasion to shop for: Hyrox. Finding the right pair of shoes specifically designed for this <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://thenodmag.com/content/hyrox-indoor-fitness-race-indian-athletes-participants">Herculean race</a> that combines running with eight strength and functional activities—weighted sled pulls, rowing, and burpees, among others—is a process of trial and error. Your shoes must be durable, lightweight, and come with a good grip so you don’t slide around during the gladiator-like course. Luckily, for those of you who clearly enjoy suffering and have signed up for the India race that’s coming up in a month, we went straight to the true-blue Hyrox veterans themselves to get their recommendations. While Puma was the clear winner of the lot (it featured in almost everyone’s list), there were a few surprise entries from Adidas, Asics, Nike, and even Hoka for you to consider. Scroll ahead to see which shoe to buy next.<h2>Ishaan Trehan, digital marketing strategist</h2><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:4000/2667;" src="https://assets.thenodmag.com/website-assets/Ishan_Trehan_jpg_The_Nod_Mag_ad8fd2b68b.jpg" alt="Ishan Trehan" srcset="https://assets.thenodmag.com/website-assets/thumbnail_Ishan_Trehan_jpg_The_Nod_Mag_ad8fd2b68b.jpg 234w,https://assets.thenodmag.com/website-assets/small_Ishan_Trehan_jpg_The_Nod_Mag_ad8fd2b68b.jpg 500w,https://assets.thenodmag.com/website-assets/medium_Ishan_Trehan_jpg_The_Nod_Mag_ad8fd2b68b.jpg 750w,https://assets.thenodmag.com/website-assets/large_Ishan_Trehan_jpg_The_Nod_Mag_ad8fd2b68b.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="4000" height="2667"><figcaption>Ishaan Trehan</figcaption></figure>Why Hyrox?“I was an avid football player. An injury kept me away from it and then Hyrox entered the chat. It keeps me competitive and sane.”What makes the perfect race-day shoe?“Functionality takes precedence over aesthetics always. The recently launched Puma Deviate Nitro has a carbon plating and is versatile and has enough grip for sleds while being lightweight enough for speed.”And for pre-race training days?“Honestly, I need an excuse to buy a new pair of shoes. I switch between my classic Vans for strength days, Asics Gel-Kayano for easy recovery, Adidas Adizero Boston 12 for speed workouts, and the Nike Pegasus for runs.”&nbsp;

