Why Rucking is the New Type of Workout Everyone Should Try
Radhika Hitkari | Jan 14, 2026, 12:14 IST
rucking
Image credit : freepik
In this article, we will discuss what rucking is, its origin, and how it can improve overall body fitness. We will also explore the key benefits of rucking. Also, this article explains how to do rucking effectively, making it an easy and practical exercise option for beginners and fitness enthusiasts.
What is rucking ?
Rucking is a kind of walking wherein people are supposed to walk with a weighted backpack. It is an easy form of exercise as well, which originally came from military training so that soldiers can carry heavy supplies for long distances. This form of walking is an easy way to maintain overall body fitness without engaging in extensive gym exercises.
Benefits of Rucking
rucking
Image credit : freepik
Improves Cardiovascular Health: Rucking is an effective way to improve cardiovascular health, as it allows the lungs and heart to function more effectively to increase the body's stamina.
Helps burn calories: Rucking helps people burn calories faster in comparison to regular walking, as people require more energy when they are walking with an extra weight.
Enhances muscle strength: Rucking helps enhance muscle strength. It engages the different muscles in the body, like in the legs and shoulders, etc., for carrying the weight.
Helps in weight management: It is a way through which people can manage their body weight without going for any extensive workout regime and also maintain their health.
Improves body posture: Usually while rucking, people focus on maintaining upright posture of the body, as they are carrying weight and they need their muscles to maintain balance.
How to do rucking effectively
To ruck effectively, start by using less heavy backpacks and try to walk with them for some distance slowly and gradually for some days without adding any extra pressure.
Try to gradually increase the weight of the backpack and increase the distance for walking, which can help in making the body used to walking with weight and would help in burning body calories as well.
Focus on maintaining the correct posture of the body while walking, and do some warm-ups before starting to do rucking to prepare the body and boost energy levels.
Make sure to wear some comfortable footwear while doing rucking, as that will help in walking more effectively, especially with the added extra weight, to avoid tripping or falling, which could cause an injury.
Try to do rucking 2 or 3 times a week and focus on doing it for at least 20 to 30 minutes to get the effective results, as it could help in improving the fitness of the body.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Why has rucking become so popular?
As an exercise tool, rucking is a simple yet effective full-body workout that combines cardio, strength training, and functional movement. - Can I build muscle by rucking?
A good rucking regimen won't just improve your cardiovascular health. It will help you build muscle strength and endurance, too. Carrying weight while walking adds resistance that works your muscles. - What are the negatives of rucking?
Rucking too far, too often, or carrying a load that's too heavy for your current ability level may cause lower body, lower back, shoulder, or neck pain. - Does rucking increase testosterone?
Rucking is the kind of activity that can support testosterone production, especially in the short term.