Sled pulls, killer burpee-broadjump combinations, 20kg sandbags balanced atop heaving shoulders—if you’ve been anywhere on the internet, you’ve probably already gotten glimpses into the world of Hyrox. Presenting functional workout stations in a timed race format, Hyrox is taking the world by storm—and this year, in partnership with AIA Singapore, it dared the country’s fittest to push themselves to the very limit.
And, of course, nothing’s more exhilarating than competing against the stars. Alongside SHINEE’s Minho and Physical 100’s Hong Beom Seok, yet another distinctive Korean name was here to make his debut: Jay Park. Best known for his high-octane career in K-R&B and hip hop, Park is also a television personality, music producer and record label founder. So, what does it take to cross into new territory? Ahead of the gruelling race–which he competed in with trainer Park Chan So and finished in one hour and eight minutes—the multi-hyphenate star sat down to share his motivations, fitness journey and what it means to care for your body and self.
What made you decide to compete in Hyrox?
I always like to push myself, whether it be with exercise, music, my career or whatever else there may be. And so, when the opportunity came about, I thought, why not? I’m used to difficult things and things being hard. In fact, I welcome it.
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How did the preparation for Hyrox differ from your usual preparations for a concert or tour?
For a concert, beyond me, there are a lot of other people involved. There are the dancers, the choreographer, the producers, the sound system, the sound guy, the lighting, the special effects and the band. It’s a team of 100 people, and so it takes a lot of synchronisation and aligning.
For something like Hyrox, there’s no need to align with everybody else. I just have to make sure my stamina is good, my strength is good and that I’m eating the right things. I align with my partner, Eddy, from Gym Town. And you’ve obviously got to make sure that your energy and everything else feels right. The concert’s for everyone to watch, but Hyrox is just about us. I’m doing it for myself.
What gets you through a gruelling workout?
Well, I don’t like to give up. I’ve always been like that; I don’t know, maybe I get it from my mum, or maybe it’s just the Korean spirit. For me, it’s not about where I place, even though there are a lot of other people competing.
I’m competing for myself, so if I set a goal—no matter what and how long it takes me—I’ll do it. Even if everyone says not to do it, or that I can’t do it. I like to prove people wrong, and to prove myself right.
What message do you hope to convey about health, discipline and pushing your limits?
It’s very important to take care of your health. And if you want to be healthy, or the healthiest version of you, then you do have to be disciplined. You do have to push your limits, too. It is okay to enjoy and indulge every once in a while, but if that becomes a habit, then you’re not taking care of yourself. It’s all about finding a balance.
What does taking care of yourself look like for you, beyond fitness?
Beyond fitness, it’s about taking the time to find peace. My life can get very chaotic, and so I need time to myself to organise my thoughts. One way I do this is by running. Not Hyrox-style running. I mean running at a good pace outside, around nature, where I can appreciate the beauty of nature and be grateful for things. And when the time allows, I’ll go on vacation and just not do anything.
Beyond Hyrox, what physical aspirations or goals do you have for yourself?
To not break myself. Just because I’m getting older, I don’t feel like that stops me. In fact, the reason why I injured myself is because I tried to do a sideflip. I’ve always been able to do a sideflip, but now, if I want to do a sideflip, I just have to prepare myself for it.
As I approach my 40s, it’s not just about executing the workout. It’s about paying attention to my body: doing the little stretches, icing myself, and recovering properly so I don’t get injured. That, in itself, is self-care.