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<h2>Joel Eric Pinto, fitness coach and co-founder of Knox</h2><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1440/1800;" src="https://assets.thenodmag.com/website-assets/Joel_Eric_jpeg_The_Nod_5407e8ce47.jpeg" alt="Joel Eric Pinto" srcset="https://assets.thenodmag.com/website-assets/thumbnail_Joel_Eric_jpeg_The_Nod_5407e8ce47.jpeg 125w,https://assets.thenodmag.com/website-assets/small_Joel_Eric_jpeg_The_Nod_5407e8ce47.jpeg 400w,https://assets.thenodmag.com/website-assets/medium_Joel_Eric_jpeg_The_Nod_5407e8ce47.jpeg 600w,https://assets.thenodmag.com/website-assets/large_Joel_Eric_jpeg_The_Nod_5407e8ce47.jpeg 800w," sizes="100vw" width="1440" height="1800"><figcaption>Joel Eric Pinto</figcaption></figure>What drew you to Hyrox?“Hyrox sits at the intersection of running and strength, two things that make me the happiest. Unlike other races, Hyrox rewards you as a complete athlete, and that challenge is what appealed to me the most.”A check mark you make before buying a new shoe?“Your Hyrox shoe must find the sweet spot between a running shoe and a training shoe. Good grip, stability, and cushioning are a must, along with being lightweight.”Do you prefer a different type of shoe for training days?“I save my race shoes for simulation days and D-day only. For training, I prefer the Puma Hybrid or the Puma Velocity. They complement my training style and activities.”Your current favourite Hyrox shoe?“The Puma Deviate NITRO Elite is my current favourite. Developed specifically for the demands of the sport, the Pumagrip outsole makes it versatile for both running and weight segments.”&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:900/1200;" src="https://assets.thenodmag.com/website-assets/pume_nitro_elite_e1567d6fa1.jpg" alt="Puma Deviate NITRO Elite " srcset="https://assets.thenodmag.com/website-assets/thumbnail_pume_nitro_elite_e1567d6fa1.jpg 117w,https://assets.thenodmag.com/website-assets/small_pume_nitro_elite_e1567d6fa1.jpg 375w,https://assets.thenodmag.com/website-assets/medium_pume_nitro_elite_e1567d6fa1.jpg 563w,https://assets.thenodmag.com/website-assets/large_pume_nitro_elite_e1567d6fa1.jpg 750w," sizes="100vw" width="900" height="1200"><figcaption>Puma Deviate NITRO Elite&nbsp;</figcaption></figure>&nbsp;Lavanya Mohan, chartered accountant and author<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:2108/3167;" src="https://assets.thenodmag.com/website-assets/Lavanya_Mohan_c648af432f.jpg" alt="Lavanya Mohan " srcset="https://assets.thenodmag.com/website-assets/thumbnail_Lavanya_Mohan_c648af432f.jpg 104w,https://assets.thenodmag.com/website-assets/small_Lavanya_Mohan_c648af432f.jpg 333w,https://assets.thenodmag.com/website-assets/medium_Lavanya_Mohan_c648af432f.jpg 499w,https://assets.thenodmag.com/website-assets/large_Lavanya_Mohan_c648af432f.jpg 666w," sizes="100vw" width="2108" height="3167"><figcaption>Lavanya Mohan</figcaption></figure>When was your first Hyrox and how has the journey been?“My first was this April in Bengaluru and I only started training for it around December end. Honestly, the journey has been really exhausting.”What are your non-negotiables while picking the right shoe?“The shoe must be extremely stable and lightweight, the only two benchmarks for me. It is easy to get overwhelmed, but sometimes the most obvious choice is the most ideal as well.”Your go-to shoe for training days?“The Puma Velocity NITRO 4 were my best friends for training days. For long runs, the Hoka Bondi 8 worked amazingly well.”Do you keep separate shoes for race days?“No, I like to break into my actual shoes to avoid discomfort and surprises on race days. Comfort is key, always.”

