Training female athletes in HYROX is often discussed in simplified terms. Adjust training around the menstrual cycle. Avoid certain loads. Expect performance swings.
According to Bryna Chrismas, those narratives rarely reflect reality.
In a recent HYROX Academy discussion, Chrismas argues that the real challenge is not female physiology itself, but how poorly it is often understood, communicated, and supported within training environments.
The Problem with Simplistic Narratives
Chrismas highlights how conversations around female athlete health are often driven by social media soundbites or well-meaning but incomplete advice. Topics such as the menstrual cycle, pelvic floor health, or menopause are frequently framed as problems to work around rather than normal aspects of an athlete’s physiology.
The result is confusion rather than clarity.
Athletes receive mixed messages. Coaches become hesitant to ask questions. Training decisions are shaped by fear rather than evidence.
Chrismas is clear that this is not about blame. Many assumptions exist simply because these topics have historically been under-researched, stigmatised, or avoided altogether.
What the Evidence Actually Supports
A key aim of Chrismas’ work is separating evidence from noise.
She stresses that while hormonal, physiological, and psychological factors can influence training response, they do not justify blanket rules or rigid prescriptions. Female athletes are individuals first. Their responses to training vary widely, just as they do in male athletes.
Understanding mechanisms matters. But overcorrecting based on assumptions can be just as limiting as ignoring female-specific considerations altogether.
The goal is informed flexibility, not fear-based restriction.
Why Training Environment Matters
One of the strongest themes in the discussion is the importance of environment.
Chrismas points out that many challenges female athletes face are not physiological barriers, but communication barriers. Topics such as menstruation, pelvic floor symptoms, or perimenopausal changes are often treated as awkward or inappropriate rather than routine health considerations.
When athletes do not feel comfortable raising concerns, issues go unaddressed. That can affect training consistency, confidence, and long-term engagement in sport.
Chrismas argues that normalisation is key. Asking about menstrual health should sit alongside questions about sleep, nutrition, and recovery. Not as something special or alarming, but as part of understanding the athlete in front of you.
Supporting Athletes Across the Lifespan
A recurring point in Chrismas’ work is retention.
Many girls and women drop out of sport unnecessarily, often at predictable life stages. Puberty. Pregnancy. Postpartum. Perimenopause. Menopause.
HYROX, with its wide age range and inclusive race formats, has the potential to be a genuine sport for life. But that only happens if coaches are equipped to recognise when something is within their scope to manage and when referral is appropriate.
Knowing when to adjust training, when to listen, and when to involve medical or specialist support is part of effective coaching, not a weakness.
Coach Takeaways: Supporting Female Athletes More Effectively
- Challenge assumptions before changing training
Not every performance fluctuation is hormonal. Avoid blanket rules based on myths or trends. - Normalise female health topics
Menstrual health, pelvic floor issues, and menopause are part of athlete management, not awkward exceptions. - Create a safe communication environment
Athletes are more likely to report issues when questions are routine, not reactive. - Focus on the individual, not the category
Female athletes respond to training differently from each other, just like male athletes do. - Know your coaching scope
Understand what you can manage within training and when referral to specialists is appropriate. - Think long-term
Supporting health and confidence keeps athletes training, competing, and progressing for longer.
HYROX Coaches Summit
At the HYROX Coaches Summit, Chrismas will address common myths around female athlete training and replace them with evidence-informed principles. The focus will be on practical strategies coaches can use to create supportive environments, communicate more effectively, and make better-informed training decisions.
The aim is not to complicate coaching. It is to reduce uncertainty and improve consistency, health, and long-term performance for female athletes.
