Rucking and the like

[Will_m]

Being ever hateful of cardio in all its forms, I am continually looking to try new things to keep from becoming bored. I have been reading recently about rucking and its popularity. It looks to be functional and like it would have some good carryover into hunting. Anybody do this type of stuff?

 

[muellermv1]

Absolutely, it won't increase your mile time but as far as cardio it works well, I'm not a fan of running so I opt for the heavy pack instead. It can take a toll on your knees if your bot carefully though. I'll do 2-6 miles depending on time 4 days a week with about 40lbs then 1 day of a 2-3 miles with 70-80 lbs. I can't move really fast but I can move forever while in the mountains. I would say use a good pack or you'll pay for it once you start putting weight in it....

 

[justinspicher]

It's all I do for cardio, I will only run if something is chasing me.

 

[elkyinzer]

I guess I do to train for elk season, although I have never referred to it as rucking. I do 2-3 miles, 2-5 times/week starting around May/June, with a 45 pound sandbag + 2L water in my MR pack. Weekends throughout the year I'll mix in much longer trips. Once every couple weeks I add a second sandbag to get to 90 lbs, but that kind of weight isn't good for the joints on a regular basis. I have a couple 1,000' ridges nearby that are really steep so it's no doubt a really functional hunting workout. If you live in the midwest and only have flatlands nearby, I would imagine you still want to be building the climbing muscles on stairs or whatever you can.

I don't do distance running so I struggle to keep cardio interesting as well, especially in the winter. I mix in mountain biking and kayaking to keep from getting bored throughout the warmer months. Once a week i run intervals/wind sprints - sprint 80-100 yards, jog/walk back, go again right away. Repeat 8-12 times depending how I'm feeling. In my unscientific opinion this builds the lung capacity faster than anything else I do.

 

[KHNC]

I assume you read an article on GORUCK referring to rucking. Myself, and several others on here, have participated in their challenge events. I have used rucking for fitness several years now. No better way to get in shape for the mountains in my opinion. It will strengthen your legs, torso and back, while also helping your cardio. Much better on your knees than running, especially if you hate running as I do! I use a GORUCK GR1 ruck with 6 bricks. (40lbs) Sometimes I will throw on my 85lb sandbag to climb some hills. I try to move at a 13:30-14 min mile pace while hitting a few hills. Generally I only do 2-3 miles at a time due to time constraints. Its an awesome workout!

 

[Will_m]

Glad to see it's so popular, I'll definitely be mixing it in with some sprints in my program. I was worried about it being hard on the joints but I take it that's a non issue as long as you don't repetitively do it with "meat packing" weight. Sure do hate that devil running/jogging.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I ruck probably four times a week, just didn't realize it was called that.

 

[justinspicher]

I did learn last year that carrying a sandbag doesn't accurately account for the volume your gear will take up in a pack. Now I pack for scenarios and carry actual gear vs. just weight.