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<h2>Ashu Jain, content creator</h2><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1700/2551;" src="https://assets.thenodmag.com/website-assets/Ashu_Jain_jpg_The_Nod_c4f4e4575c.jpg" alt="Ashu Jain" srcset="https://assets.thenodmag.com/website-assets/thumbnail_Ashu_Jain_jpg_The_Nod_c4f4e4575c.jpg 104w,https://assets.thenodmag.com/website-assets/small_Ashu_Jain_jpg_The_Nod_c4f4e4575c.jpg 334w,https://assets.thenodmag.com/website-assets/medium_Ashu_Jain_jpg_The_Nod_c4f4e4575c.jpg 500w,https://assets.thenodmag.com/website-assets/large_Ashu_Jain_jpg_The_Nod_c4f4e4575c.jpg 666w," sizes="100vw" width="1700" height="2551"><figcaption>Ashu Jain&nbsp;</figcaption></figure>How did you find your feet in Hyrox?“I love to take up challenges. Working out started as a form of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://thenodmag.com/tag/self-care">self-care</a> and relief from household chores, but now I look forward to it. My fitness coach nudged me towards the idea of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://thenodmag.com/content/ashu-jain-indian-granny-bengaluru-hyrox-fitness-journey">Hyrox</a>, and there’s no looking back.”Does the right pair of shoes matter?“Training takes precedence over shoes. My five-year-old Adidas does the job as well as the Puma Hyrox.”Do you have separate shoes for training days?“I trained on my daughter's hand-me-down pair of Adidas Ultraboost. They’re five years old but do the job. For the race, I did purchase the Puma Hyrox shoes and I only use them on simulation days.”Your current favourite shoe?“The Puma Hyrox—extremely comfortable and a safe pick for beginners.”&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:900/1200;" src="https://assets.thenodmag.com/website-assets/PUMA_x_HYROX_Velocity_NITRO_4_Men_s_c2eca9d3d3.jpg" alt="Puma Hyrox" srcset="https://assets.thenodmag.com/website-assets/thumbnail_PUMA_x_HYROX_Velocity_NITRO_4_Men_s_c2eca9d3d3.jpg 117w,https://assets.thenodmag.com/website-assets/small_PUMA_x_HYROX_Velocity_NITRO_4_Men_s_c2eca9d3d3.jpg 375w,https://assets.thenodmag.com/website-assets/medium_PUMA_x_HYROX_Velocity_NITRO_4_Men_s_c2eca9d3d3.jpg 563w,https://assets.thenodmag.com/website-assets/large_PUMA_x_HYROX_Velocity_NITRO_4_Men_s_c2eca9d3d3.jpg 750w," sizes="100vw" width="900" height="1200"><figcaption>Puma Hyrox&nbsp;</figcaption></figure><h2>Neha Aggarwalla, fitness coach and founder, The Training Room by Neha</h2><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/800;" src="https://assets.thenodmag.com/website-assets/Neha_Aggarwalla_a564303a44.jpeg" alt="Neha Aggarwalla" srcset="https://assets.thenodmag.com/website-assets/thumbnail_Neha_Aggarwalla_a564303a44.jpeg 234w,https://assets.thenodmag.com/website-assets/small_Neha_Aggarwalla_a564303a44.jpeg 500w,https://assets.thenodmag.com/website-assets/medium_Neha_Aggarwalla_a564303a44.jpeg 750w,https://assets.thenodmag.com/website-assets/large_Neha_Aggarwalla_a564303a44.jpeg 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="1200" height="800"><figcaption>Neha Aggarwalla&nbsp;</figcaption></figure>How did you discover Hyrox?“I started my fitness journey with CrossFit, and Hyrox felt like a natural extension. I have always loved the mix of strength training with conditioning, and I like to push myself physically. Hyrox gave me just that.”What qualities do you look for in a shoe?“The ideal Hyrox shoe must give me enough support and responsiveness for running but should not feel too soft, unstable or bulky during the workout stations.”Do you keep separate shoes for running versus strength-training days?“Yes, for my regular runs I’ve been using the Asics Novablast 5 and Nike Vomero; I rotate between them. I recently got my hands on the Asics Magic Speed 5 for Hyrox-specific simulations and I’m really excited to try them out. The Nike Metcons are for regular strength training since they feel more stable for lifting.”

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What shoes to wear to Hyrox? Ask the Hyrox veterans

Last weekend in Bengaluru, the floor was anything but quiet. Someone was always lifting, rowing, lunging, collapsing mid-burpee. Among them was a grandmother carrying a pair of 16 kg kettlebells across the turf with a slow and measured gait. Ashu Jain was hawk-eyed and focused, her silver-grey bob pulled back with a headband. The world swirled around her: athletes sprinted, rowed and drove sleds forward with a tiring, grinding drag. Only a few looked like her. The 58-year-old granny was participating in Hyrox, a popular global fitness competition that involves a combination of running for eight kilometres and performing eight different sets of functional workouts.On the morning of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://thenodmag.com/content/hyrox-indoor-fitness-race-indian-athletes-participants">Hyrox</a>, Jain recalls breaking down. “I had deep anxiety in my chest,” she admits. In February 2025, she had survived a car accident that had fractured the bone under her eye socket. In May the same year, while contesting in a reality TV show, she broke the metatarsal in her foot.But Jain loves a challenge. Despite back-to-back injuries, in December 2025 she began training with intention to participate in the challenging race format. On the morning of April 11, she showed up, participating in the women’s open 55-to-59 age group.

