What is Rucking?

The million-dollar question is, what on earth is rucking? This is the purpose of our website, our passion, and something we cannot stop thinking about. That is why we created Ruckliving. We want to amplify the message and let people know what rucking is, what you should consider if you would like to start rucking, tips for advanced ruckers, and create a knowledge base about this amazing practice.

Now, let's get into it! So what is rucking?

If you're searching for a new way to improve your fitness and enjoy the great outdoors, you might have heard of a workout called rucking. But what is rucking, and how can it enhance your exercise routine? This guide will introduce you to this unique form of exercise, its benefits, and how you can get started.

Defining Rucking

Simply put, rucking is a workout that involves walking or running while carrying a weighted pack on your back. The word "ruck" is short for rucksack, which is military jargon for a backpack. Rucking was initially a military exercise used to train soldiers to carry heavy loads over long distances. Today, it has evolved into a popular fitness activity enjoyed by people of all fitness levels around the world.

The Rucking Exercise

A typical rucking exercise involves walking or jogging with a weighted rucksack for a set distance or time. The weight in your pack and the distance or speed at which you move determines the intensity of the workout. This exercise can be easily modified to match your fitness level and goals, making it a versatile workout for everyone.

Benefits of Rucking

Rucking has numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. Here are some of the key advantages:

• Full-body workout: Rucking engages multiple muscle groups, providing a balanced workout that combines cardio and strength training.

• Calorie burning: Carrying extra weight increases the number of calories you burn compared to regular walking or jogging.

• Low impact: Unlike running, rucking is low-impact, making it easier on your joints.

• Outdoor enjoyment: Rucking encourages you to spend time outdoors, enjoying nature while exercising.

Rucking Workouts and Ruck Marching

Incorporating rucking workouts into your routine can add variety and challenge. These can range from simple ruck walks to more complex workouts that include exercises like squats, lunges, and push-ups with the rucksack on.

Moreover, if you're interested in the military aspect of rucking, you can delve into ruck marching. This refers to the practice of marching for long distances with a heavily loaded rucksack, often as part of military training. It requires not only physical strength but also mental toughness and resilience.

Getting Started with Rucking

Starting with rucking is relatively straightforward. All you need is a good-quality backpack, some weight (which could be anything from books to specially designed ruck plates), comfortable footwear, and a safe route to walk or run. Start with a weight and distance that feels comfortable for you and gradually increase as your fitness improves.

Conclusion and Thoughts on Rucking

Rucking is a versatile, effective, and enjoyable form of exercise that can benefit anyone, regardless of their fitness level. Whether you're looking for a new workout to mix up your routine, train for a specific event, or simply enjoy the great outdoors, rucking could be the perfect fit for you.

Some people criticize the concept of rucking. They say putting on a backpack and going for a walk or going hiking is something that is not new to us humans. They are not wrong. some of us were in the military ourselves and never heard the term "rucking" before, although we practiced it every day, so I definitely do not blame them.

It's also been criticized for having commercial purposes so brands like GoRuck that produce rucking-specific gear can benefit from it. They might not be wrong either.

But quite frankly, whatever the reason is, we think that if it manages to increase the exercise levels in people, improve their mental health, and other myriad benefits the practice entails…. Call it rucking, hiking, walking with a weighted backpack, or whatever name you want to give it, it is an amazing thing and we are here to amplify its effects!

So why not give rucking a try? Grab a rucksack (or call it a backpack!), load it up, and start your rucking journey today!