Skip to main content

The Mid-Race Equaliser

By the time you reach the burpee broad jumps, your legs are heavy from sled work and your lungs are screaming.

Yet this 80-metre station can decide whether you hold pace or unravel.

It’s not about brute force; it’s about rhythm, breathing and technique.

“The burpee broad jump punishes chaos and rewards control.”
— RB100.Fitness


Station Overview

Distance: 80 metres (marked in 2.5 m lanes)

Format: Jump forward ≈ 1–1.5 m per rep until total distance complete

Typical Time: 3–5 minutes depending on category and fatigue

The movement alternates between explosive drive and controlled recovery pace it like an interval workout, not a sprint.

Athlete landing from burpee broad jump, chest upright, arms forward
Athlete landing from burpee broad jump, chest upright, arms forward

Movement Mechanics

1. Burpee Phase

  • Drop into a controlled squat → hands on floor → step or hop back into plank.
  • Keep core tight and shoulders over hands.
  • Avoid collapsing hips conserve energy by maintaining structure.

2. Jump Phase

  • As you rise, plant feet beneath hips, swing arms forward, and jump explosively.
  • Aim for consistent distance rather than maximal reach.
  • Land softly with knees tracking over toes; immediately drop into the next burpee.

3. Breathing Control

  • Inhale during descent.
  • Exhale as you jump forward.
  • Keep cadence consistent one full breath per rep.

Finding Your Rhythm

The best athletes find a metronomic pace early and stick with it.

Try a 1:1:1 rhythm — one second down, one second up, one second to stabilise.

Breaking this station into small goals (e.g., every 10 metres) keeps mental focus sharp.

“In the burpee broad jump, efficiency equals endurance.”


Pacing Strategy

DivisionTarget TimeSuggested Cadence
Open Men3 – 4 min~18 – 20 burpees per minute
Open Women3:30 – 4:30 min~16 – 18 burpees per minute
Pro Men2:45 – 3:30 min~20 – 22 burpees per minute
Pro Women3 – 4 min~18 – 20 burpees per minute

Start conservatively for the first 20 m.

Increase tempo once rhythm stabilises; maintain technique through the final 10 m.

Training link: How to Pace Each HYROX Station for Maximum Efficiency


Common Mistakes and Fixes

MistakeEffectFix
Over-jumping earlyRapid fatigueShorten jumps to maintain rhythm
Chest collapse on descentEnergy loss, shoulder stressEngage core, control drop
Holding breathHeart-rate spikeOne full breath per rep
Landing stiff-leggedJoint impactLand softly, knees bent
Inconsistent distanceLoss of flowPick floor markers for rhythm
Sequence shot of athlete mid-burpee - jump - landing
Sequence shot of athlete mid-burpee – jump – landing

Training for Burpee Broad Jump Efficiency

Skill Drills

  • Paced Burpees with Step Jump: 10×20 m at steady cadence.
  • Metronome Burpees: Perform to audio tempo (60 – 70 bpm) to train rhythm.
  • Burpee + Box Jump Combo: Builds explosive drive and landing mechanics.

Strength Accessories

  • Goblet Squats (3×15) for leg endurance.
  • Core Rollouts (3×12) to stabilise during transitions.
  • Power Step-Ups (3×10 each leg) for hip drive.

Include one focused session weekly during the Build Phase.

For full seasonal programming, see Periodisation for HYROX: Structuring Your Training Year.


Transition Tips

After burpees, transition to the rower.

Use the first 250 m of the row to recover breathing inhale on the drive, exhale on return.

Avoid standing still after finishing burpees; walk immediately to your station to keep blood flow consistent.

Linked reading: HYROX Race Structure Explained: Distances, Stations & Flow


Mindset Under Fatigue

The burpee broad jump often breaks athletes mentally before physically.

Focus on process, not distance:

“One burpee, one jump, one breath.”

Repetition creates rhythm — rhythm creates flow.

By staying in that rhythm, you’ll recover faster for the second half of the race.

“Control the chaos, and the metres take care of themselves.”
— RB100.Fitness


Summary: Controlled Power Wins

Burpee broad jumps test patience as much as endurance.

Consistent rhythm, efficient breathing, and controlled landings make this mid-race obstacle a chance to recover rather than collapse.

Train rhythm > power that’s how you turn chaos into consistency.


About HYROX Season 2025/2026

  • Standard race format: 8 runs, 8 stations.
  • Burpee broad jumps remain Station 5 worldwide.
  • Compete from September 2025 – June 2026.

See the RB100 Fitness Racing Events Calendar to plan your season.

Richard Branson

Richard Branson is a fitness and wellbeing enthusiast with a passion for HYROX, cycling, and technology. He shares insights at the intersection of performance, wellbeing, and innovation. Also see Richard's Articles in Wellbeing Magazine

Person walking barefoot through their home as morning sun streams through a window, overlay text- “Start Your Day With 100 Steps
Start Your Day With 100 StepsArticlesHabits, Tech & Mindset

Start Your Day With 100 Steps

Before you reach for your phone or coffee, take 100 intentional steps. This simple morning habit boosts circulation, primes your…
Richard BransonRichard BransonDecember 20, 20242 min
Athlete eating balanced pre-race breakfast oats, banana, coffee with gym bag nearby
Pre-Race Nutrition: What to Eat Before HYROXArticlesHYROXNutrition & Recovery

Pre-Race Nutrition: What to Eat Before HYROX

What you eat before HYROX can make or break your performance. Learn how to fuel the night before and on…
Richard BransonRichard BransonNovember 12, 20254 min
Athletes performing sled pushes, carries, and burpees in a gritty gym — chalk in the air, focused intensity, and a coach motivating in the background
Why Functional Fitness Beats Fancy ProgrammingArticlesHYROX TrainingStrength & Conditioning

Why Functional Fitness Beats Fancy Programming

You don’t need fancy programming or exotic movements to get strong, fit, and race-ready. You need fundamentals done well —…
Matthew GrimshawMatthew GrimshawOctober 8, 20253 min