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“Slowing down too much rusts you”Four years ago, at 54, Jain had never so much as touched a weight or stepped inside a gym. Then she was diagnosed with hypertension. “I was told by the doctor that I would be dependent on medication for the rest of my life,” she recalls. That fear settled deep within her. Then it moved her. A homemaker who had spent a lifetime taking care of her family, Jain began to slowly turn inwards. She started paying attention to herself.&nbsp;Self-care meant carving out a few hours in the day and going for long, winding walks and discovering new routes in Dehradun. “Initially, my legs would ache,” she admits, “But it gave me relief from housework. I began to value that time.” Over time, her walks stretched to nearly 15 kilometres. Gradually, she added Zumba and bodyweight workouts to her routine by watching YouTube videos at home, before mustering the courage to join a gym. She hired a personal trainer, drastically tweaked her diet, and was able to reverse her hypertension. Today, Jain, a hybrid athlete, can do a mean sled-push weighing 130 kg and runs 10 km marathons.&nbsp;She is not alone. There has been a steady rise of women in India who are redefining what grandmotherhood looks like. From 82-year-old powerlifter <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.instagram.com/kittammal_paati/">Kittammal Venkatraman</a>, who has won state-level gold, to Milind Soman’s mother, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.facebook.com/brieflybynewj/videos/739568850139108/">Usha Soman, </a>who performs push-ups like a boss at 86, seniors are choosing to push beyond the quieter, homebound roles of gardening and knitting.“Once you become a grandmother, you are told to adopt a slower lifestyle,” says Jain. “A relaxed life is good, but slowing down too much rusts you.”A decade ago, Jain couldn’t have imagined her life like this. In fact, while growing up, she was thought of as the weaker sibling, the one who didn’t quite measure up. “I was never athletic or good at sports in school. My mother used to call me anaaj ka meyl (dirt found while sifting grains) because I wasn’t as strong as my sister, who played football and badminton.” But reinvention has come to define Jain. At 44, Jain pursued a PhD in Nanotechnology from IIT-Delhi and completed it nearly a decade later.&nbsp;“Becoming a grandmother doesn’t mean a full-stop”Hyrox began in Germany in 2017. In India, it debuted in Mumbai in May 2025, drawing about 1,650 participants. Less than a year later, in the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/surat/surat-duo-finish-second-in-hyrox-doubles-event-in-bengaluru/articleshow/130245656.cms?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Bengaluru edition</a> this month, participation nearly tripled, at roughly 4,500 entrants.After two serious injuries, Jain was unsure whether her body could withstand the strain of Hyrox. But it was her coach who nudged her to sign up for the race. The training was intense and strenuous. Early mornings were devoted to running. She ran up the hills of Dehradun alongside a cluster of younger athletes who were preparing for Hyrox as well. At times, they would finish their runs earlier and patiently wait in the vehicle while Jain laboured through the final stretch.Often the slowest in the group, she recalls a day during her training period when she experienced dehydration during a run. The sun glowed and the other runners were far ahead. Jain was alone on the stretch. She flagged down a man passing by on a scooter and asked for some water. The stranger handed his jerrycan to her and remarked, “You should move according to your age.” She drank the water and went on to complete her run.Jain’s Instagram handle, Not Just a Grandma, says it all—it’s upending the conventional script, challenging mindsets, and letting people know that her identity extends beyond her familial role. “I have worked a lot on myself to level up to this degree of fitness,” she says.On the day of Hyrox, Jain moved through each workstation with steady focus. At the last station, however, she caught herself faltering. At the Wall Balls station—where participants squat and throw a weighted ball high up in the air at a targeted mark—Jain was unable to hurl the ball high enough. “I just broke down,” she confesses. “I stood on the side and cried. Seeing me struggle, my kids, who had come to cheer me on, also teared up.” The thought of being unable to finish the race crossed her mind, “but I knew I had to complete it”.&nbsp;She did, eventually. It took her longer than most, but she finished the race at 2 hours and 24 minutes, landing a podium finish at number three. She’s already made up her mind and is looking forward to competing in the upcoming Hyrox in Delhi, which will take place in July 2026. “Representation matters and I’m not done,” she adds.

