Rucking: My New Fitness Obsession

Discovering the Benefits of Rucking: My Personal Journey

As an avid hiker, I’ve always enjoyed the tranquility and physical challenge of exploring nature. Recently, I discovered a new twist to my weekly hikes that has taken my fitness to the next level: rucking. For those unfamiliar, rucking involves walking or hiking with a weighted backpack, and it has quickly become a staple in my fitness routine. Here’s why I’ve embraced rucking and how it’s benefiting me.

Scroll down to watch my video on rucking, and also see my walks planned for 2025!

What is Rucking?

Rucking is a fitness activity that combines walking or hiking with carrying a weighted backpack, or rucksack. This practice has its roots in military training, where soldiers carry heavy packs to build endurance and strength. It’s a simple yet effective way to enhance your workout by adding resistance, making each step more challenging.

Why I Started Rucking

Given my love for hiking, incorporating rucking into my routine felt like a natural progression. I was looking for a way to intensify my hikes without drastically changing my routine. Rucking provided the perfect solution. By adding weight to my backpack, I could increase the physical demands of my hikes, pushing my body to adapt and grow stronger.

Scroll down to see the benefits.

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The Benefits I’ve Experienced

Since I started rucking, I’ve noticed several significant benefits:

Enhanced Cardiovascular Health: The added weight increases my heart rate, providing a more intense cardiovascular workout. I’ve felt my endurance improve with each hike.
Strength and Muscle Building: Rucking engages multiple muscle groups, including my core, shoulders, back, and legs. I’ve noticed increased muscle tone and strength, particularly in my lower body.
Calorie Burning: Rucking burns more calories than regular walking or hiking. It’s a great way to boost my metabolism and manage my weight.
Improved Posture: Carrying a weighted backpack encourages better posture. I’ve found myself standing taller and feeling more aligned.
Mental Health Benefits: Rucking has also been a great way to clear my mind and reduce stress. The combination of physical exertion and being outdoors is incredibly therapeutic.

Tips for Getting Started with Rucking

If you’re interested in trying rucking, here are some tips to help you get started:

Choose the Right Backpack: Any sturdy backpack will do, but there are rucksacks specifically designed for rucking that offer better support and comfort.
Start with Manageable Weight: Begin with a lighter weight, such as books, dumbbells, or water bottles. By using water bottles, I could simply empty some bottles when I got exhausted, making it easy to adjust the weight as needed. Gradually increase the weight as you build strength and endurance.
Focus on Form: Maintain good posture by keeping your shoulders back and your core engaged. This will help prevent injury and maximize the benefits of rucking.
Gradually Increase Distance and Weight: Start with shorter distances and lighter weights, then gradually increase both as your fitness improves.
Stay Hydrated and Listen to Your Body: Rucking can be demanding, so it’s important to stay hydrated and pay attention to how your body feels. Rest when needed and don’t push yourself too hard too quickly.

Conclusion

Rucking has been a game-changer for my fitness routine. It’s a simple yet effective way to enhance my hikes, build strength, and improve my overall health. If you’re looking for a new challenge or a way to intensify your workouts, I highly recommend giving rucking a try. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just starting out, rucking can offer a range of benefits that will take your fitness to the next level.

Linda xx

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