“The chief competitive advantage in this sport is the ability to endure discomfort. The willingness to sacrifice comfort is what makes all the other gains possible.” J.C. Herz.
I’ve been living in Prague for several years now, and the elegance, excellent food, and vibrant atmosphere came as no surprise. What did surprise me, however, was the huge interest in CrossFit and the number of boxes spread across the city.
As soon as the first warm days arrive, Czechs naturally move their daily activities outdoors – and the same goes for training. In the parks near my home, I’ve been noticing more and more people taking their WODs outside, making use of outdoor gyms to build fitness, strength and endurance under the sun and in unpredictable conditions.There’s a rawness to these workouts that I like.
But to take your WOD outside, you need gear that can handle the heat and help you perform at your best.
1. CrossFit Sunscreen That Won’t Ruin Your Grip
As we all know, applying sunscreen should be part of our daily routine, especially on sunny days, and we shouldn’t skip it when training outdoors.
Traditional products can break down quickly when sweat hits, reducing their effectiveness and forcing us to reapply. That constant interruption can take your focus off the WOD, so choosing a formula that stays put is just as important as the training itself.
Dry-touch or mineral-based sport formulas stay in place even under sweat and can be quickly reapplied between efforts. For traditional cream-based application, products like Thinksport Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+ provide reliable coverage with minimal residue.
If you prefer a lighter, more fluid option, Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer range glides on easily and absorbs quickly. For longer sessions or on-the-go reapplication, a lightweight spray, such as Kinesys, can be a practical alternative that keeps you protected without slowing you down.
2. Lightweight, Breathable Caps for Hot WODs
Heat and sweat are inevitable when doing your WOD outdoors in the summer, but it’s still important to manage them—and a good breathable cap is essential.
Standard cotton caps tend to retain heat, which can gradually reduce performance over time. The last thing you need is to feel even hotter when you’re operating at a high heart rate whilst out in the sun.
A proper cap also helps keep the sunlight out of your eyes during high-rep snatches, push presses, or other overhead movements. Lightweight designs such as the Outdoor Research Swift Cap provide sun protection (UPF40) without significantly increasing heat retention, making them well-suited to this type of training.
3. Non-Slip Sunglasses for Outdoor Training
My focus disappears fast if I have to constantly adjust my sunglasses during a run or during box jumps. And that’s not even the worst part – trying to fix them mid-handstand or during push-ups is basically impossible.
When I switched from everyday sunglasses to a pair made specifically for sport, I prioritized a secure fit, grip-enhanced frames, and polarized lenses—so my eyewear stays functional without ever getting in the way of my workout. Brands like Goodr have gained traction among functional athletes for offering this balance of stability and simplicity without overengineering the solution.
4. Hydration Solutions That Last the Whole WOD
I know that if my water is warm, I’ll probably drink less, and I’ve learned to plan for that.
Insulated bottles help keep beverages at the right temperature, encouraging consistent hydration. When workouts get longer or more intense, adding electrolytes can support performance by replacing lost sodium. This is perfect for longer metcons or monostructural work that lasts for 30+ minutes.
For workouts that stay in one location, durable insulated bottles like Iron Flask are a reliable choice, while soft flaks from Salomon work best for sessions where running is the main focus.
5. Bug Protection Without Interruptions
Not something I have to worry about too much in central Europe, but on my travels I’ve been in plenty of locations where mosquitoes and bugs come out to spoil everyone’s fun.
Plant-based repellents with lemon eucalyptus are a lightweight, practical option, and they’re easy to reapply whenever needed. If you’d rather avoid sprays altogether, repellent bracelets, like those from Cliganic, provide a simple, low-maintenance alternative that works well in environments where you’re exposed for long periods.
The “Hybrid” Training Tip: Chafing prevention
And finally, a bonus tip: if you’re moving from a heavy lifting session to an outdoor run, don’t forget your Body Glide. Chafing is the silent enemy of any outdoor WOD, but a quick pre-workout application of an anti-chafe balm is usually all it takes to prevent it. High rep air squats (I’m looking at you Murph) in the wrong shorts, or other repetitive exercises are uncomfortable at the best of times, don’t let the experience become the worst of times because of chafing.
Training outdoors builds a different kind of ‘fit.’ It tests your aerobic capacity, anaerobic ability, strength, willpower and your ability to adapt to the environment.
Watching people in Prague take their WODs to the park, it’s clear why these five essentials are so important – we all rely on them. These athletes are focused, prepared, and equipped to handle tough conditions.
Luckily, the products don’t take up much space in your bag, and they ensure your session won’t fall apart halfway through.
As Brent Fikowski, aka “The Professor” said, “Head first towards the uncomfortable”, but don’t forget to take your Outside-The-Box essentials with you.
