Has anyone tried rucking?

[SaltedCaramelSlice]

I’ve just come across rucking and I’m quite intrigued (it’s basically walking with some weights in a rucksack). Has anyone tried it? If so, any tips for a beginner? I’m not very cardio fit but walk the dog twice a day so this could be an easy add-on. I do yoga so have a bit of strength but key focus this year is improving overall fitness.

Not rucking, but I have my 3 year old in a back carrier when I do long walks with the dogs, so basically the same. It's a very good workout. I recommend you start with a relatively flat route, hills are really hard work

Thanks @CloakOfNope, that sounds like a very good workout!

I've come across this too! Thought it might be an alternative to running and help with strength too? So far it's just consisted of getting heavy bottles of milk on walks to the supermarket..

Just wondering if and how it's still going for you OP?

I've started with 5kg on a country road. I quite like it so far.

Anyone?!

Sorry I only clicked because I thought it was a rugby thread!

I'd be wary of this in terms of risks of injury to shoulders and back, and increased impact on joints generally.

Yes, twice a week I go to the supermarket & then carry it all home in my rucksack.
However, I agree with @Mongrelsrbeautiful , too much weight over too great a distance can be uncomfortable.

I've started with a 5kg vest on a country road - some small hills but mostly flat. I do find the best can make my shoulders sore but it's also an enjoyable way to walk so I don't know!!!!

• the vest

This sounds interesting although I am prone to dodgy discs in my back playing silly buggers so I am always really careful not too carry much weight on my back!
The weighted vest might be a better idea, presumably it’s more balanced and also has some weight in the front?

I’ve just ordered a weighted vest because I’m 65 in September and realised that my slow heart rate is not good. Dr Paddy Barrett on Instagram suggested either the weighted vest or lots of walking uphill, which I just don’t have the time for. Weighted vests seem to be good for bone strength as well as heart rate and I’d be very interested to learn of other people’s experiences

Also starting rucking, just using the treadmill for 20 mins initially and I'll progress to outdoor walks next week hopefully. I'm using 6kg and it is uncomfortable on the shoulders but not sore or painful. Very interested in how others are getting on with it. @HoppityBun I also follow Dr Paddy Barrett, I love his commitment to educating followers , he keeps his content short and concise. Great to have regular evidence based health promoting content. Anyone else using rucking for better health/ fitness/ weight management ?

Is anyone still doing this? I walk a lot (approx 20,000 steps a day) and am wondering if adding some weights (hand weights or backpack) might add some benefits?

I'm also trying to lose a few pounds but not being successful. I'm already at a healthy weight/BMI, but know that I feel & look better around 7 pounds lighter. I'm quite short and already eat healthily & quite low calories, so looking to see if I can boost my weight loss through exercise.

It will help in the sense that it will make your cardio workout harder, as long as you are aiming to keep up the same pace that you walk without the added weight. This will increase your calorie expenditure which will help in terms of losing weight.