At Apache, we’re always looking for ways to improve fitness in ways that actually translate to real-world strength and endurance. We lift, we run, we jump—but what if we told you one of the most effective ways to get fitter is as simple as putting weight on your back and walking?
Enter rucking—one of the most underrated, yet highly effective ways to build endurance, strength, and resilience. Whether you’re looking to break up the monotony of traditional cardio, improve your work capacity, or just try something new, rucking delivers—and it’s something anyone can do.
What is Rucking?
Rucking is walking or hiking while carrying weight in a backpack (also called a rucksack). It’s a foundational component of military training, but it’s not just for soldiers—rucking is an incredibly functional, accessible, and effective workout for everyday athletes.
All you need is a backpack and some weight. Throw in a 20 to 30 pound dumbbell (or anything heavy), and you’re ready to go. You can ruck solo, with a group, on trails, or around your neighborhood. It’s scalable for all fitness levels, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned athletes alike.
The Benefits of Rucking
1. It Builds Strength Without Beating Up Your Joints
Rucking is low-impact but high-reward. Unlike running, which can wear down your knees and ankles over time, rucking builds strength and endurance while reducing injury risk. You’re still working your legs, core, and back, but with far less pounding on your joints.
2. It Burns More Calories Than Walking
Want to burn more calories without running? Rucking is the answer. Adding weight increases the intensity of walking, forcing your body to work harder—without the strain of high-impact cardio.
💡 Fact: You can burn 3X the calories of regular walking while rucking. That’s a serious return on investment.
3. It Builds Core Strength and Posture
Most people spend their day sitting, slouching, and hunched over. Rucking forces you into better posture, strengthens your back, and reinforces core engagement. Over time, this leads to better movement patterns, reduced back pain, and improved overall strength.
4. It’s a Mental and Physical Challenge
Rucking is simple, but not easy. The extra weight adds a level of difficulty that builds mental toughness. Whether you’re pushing through fatigue, battling the elements, or grinding out the last few miles, rucking develops resilience—the kind of strength that carries over into everything else you do.
5. It Makes You Better at Everything Else
Adding rucking to your training doesn’t just build endurance—it improves your ability to perform in other workouts. You’ll see benefits in:
✅ Strength Work: Carrying weight over time improves leg endurance and core stability—key for squats, deadlifts, and Olympic lifting.
✅ Conditioning Work: Rucking is a great way to build aerobic capacity while still engaging your muscles. It’s cardio without the burnout.
✅ Everyday Life: Whether it’s carrying groceries, hiking, or simply moving better throughout the day, rucking makes real-world activities easier.
6. It’s More Fun with a Group
One of the best parts about rucking? It’s social. Instead of staring at a treadmill or grinding through a solo run, rucking gives you the chance to move, talk, and train with others. It’s fitness and community wrapped into one.
Join the Apache Ruck Club
We’re kicking off the Apache Ruck Club as a way to train, challenge ourselves, and have fun. Whether you’re looking to switch things up, add more endurance training, or just get outside, rucking is for you.
No experience necessary. No fancy equipment needed. Just a backpack, some weight, and a willingness to move.
We’ll provide the motivation and a solid group to ruck with. Our goal? Get stronger, build endurance, and have some fun.
Want in? Stay tuned for our next ruck session and join us for some miles, good company, and a whole lot of fitness.
Let’s ruck! 💪🎒