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Meet the granny who landed a podium finish at Bengaluru Hyrox

My deepest, heartfelt condolences. Your blissful, la-la-la existence has likely been thrown into the blender by the tornado-level spam of Hyrox content flooding your algo in the past few weeks. In the off-chance that you trained your feed to block any and all triggering gym-bro language, let me catch you up; I promise to be gentle. Imagine if a marathon and a CrossFit gym create a protein-hungry love child. A smug know-it-all obsessed with productivity who thinks they are undeniably better than everyone else. Case in point: any athletes reading this are probably grinding their teeth to powder, resisting the urge to bark Hyrox is nothing like CrossFit (derogatory for the latter).&nbsp;I’m sorry, I guess???The real reason why it feels like Hyrox is competing with <a href="https://thenodmag.com/content/the-summer-i-turned-pretty-s3-staying-friends-with-exes-love-triangles">TSITP</a> for prime Instagram real estate is because the event just landed in Mumbai for its second edition on September 7. And 3,500 athletes from all over the country arrived with <a href="https://thenodmag.com/content/creatine-pros-cons-healthcare-supplement">creatine</a> running through their veins, ready to run eight kilometres alternating with eight soul-crushing workout stations. It makes sense that Yoska, the digital platform for endurance fitness, has brought the race to India. After all, its CEO Deepak Raj has completed the circuit five times himself and ticked the box on Ironman—think even Hyrox on steroids—a whopping 27 times.Imagine doing lunges for 100m, except this time you have a 20kg bag of sand on your back—not metaphorical at all. Oh, there’s also a station where you push 150kg on a sled and then pull 100kg back over 50m. In the grand finale, you have to do squats while throwing a squishy 6kg ball up 15m a whole 100 times as your lats and glutes wince in pain. Forgot to mention, the best part is that it’s all being timed: the faster, the smoother, the better.&nbsp;

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Wait, I lied. The real best part is that athletes are being vetted and sussed out by hundreds of eager spectators. Such is the fame of the race that you have to buy a ticket just to watch a stadium full of Gladiator-like (gender-neutral, mind you) athletes grunt and scream while their abs glisten from the sticky sweat. What was that famous saying? One person’s torture is another’s treasure.Launched in Germany in 2017, the competitive, hedonistic race bobbed around different countries before making its India debut in May this year. And in just under four months, it has found a battalion full of fangirls. So, The Nod caught up with some of the athletes at the finish line to discover the stations that broke them, the food they can’t wait to devour, the music that kept them going, and the people who will disown them if they ever hear the phrase ‘zone training’ again.<h2>Ishaan Trehan, 27, agency founder, Bengaluru</h2><img src="https://assets.thenodmag.com/website-assets/Hyrox_Mumbai_Ishaan_Trehan_The_Nod_e74d17a306.jpg" alt="Hyrox Mumbai Ishaan Trehan The Nod.jpg|caption|">Pre-race fuel from last night: I had butter naan and paneer butter masala, but I made the mistake of eating an early dinner. By 12 am I was hungry again and had to eat a salad, so probably plan better.The station that broke your soul and the one that made you feel invincible: The station that broke my soul, my heart, my back, and my arms was the sled push. And I’ve always hated the farmer’s carry, but at the event I was suddenly running with 50 kilos in my hands, which was…great and shocking.Junk food you can’t wait to devour: Tubs of gulab jamun and tiramisu. Basically, all the dessert I had to stay away from so far.That one person almost as relieved as you, now that Hyrox is over: My girlfriend. She can’t wait for me to stop yapping about zone training and heart rates. But little does she know that I have a half-marathon in two weeks, so it never really stops.<h2>Rajnandini Menaria, 22, mixed martial arts fighter, Udaipur</h2>Pre-race fuel from last night: Lol, we carb-loaded the shit out of last night; there was pizza, ice cream, biryani, enchiladas...you name it.Most played song while training: ‘Victory Lap’ by Fred Again—truly a masterpiece.The station that broke your soul and the one that made you feel invincible: My knees and glutes were screaming for help during the sandbag lunges, but the wall balls were a breeze.Pre-race pep talk with your partner: We screamed a bunch of gibberish to hype each other up and talked about the mountain of food we’ll devour shortly after.The pop culture duo that you and your doubles partner embody: Low-key I think we would be SpongeBob and Patrick, soulmates in the best kind of way.<h2>Gaurav Kale, 34, Mumbai</h2>

