How Rucking Can Transform Your Fitness

In this episode of the By Land Podcast, I sit down with Bria Ruben, co-founder of Ruck Evolution, to explore the benefits of rucking—a simple yet powerful way to build fitness, mental resilience, and community. Rucking is walking with weight, and it’s one of the most accessible, low-impact ways to increase endurance and strength.  

Bria shares how she discovered rucking, why it became such a key part of her life, and how Ruck Evolution is making rucking more accessible with innovative water-based weight systems. We talk about why rucking is great for all fitness levels, how it can be integrated into everyday life, and the role of community in keeping people moving.

Key Takeaways

• Rucking is accessible to everyone—just add weight to a backpack and start walking.

• It’s functional fitness—perfect for hikers, backpackers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

• You don’t need fancy gear to start—Bria shares how to get started with minimal equipment.

• Rucking builds mental resilience—it’s a form of movement that strengthens both body and mind.

What is Rucking and Why Should You Try It?

Rucking is simply walking with weight on your back, engaging your entire body in a way that feels natural and effective. Unlike high-impact workouts, rucking is gentle on the joints while improving endurance, posture, and strength.

How to Start Rucking

Bria shares the best way to get started, and it’s incredibly simple:

1. Grab a backpack. Any sturdy backpack will do.

2. Add weight. Start with 10-20% of your body weight using household items or Ruck Evolution’s water weights.

3. Start walking. Keep it casual at first, then increase duration and distance.

Rucking as a Community Movement

One of the most powerful aspects of rucking is the community it builds. Bria talks about how group rucking events bring people together, offering both motivation and camaraderie. It’s movement with purpose—something that brings people together.

How Rucking Can Help You

If you’re looking for a practical, low-barrier way to improve your health, rucking might be the perfect fit. It’s accessible, scalable, and integrates seamlessly into everyday life.

Episode Chapters and Links

• Introduction – Why rucking is worth your time

• Bria’s Background – How she discovered rucking and her work in recreation therapy

• Rucking 101 – What it is, why it works, and how to get started

• The Benefits of Rucking – Strength, endurance, mental clarity, and injury prevention

• How Rucking Fits Into Everyday Life – Training for outdoor adventures, fitness goals, and more

• Building a Rucking Community – Why doing it with others keeps you motivated

• Ruck Evolution’s Innovative Gear – How they’re making rucking more accessible

• Final Thoughts & Resources – Where to learn more and how to get started today

• https://www.ruckevolution.com/

• Ruck Evolution Aquabells: https://www.ruckevolution.com/product-page/ruck-evolution-aquabells

• Weighted Vest (Amazon): https://amzn.to/3QPmqns

Thanks for stopping by!

If you found this helpful or inspiring, I’d love to hear about it. Leave a comment below or contact me at emory@byland.co.

- Emory, By Land

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