If you’ve left your “Summer bodies are made in Winter” run a little late, then rucking offers a very enticing last-minute solution to getting fit fast. This simple yet powerful form of exercise is gaining traction worldwide, and now, thanks to the launch of Ruksak, Australia’s first official rucking brand, it’s set to take the wellness world by storm. As someone who recently tried rucking myself, here’s why adding weight to my workout ironically helped shed the extra baggage in more ways than one.
What is rucking?
Rucking is essentially walking with a weighted backpack, and it’s as simple as it sounds. The beauty of it lies in its accessibility. Unlike high-intensity workouts that require expensive gear or advanced skills, rucking is for everyone. All you need is a rucksack (or RUKSAK’s RukVest) with some weight, and you’re ready to go. What makes it appealing is that it burns 2-3 times more calories than walking, while also boosting bone density, muscle endurance, and cardiovascular health. The ability to tailor the weight to your fitness level means you can start small and progress at your own pace. It’s exercise that fits around your life.
How rucking works
Rucking taps into an old-school, primal form of movement that’s been used in military training for centuries. It’s low-impact, making it perfect for those who want to avoid the wear and tear of running. And because it’s scalable, anyone can do it, regardless of fitness level. The ability to customise your weight, distance, and pace means you’re in control of your workout every step of the way.
Beyond weight loss, the benefits of rucking extend to various aspects of health. For one, it’s a brilliant way to build cardiovascular fitness without needing to run. The added weight works your muscles, particularly in the legs and core, while improving endurance. It’s also excellent for bone health—something that becomes increasingly important as we age.
What makes rucking truly stand out, though, is the mental clarity it provides. Walking in nature, with the added challenge of weight, feels purposeful. It’s meditative but active—a powerful combination that makes you want to keep going.
I got “rucked” …. and here’s what happened
Okay, so while the maths of the main headline of this piece might not make obvious sense, strapping on the five kilo vest really did help me lose 2 kilos in five weeks. Without a single other change to my workout or diet. I’m someone who enjoys staying active but often struggles with the monotony of workouts. So when I put on a 5kg RukSak RukVest, I wasn’t sure what to expect. To my surprise, what followed was a mix of effort and ease – a simple walk, but with a noticeable challenge. The weight adds intensity without feeling overwhelming, and after a few sessions, I began to feel the benefits in unexpected ways.
For starters, rucking made me realise how much I’d underestimated the power of walking. Adding weight transformed what felt like a leisurely activity into a full-body workout. I felt my posture improve, my core engage, and muscles work in ways that a regular walk simply doesn’t activate. After a month and a bit, I’d lost two kilos, and the change wasn’t just physical – I felt stronger, more energised, and more motivated to get outside.