Gaurav Kale performing Wall Balls at Hyrox Mumbai

Gaurav Kale_Hyrox_Wall Balls_The Nod

Gaurav Kale at the finishing line of Hyrox Mumbai

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The station that broke your soul and the one that made you feel invincible: The whole race was quite challenging; it was beyond my comprehension that I survived it. The lunges were the hardest for me and I faced a penalty too. Farmer’s carry was probably the easiest.Pre-race fuel last night: We had a Maharashtrian festival, so I ate heaps of rice and a plate full of modak. I have to say, it wasn’t the best idea.Junk food you can’t wait to devour: My wife and I are going to have fish and then Chinese food. I can’t wait to have tiger prawns.<h2>Karthik, 32, stock trading analyst, Bengaluru</h2>Pre-race fuel from last night: Mumbaicha vada pav with extra pav (carb loading, am I right?).Most played song while training: Endless Hans Zimmer and more recently the F1: The Movie theme; you need your music to be calm when your workouts are crazy.The station that broke your soul and the one that made you feel invincible: There is only one answer to both these questions and that is burpee broad jumps; don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.Junk food you can’t wait to devour: Pepperoni pizza and OG fudge from Corner House in Bengaluru.That one person almost as relieved as you, now that Hyrox is over: My wife, because we can return to having normal conversations that do not involve running cadence, heart rate zones and macro breakdowns!<h2>Kanika, 40, yoga instructor, Mumbai</h2><img class="image_resized" style="aspect-ratio:1200/1600;width:75%;" src="https://assets.thenodmag.com/website-assets/Kanika_Hyrox_Mumbai_777d0f2fed.JPG" alt="Kanika, a yoga instructor, at Hyrox Mumbai|caption|" width="1200" height="1600">Pre-race fuel from last night: I ate a lot of rice the night before, and toast with jam, peanut butter and banana a couple of hours before the race.The station that broke your soul and the one that made you feel invincible: The sled pull and push definitely killed me on the day. Thankfully, my mixed-doubles partner was there to take that load off. Lunges and burpees were surprisingly good.That one person almost as relieved as you, now that Hyrox is over: Oh, it has to be my daughter. She thought I was obsessed with the race. She always caught me watching Hyrox Reels.The pop culture that you and your doubles partner embody: I have no idea who we are, but I would like us to be Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars.<h2>Jay Mehta, 29, architect, Mumbai</h2>Pre-race fuel from last night: A lot of pasta and a lot of cheese. For a race like this, carb-loading is important; just electrolytes don’t cut it.The station that broke your soul and the one that made you feel invincible: The sled push was really tough. It felt like something was wrong with the surface. And burpees were probably my best station.That one person almost as relieved as you, now that Hyrox is over: My wife is super excited. Every time an event like this comes up, you have to wake up early, sleep early, and eat right, so she’s glad it’s finally over.Back to the gym tomorrow or never returning: I’m taking a break. I’m going to Singapore for a week to just relax.<h2>Sushma, interior designer, Bengaluru</h2><img class="image_resized" style="aspect-ratio:853/1280;width:75%;" src="https://assets.thenodmag.com/website-assets/Sushma_Hyrox_Mumbai_The_Nod_60d3a31c25.jpg" alt="Sushma, an interior designer from Bengaluru at Hyrox Mumbai|caption|" width="853" height="1280">Most played song while training: For a pre-race pump and to beat the rainy vibe, I made a playlist called ‘Thrash with a lot of Techno’.That one person almost as relieved as you, now that Hyrox is over: My sister and I live together, so she is probably going to be relieved that I won’t be washing heaps of gym clothes every other day.Junk food you can’t wait to devour: I actually didn’t go on a no-junk-food Hyrox sprint. I still used to have my favourite desserts at least once a week, much to the displeasure of my coach.Back to the gym tomorrow or never returning: I will probably do an easy 5k and stretches tomorrow. I’ve enjoyed training for this race; it’s made me focus more on myself and develop healthier habits. I’m waiting for the next Hyrox in Bengaluru. I want to get faster and stronger for it.