Former Royal Guard and current military trainer, Farren Morgan, has shared his secrets to enhancing your workout routine without stepping foot in a gym: “Turn every walk into an opportunity to train your body.”
The activity Morgan proposes is rucking, or walk-carrying, which has gained traction on TikTok with millions of views. It is a fundamental human physical activity that offers numerous health benefits.
1 Benefits of Rucking
To embark on your rucking journey, careful preparation is key. Start with a light backpack and gradually increase the weight to allow your body to adjust. Don’t forget to stay hydrated by carrying water with you.
Rucking offers a plethora of benefits:
Improved Endurance and Physical Strength
According to Morgan, brisk daily rucking is an excellent method to enhance endurance and physical strength, while stimulating the heart and lungs. All you need to get started are a good pair of walking shoes, a backpack, and some weight to put inside.
Instructions:
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Maintain a sturdy posture: Keep your back straight, shoulders back, and ensure the backpack’s weight is evenly distributed across your back.
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Warm-up: Begin by walking briskly at a steady pace, enough to get your heart pumping but still comfortable for conversation.
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Goal: Aim for a moderate distance of 2.5 to 5 miles, challenging yourself without pushing too hard.
Rucking boosts endurance and physical strength
Effective Calorie Burning
Fitness expert Farren Morgan suggests that extending your rucking route will not only burn more calories but also provide additional health benefits. This exercise boosts metabolic performance and increases your step count, which is crucial for cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Instructions:
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Maintain a faster walking pace than your usual comfortable speed.
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Incorporate short bursts of faster walking to increase the intensity.
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Target a distance of 4 to 6 miles, adjusting based on your fitness level and terrain difficulty.
Choose rugged terrain for rucking
Strength Building
Morgan believes that each step on rugged terrain is not just a challenge but also an opportunity to strengthen your muscles, from your legs to your core and upper body. Furthermore, hiking with a heavy backpack helps fortify your bones and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. Every step you take on uneven ground is like a flexibility and joint mobility exercise.
Instructions:
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Opt for challenging terrain such as hilly areas or trails with obstacles.
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Maintain a steady pace, focusing on engaging your core, glutes, and leg muscles with each step.
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Keep the distance shorter, around 2 to 4 miles, to prioritize strength building over endurance.
2 How Much Weight Should You Carry in Your Backpack for Rucking?
Expert Morgan advises that when starting out, gradually increase the weight in your backpack along with your speed and intensity. As you feel ready, slowly ramp up the difficulty, turning each step into an opportunity to build strength. Remember, when you’re just starting, your backpack should weigh no more than 5-10% of your body weight. For example, if you weigh 132 lbs, your backpack should weigh no more than 6.6 to 13.2 lbs.
Opt for a military backpack for durability and adjustability
In addition to gradually increasing the weight, start with shorter distances and extend them over time. You can begin with 1.2 miles, once a week, and then gradually increase both the distance and frequency.
Morgan recommends using a military backpack for its durability, strength, and adjustable straps to ensure comfort throughout your journey. Fill your backpack with books, water bottles, and use clothes or towels to secure them in place. These items will also come in handy when you reach your destination.
Lastly, consult your doctor before starting any exercise program to ensure your safety and well-being.
“Burning” 1500 calories every hour through rucking is no easy feat, but it’s achievable with a combination of a sensible diet and scientific training. Start today to achieve a slimmer figure and robust health.