Hyrox, injury and performance : Maxime Petteno's QNT supplementation routine"

"I never really stop": Maxime Petteno, QNT Ambassador, Athlete, Coach and Teacher

Maxime Petteno, 32, Belgian. Physical education teacher in primary school, independent sports coach in three facilities, and Hyrox competitor for over two and a half years. A man who has been chasing performance his whole life — even when his body told him to stop. A look back at the journey of an athlete who turned resilience into a method, and QNT supplements into everyday allies.

Hyrox: much more than a sport, a lifestyle

When Maxime discovered Hyrox over two and a half years ago, the discipline hadn't yet gained the popularity it enjoys today. No big posters, no podiums all over social media. Just a coach who told him about it, a natural curiosity, and a format that immediately resonated with him.

This hybrid indoor sport combines running with functional exercises — rower, ski erg, wall balls, weighted lunges — in a standardised event accessible to all levels. For a sports professional like Maxime, it was a no-brainer.

Ten months without running: the injury that changed everything

One month before his first Hyrox competition — after six months of intensive preparation — Maxime injured himself during a squat. Meniscal tear. A pop he recognised instantly: as a former footballer, he had already undergone surgery twice on the opposite knee. He knew what was coming.

He first tried to delay the inevitable with injections, which allowed him to hold on and compete in two events. But the body always has the last word. Surgery became unavoidable. Between surgical delays, pre-operative exams and rehabilitation, nearly ten months without running went by.

"Rehab was harder mentally than physically. You know your body is capable of so many things. And then, it can't do anything anymore. You have to start from scratch."

His response? Constant adaptation.

Ski erg seated on a box, wall balls from a seated position, single-leg rowing. Training never really stops — it transforms. This period also allowed him to develop valuable expertise in sports rehabilitation, now integrated into his coaching programmes. A setback turned career accelerator.

Nutrition: "Almost more important than training"

Maxime leaves nothing to chance when it comes to nutrition. Meal prep every week, protein intake calculated to the gram, supplement intake spread across three set times of the day. It's not a constraint — it's a discipline he has naturally embraced for years.

"Nutrition is almost more important than training itself. If you eat whatever on the side, the results won't follow. And even health-wise, it gets complicated."

Maxime's QNT Stack: 5 products with 5 roles

Maxime discovered QNT at 18, at the very start of his weightlifting journey. After exploring other brands, he came back to QNT with a clear vision of what he needs. Here is his selection, explained by an expert who knows exactly why he takes each product.

Whey Isolate Zero — The go-to protein

This is the product he has been recommending since day one. A pure whey isolate, low in lactose, carbs and fats, rapidly absorbed after exercise. It supports muscle recovery, maintains lean mass during intense training phases and covers the high protein needs of an athlete who trains every day. "I've been supplementing with whey for years — it's a non-negotiable foundation."

QNT Creatine — Explosiveness and recovery.

One of the most scientifically documented supplements. Creatine monohydrate improves power output on functional exercises and speeds up recovery between stations. It also plays a role in muscle preservation during post-injury rehabilitation phases. A must-have for any serious athlete.

QNT Collagen — Joint protection.

After meniscus surgery, collagen becomes strategic. It supports the regeneration of cartilage and connective tissue, reduces joint pain linked to repetitive effort, and protects tendons and ligaments over the long term. For an athlete who combines running with heavy loads, it's a long-term investment.

QNT Magnesium & Vitamins — The often overlooked foundation.

Magnesium is one of the most commonly deficient minerals among high-intensity athletes, yet it is essential for muscle contraction, stress management and sleep quality. Vitamins round things out: immunity, cellular energy, antioxidant recovery. Discreet but decisive micronutrients during heavy training cycles.

Metapure Crunchy Chocolate Bars — Everyday practical nutrition.

Between coaching sessions, after the evening workout, or on the road to a competition — Maxime recommends them without hesitation. A tasty protein bar that avoids nutritional compromises when time is short. "The Metapure crunchy chocolate bars — I'd genuinely recommend them."

His advice for those who want to get started

Maxime coaches dozens of athletes preparing for Hyrox. His observation is consistent: beginners compare themselves too much to social media, set unattainable times, and lose the fun before they've even started.

"Your time isn't the most important thing. It's everything you put in place to make it to the starting line. Hyrox should remain a fun sport above all."

His philosophy also applies to supplementation: no miracles, no shortcuts. Well-chosen fundamentals, taken regularly, adapted to your real needs. That's exactly the approach QNT has championed for over 30 years — quality products for serious athletes, at every level.

Next Step for Maxime : Competition in Barcelona in May.

Where to find Maxime ?

Maxime is mainly active on Instagram, where he shares his daily life as an athlete and coach: workouts, preparation tips, behind the scenes of competition and content on mindset and resilience.

Coaching requests and personalised programming also go through Instagram.

On the ground, he coaches in person at two facilities in the Mons area: his personal home studio and CrossFit de Mons.

His Instagram: @maximepetteno