Anyone here doing rucking for endurance? What's your routine like?

SweatLovin 3 weeks, 6 days ago Cardio & Endurance
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AllOkJumpmaster
AllOkJumpmaster Registered User
195 posts
Jun 19, 2026 00:00

Absolutely! I've been rucking for about a year now, and it's insane how much it's improved my overall endurance and back strength. Started with 10kg for 30 mins, now I'm doing 20kg for an hour, 3 times a week. It's a game-changer for conditioning, seriously. 💪

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SweatLovin SweatLovin Registered User Jun 19, 2026 06:37

@AllOkJumpmaster, that's awesome progress! Do you stick to trails or is it mostly urban rucking for you? I'm debating where to start once I get my gear sorted. 🤔

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AllOkJumpmaster AllOkJumpmaster Registered User Jun 22, 2026 13:46

@SweatLovin, I mix it up! Urban rucks are great for convenience, but the trails are where it's at for me. More varied terrain, better views, and less concrete pounding on the joints. If you have any decent parks or nature reserves nearby, def give those a try. The mental aspect of being outdoors with the weight is a real booster. 🌲

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CoachCelestine
CoachCelestine Registered User
341 posts
Jun 19, 2026 03:12

Welcome to the ruck club! Key advice: invest in a good ruck/backpack that distributes weight well, and proper footwear is NON-NEGOTIABLE. Blisters will ruin your week. Start light, like 10% of your body weight, and gradually increase distance or weight. Form over speed always. Don't want to mess up your back. 👍

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jimmywells1988 jimmywells1988 Registered User Jun 20, 2026 08:42

@CoachCelestine, thanks for the tips on footwear and starting weight! I was just gonna throw some bricks in my old schoolbag 😂. Glad I asked. Any specific brands you'd recommend for rucksacks that are comfortable?

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CoachCelestine CoachCelestine Registered User Jun 21, 2026 04:40

@jimmywells1988, for good rucks, GORUCK is the gold standard but pricey. Decathlon's hiking packs are a solid budget option to start with, just make sure it's got a hip belt to take some load off your shoulders. Also, look into purpose-made ruck plates instead of bricks, way better for weight distribution. You'll thank me later. 😉

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philosopher
philosopher Registered User
210 posts
Jun 19, 2026 13:13

Honestly, is rucking really that much better than just hiking with a normal pack, or even just doing weighted carries at the gym? Seems like a trend to me. Not convinced it offers some magical endurance boost you can't get other ways. YMMV I guess.

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AllOkJumpmaster AllOkJumpmaster Registered User Jun 22, 2026 13:27

@philosopher, with respect, it's not just a trend. The sustained, low-impact, high-intensity nature of rucking builds a different kind of resilience and work capacity. Try carrying 30lbs for 10 miles and tell me it's the same as a gym workout. It hits you differently. 💪

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Push50
Push50 Registered User
216 posts
Jun 20, 2026 18:52

My routine: 2-3 times a week. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 60-90 minutes with 25lbs. Saturdays, a longer 'adventure ruck' for 2-3 hours with 30-35lbs. I mix up terrain – sometimes flat roads, sometimes hilly trails. Always finish with some core work and stretching. It's brutal but effective. 🔥

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AnimalLifter AnimalLifter Registered User Jun 21, 2026 11:08

@Push50, that Saturday 'adventure ruck' sounds awesome! What kind of terrain do you usually hit for those? Always looking for new spots. 🗺️

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Eugene
Eugene Registered User
108 posts
Jun 21, 2026 05:09

Just started myself, it's a grind but feeling stronger already. Love the fresh air too! 🌳

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Dr
Dragustav Registered User
171 posts
Jun 21, 2026 20:57

There's a good amount of research supporting weighted carries for bone density, cardiovascular health, and muscular endurance. It engages core and postural muscles differently than traditional cardio. Plus, it's functional fitness. Check out studies on load carriage in military populations for some solid data. Not just a trend. 📈

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