From the Gym to the Outdoors: The Best Ways to Train for an Active Summer

Training & PerformanceFitness & Lifestyle
Written By Chrissy Birtwistle

Why Train for an Active Summer?

Longer days. Warmer weather. Endless adventure opportunities. When summer arrives in Wrexham, it’s the perfect time to take your fitness beyond the gym walls. Whether it’s hiking the hills of Moel Famau, kayaking down the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, or running a local race, your summer can be as active as you make it.

Training now means saying “yes” to every adventure later. And at CrossFit Wrexham, we’re here to make sure your body is strong, mobile, and prepared for whatever Wrexham (and beyond) throws your way.

Summer prep starts now. Build your base indoors, then take it outside with confidence.

Strength & Conditioning: Building a Solid Base Indoors

When it comes to outdoor activities in Wrexham - like paddle boarding at Park in the Past or trail running through Erddig - strength matters. Building a solid foundation indoors with functional fitness movements helps you move better, for longer, with less risk of injury.

Key CrossFit movements that support outdoor activities:

Squats & Deadlifts – For powering up hills, carrying gear, or keeping up with the kids on long summer days.

Pull-ups & Rows – For climbing, scrambling, or paddle sports.

Core Work – For stability in kayaking, swimming, paddle boarding, and even cycling.

Fundamental exercises in CrossFit such as planks, squats, push-ups, burpees, lunges, and deadlifts can support long distance running and endurance activities

CrossFit’s functional approach prepares you for real-world, unpredictable movement - just like the outdoors. Training indoors builds the strength and conditioning that lets you enjoy the outdoors more confidently.

CrossFit Wrexham member

“CrossFit has not only made strength training fun and functional it has really worked. After 3 ultra marathons last year including a 100 miler, plus a marathon and a half marathon, I ended the season with no pain.”

Cat Eassom - Ultra & Marathon Runner, CFW Member

How incorporating CrossFit training has positively impacted member Cat Esom outside of the gym

British Age Group triathlete and endurance athlete, Cat Esom, joined CrossFit Wrexham in October 2023 after a period of failed strength training on her own in the gym. As a committed athlete, she had so many goals to achieve but ongoing issues with her hamstring were setting her back. By incorporating regular CrossFit workouts into her routine throughout winter, she’s now strong enough to head into a full distance IronMan this summer, before returning to the British triathlon team.

The Role of Mobility & Recovery

Switching from gym training to outdoor activities places new demands on your body. That’s where mobility comes in.

CrossFit Wrexham programmes include mobility drills that keep you moving well and help prevent injuries from summer sports.

Mobility Essentials:

Shoulder Mobility – Key for paddling, climbing, and swimming.

Hip & Ankle Openers – Crucial for hiking, running, and explosive movements.

Dynamic Warm-ups & Cool-downs – Get your body ready for movement, then help it recover.

Recovery is just as important:

Hydration & Nutrition – Fuel your body with high-quality protein, carbs, and plenty of water.

Sleep & Rest – Let your body rebuild between sessions.

Active Recovery – Yoga, walking, or swimming are great ways to stay moving without overtraining.

Community & Challenges: Train Together, Take it Outside

At CrossFit Wrexham, we don’t just train together - we explore together too. From weekend hikes to group runs, our community loves taking fitness outside. Whether it’s your first 10k or you’re adding another Fan Dance to your completed challenges, the support you’ll find here is unmatched.

Join us this summer

Burgers & Burpees – The best way to bring in the summer months with the community

The Fan Dance Challenge – Over 50 members have taken it on

Local Races & Events around Wrexham and Chester:

Try These Outdoor Activities in Wrexham:

Summer prep starts noW

CrossFit is built on functional movements - things like squatting, lifting, pulling, pushing, jumping, and running. These aren’t just exercises; they’re movements you use every day, and they translate seamlessly to outdoor adventures.

When you train with intensity, variety, and intention in the gym, your body becomes more adaptable. 

That means:

  • You're better prepared to tackle uneven trails, scramble over rocks, or carry gear on long hikes.

  • You build stamina and resilience for endurance events like trail runs, triathlons, or long paddles.

  • You move more confidently and recover faster - so you can say “yes” to more summer fun.

And because CrossFit focuses on mobility, strength, conditioning, and recovery, you’re less likely to get sidelined by injury when you take your fitness outdoors.

Join our community in preparation for an active summer in Wrexham and benefit from:

  • Expert coaching

  • Tailored On Ramp Programme for all fitness levels

  • A community that lifts you up - literally and figuratively

Ready to make your summer the most active one yet?
Book your No Sweat Intro with Coach Chrissy and take the first step today.

Chrissy Birtwistle
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