<h2>Neil Punatar, 25, Mumbai</h2>The station that broke your soul and the one that made you feel invincible: The wall balls are always the hardest, and the lunges are usually tough, but today they went pretty easy.That one person almost as relieved as you, now that Hyrox is over: My mom. I’ve been talking about this non-stop since February, so she can’t wait for me to stop mentioning Hyrox.Junk food you can’t wait to devour: Now that the race is done, I can’t wait to eat Punjabi food. So, naan, sabji and dal.Back to the gym tomorrow or never returning? I’ll take a break for a week or two. I need that time off. And then I’ll get back in again.<h2>Kavisha Parekh, doctor, Surat</h2><img class="image_resized" style="aspect-ratio:3120/4160;width:75%;" src="https://assets.thenodmag.com/website-assets/Kavisha_Parekh_Hyrox_Mumbai_The_Nod_96ad69de02.jpg" alt="Kavisha Parekh, a doctor from Surat, participating in Hyrox Mumbai|caption|" width="3120" height="4160">Pre-race fuel from last night: A whole plate of sushi. I would highly recommend!Most played song while training: I usually don’t listen to music. The sound of my feet hitting the ground is all I need.Returning to the gym tomorrow or never going back: Oh, definitely heading back. I have two half-marathons lined up and need to improve my running.<h2>Aarchi Mehta, 21, Surat</h2>Pre-race fuel from last night: I ate a ton of pasta and protein bars. They were great energy boosts.Most played song while training: The Chhaava soundtrack on repeat constantly.Scream through the race or quiet and focused with eyes on the prize: Quiet for the most part. People around us were very motivating, but the moment I touched the finish line I started crying.The station that broke your soul and the one that made you feel invincible: Lunges really broke me—it was hard. And wall balls were relatively easy.<h2>Malavika Bedi, 37, CrossFit coach, Bengaluru</h2><img class="image_resized" style="aspect-ratio:899/1150;width:75%;" src="https://assets.thenodmag.com/website-assets/Malavika_Bedi_Hyrox_Mumbai_The_Nod_ff93665148.jpeg" alt="Malavika Bedi_Hyrox Mumbai_The Nod|caption|" width="899" height="1150">Most played song while training: ‘Shake it to the Max’ by MOLIYScream through the race or quiet and focused with eyes on the prize: I am not a screamer but a dancer. I showed some moves at the rowing station while my partner was rowing. It was also great to see so many people in matching outfits.Pre-race pep talk with your partner: Just focus on us and no one else in our wave, stick to our plan, and have presence of mind in case we need to change the strategy midway.The pop culture duo that you and your doubles partner embody: Elsa and Anna, because we are strong, kind, and brave.<h2>Ryan Alvarez, 44, Goa</h2><img class="image_resized" style="aspect-ratio:767/956;width:75%;" src="https://assets.thenodmag.com/website-assets/Ryan_Alvarez_Hyrox_Mumbai_The_Nod_056b3e7330.jpg" alt="Ryan Alvarez participates in Hyrox Mumbai|caption|" width="767" height="956">Pre-race fuel from last night: A lot of carbs, so sandwiches.The daily activity that feels like child’s play after Hyrox: Running—I’m from a run club. But after Hyrox that feels a lot easier.Junk food you can’t wait to devour: Ice cream. Lots and lots of ice cream.Back to the gym tomorrow or never returning: There’s no break. I want to do all the events that come to India, so I’m going to start training for the next.

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