176. Ruck Your Way to Better Health

June 10, 2025

Could a simple walk challenge your body, clear your mind, and strengthen your sense of discipline all at once? Dr. Andrew Fix unpacks the rising popularity of rucking: a low-tech approach to fitness that involves walking with added weight in a backpack or vest. He explains how this small shift transforms a regular walk into a more efficient workout that improves cardiovascular health, builds muscle, and supports mental well-being. The best part? You don’t need specialized equipment. A backpack and a few heavy books are enough to get started.

This episode also explores how rucking creates space for connection. Whether you’re walking with a friend or joining a group, there’s something powerful about moving side by side with others. Dr. Fix shares why those moments matter, and how they help build both physical and emotional resilience.

If you’ve been looking for a sustainable, accessible way to support your health, rucking might be the shift your routine needs!

Quotes

“It makes you have to work harder, not only physically, like your muscles, your joints, your tissues have to work a little bit harder, but so does your heart, so does your cardiovascular system, so do your lungs, your respiratory system, and it’s gonna up-level that training just a little bit for you.” (02:57 | Dr. Andrew Fix)
“If you want to be efficient with your time that you have to exercise and you want to maximize that, throwing a little bit of extra weight on you when you go for that walk… is just going to make it more impactful and more efficient for you.” (07:03 | Dr. Andrew Fix)
“There’s this situation where you’re across from somebody and it’s me versus you, but if you’re next to somebody, it’s us and we’re in this together.” (09:24 | Dr. Andrew Fix)
“If you’re looking for something consistent, easy to stick with, and a way to build a little mental toughness along the way, rucking might be a great activity for you.” (10:26 | Dr. Andrew Fix)
“I encourage you—whether you’ve got a weight vest, a backpack, actual weights, or just some books or water bottles—add a little extra weight to your next walk and give rucking a try.” (11:38 | Dr. Andrew Fix)

Links

https://www.google.com/search?q=rucking&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS987US989&oq=rucking&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyDAgAEEUYORixAxiABDINCAEQABiDARixAxiABDIHCAIQABiABDINCAMQABiDARixAxiABDINCAQQABiDARixAxiABDIHCAUQABiABDIHCAYQABiABDIGCAcQRRg90gEIMTA0NmowajeoAgCwAgA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ncte4-14f60bb-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=1b1b1b#:~:text=In%20this%20episode%20of%20The,strengthen%20your%20core%20and%20legs

SideKick Tool:

https://bit.ly/4a6CqJS