Rucking might sound like something weird. It doesn’t necessarily seem like it would be an exercise, but it sure is! Here are 15 reasons why rucking is the only exercise you need.
What Is Rucking?
First, let’s define what rucking is. Rucking is when you go for a walk with a weighted backpack on. You have probably rucked and didn’t even know it – like when you were in school and used to carry books in your backpack. It’s a pretty simple thing to do and will give you a serious workout.
You Burn More When Rucking
You can walk without a backpack, but then you will burn less calories. When rucking, you are amping up the amount of calories you are burning and getting good exercise in. Rucking can burn almost as many calories as running but with less strain on your body.
Anyone Can Ruck
It doesn’t matter your age or your body type; anyone can ruck. It is not too much of a strain on your back or body, making it easy to do. You can do rucking at any fitness level, there are no rules to it!
Not Much Equipment Is Used
All you need equipment-wise is a backpack and some items to go in your backpack. Or if you want to really work out your body, you can put an actual dumbbell in your bag. The lack of equipment doesn’t mean there will be a lack of a workout though. You will definitely still feel the burn!
Strengthen Your Back and Shoulders
Because you have a bag on your back and shoulders, you are working them out to the fullest. This might cause a soreness, but you will be glad you rucked in the end. Your posture might even improve because the backpack pulls your shoulders back and aligns them. All great reasons to ruck.
Be Prepared for Emergencies
You never know when you will have to walk a long distance with something on your back to survive. There might be a time where you are stuck in a snowy situation and need to carry things on your back. Or you might be hiking with someone, and they hurt themselves, so you need to carry them back. You never know what emergencies life will bring you, but you should be prepared for them!
Rucking Costs Little Money
You will need to buy a backpack to ruck with and possibly a weight to go into it. After that, there is no real cost to just go out there and walk. You don’t have to worry about gym membership fees and you can spend little to no money to exercise wherever you want.
Trains Upper Body and Legs at the Same Time
While rucking, you will not only be working out your legs, but you will also be working out your upper body. The walking takes care of your legs, and the weight of your backpack will help with your upper body. You will also get a good core workout too! Is there anything rucking can’t do?
Helps With Mental Health and Sleep
Getting any exercise will help your mental health. You will release endorphins, which help to improve your mood. You will be happier and healthier. You will also sleep better than before because you will have gotten such a great workout.
Strengthens Your Bones
Everyone wants strong bones! As time goes on, your bones could become more brittle and more likely to break. Rucking gives you strength training without having to lift heavy weights. This, in turn, gives you stronger bones.
Impacts Your Body Less Than Running
Running is great exercise, but it can be tough on your body. You could eventually have issues with your knees and hips from running. Rucking is a lower impact but can be just as effective as running. Ruck your way into adventure, your body will thank you later.
It Can Help You Bulk Up or Trim Down
If you feel like you need to bulk up or trim down, rucking is the perfect exercise for you! The weight of your backpack will help build muscle, and it will also help you lose weight. You can kill two birds with one stone!
Rucking Can Be Done Anywhere
Rucking can be done out in nature. It can also be done while you are going shopping. It can also be done in a gym. There are plenty of places you can ruck and there is no rule saying you have to do it at one place or another.
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Take Your Best Furry Friend With You While You Ruck
You can ruck with humans, but you can also do it with your best furry friend. Dogs love to be one with nature, and this will allow you to take them outside and get them to exercise, too.
Read More: 10 Essential Items to Pack for Your Next Adventure
Rucking Is Natural
Rucking takes natural body movements and puts them on display. You just have to walk with a backpack to ruck, and that’s pretty natural for most people. You don’t have to do uncomfortable bending or stretching with this exercise, which is great!
Read More: 10 Physical Activities That Don’t Feel Like Exercise
