"EMBRACE THE RUCK" Rucking Program (8-Weeks)

I usually wait to finish a program before writing a review, but near the end of my third week out of the eight week program I am just loving it! As a 57-year-old 245 pound male office worker with two bad knees (medial meniscus flap tear repairs) I discovered a few months ago that I can work up a phenomenal sweat and work out my muscles just by rucking. I’m also a fan of the x3 bar and have been using it for a couple of years so my strength is quite good but I was missing out on the aerobic conditioning. Not anymore though. I’m sweating just like the old days and feeling really good about it. Here’s the deal though - for better or worse I’m doing it my way. I cut the distances in half, use the recommended weights, and I don’t worry about the overall time although I try to exert more effort on the days that it says to. Then on the strength training days, I do full body workouts with the X3 bar. I’m sure someone will criticize me soundly for it, but I can honestly say that I’m doing what I enjoy, what my body can handle for now, and I’m feeling stronger and more athletic by the day. Eventually, I hope to bring my times down to under the 15 minute mile, but I’m not sure I will ever do anything more than a 6 mile ruck which I should be able to do in about 90 minutes someday. I just can’t see spending more than that much time on a single workout for any given day. I really like the way this program is structured and think it should be fun and effective for anyone who is mindful of their level of conditioning and doesn’t let their ego convince them to push themselves too hard. A maintenance program for rucking at a high bevel after the completion of this one would be a welcomed addition at some point. Thank you you for creating this easy to read, easy to follow, and affordable program.

Me fui productivo para mejorar la distancia y el peso de la mochila, como para mejorar mi ritmo de velocidad.

This October I am doing a fundraiser for the Prostate Cancer Foundation by hiking the mid-Atlantic section of the Appalachian Trail from Pennsylvania to Virginia because they were so helpful to me.This effort will cover 182.6 miles with total elevation gains of 25, 209 feet(calculated by a University of Maryland engineering grad) from 10/15/24 to 11/8/24. Having hiked this section years ago, the terrain remains rocky in parts so training has to take this into account. At first, contacted a former Navy fitness expert who looked at the actual schedule(3 hikes/week averaging 15 miles each) and told me to contact the Army! This is how I found the Gritty Soldier. After thorough research and advice from an 82nd Airborne vet and friend that I know, I followed his advice and "bought in." I am a few weeks into his course and although I have modified it to fit my needs, the fact remains that this is one of the best overall fitness plans that you can get. From nutrition to information about gear, this plan really works.Yeah, put aside my beloved hunting Danner boots and bought the Garmont NFS boots with his suggested insoles plus Fox River socks(ruck sack from GoRuck). Know what? It all works! Finally, there is a lot of building interest here (West Virginia) in my Fall Challenge because same are skeptical I can't finish. Why? I will be 76 in October when I am hiking. My response? Just read what the Gritty Soldier says about the mental aspects of things and you WILL finish, too! Time to get fired up!

Purchased this program to build strength whilst maintaining endurance fitness. I have no military background, but found this program very accessible for a ‘civilian’ with a well rounded combination of strength and endurance exercises. The holistic approach includes nutrition tips and recovery plans. The program has delivered exactly what is was expecting. I’d recommend it to anyone who’s looking for a varied fitness program!

Nevermind, here it is! This 8-week program has it all; training terminology, warm-ups, cool-downs, nutrition, gear recommendations, links to free videos, and a SOLID 8-week, step-by-step course consisting of upper/lower body strength training and 2-3 rucks a week, designed to prepare you for the 12-mile ruck.

Having been infantry, I am not a stranger to rucking. However, at 47 years old, I can say that this program will benefit the beginner and those who can already crush a 12-mile ruck in under 3 hours.

Purchase this course, commit to it, and reap the benefits.