Five Benefits of Rucking with Friends or Family
As someone who loves to be outdoors and is married to a homebody, I often find myself hinting to my wife that we should take a hike, take the dog to the beach, have a picnic, go backpacking, ride our bikes, or any other myriad excuse to spend quality time outside…together.
It’s not that my wife doesn’t like to spend time outside. It’s just that her natural inclination – especially on weekends and shorter holidays – is to do chores around the house, bake bread (or amazing pretzels), read, etc.
That being said, when my hints (and promises to help with the chores) work, more often than not we end up rucking and hiking together. And…during every ruck/hike, at some point, we both exclaim (in one way or another) what a great day/ruck/hike it is.
Even a little rain can't stop us from rucking, hiking, or backpacking. Sometimes...it's even more fun!
What we’ve learned is that as much as rucking is a fantastic way to boost your fitness, doing it with friends or family can enhance the experience even more. Not only does rucking together add a social element, but it also brings a variety of physical and mental benefits that can keep you motivated and engaged.
Increased Motivation and Accountability: One of the biggest benefits of rucking with others is the built-in motivation and accountability. When you ruck with friends or family, you’re more likely to stick to a regular schedule. Knowing someone is counting on you to show up makes it harder to skip a session, which helps maintain consistency and progress.
Strengthened Relationships: Just like taking leisurely strolls together, rucking provides an opportunity to connect with loved ones in a relaxed, natural setting. Walking with weight requires a steady pace, allowing for meaningful conversations and bonding time without the usual distractions. Whether you’re catching up on life or sharing a peaceful silence, rucking together strengthens relationships and builds shared memories. This is certainly where my wife and I often have the best conversations.
Enhanced Safety and Support: Rucking with a group also adds an element of safety, especially on longer routes or trails. Having others around can be reassuring if you encounter unexpected obstacles or need assistance. Plus, friends and family can offer support and encouragement during challenging sections, making the experience more enjoyable.
Friendly Competition and Team Spirit: Rucking with others – especially people you’re close with – often brings a healthy dose of friendly competition. Pushing each other to go a bit farther or carry a bit more weight can be motivating. In fact, just last week it was my wife who increased the weight of her rucksack…which led me to do the same. This camaraderie not only drives personal growth but also fosters a sense of team spirit and shared achievement.
A Fun, Social Workout: Finally, rucking with friends or family makes the workout feel less like exercise and more like a fun adventure. The social aspect distracts from the physical effort, turning rucking into an enjoyable, shared activity that everyone looks forward to…even my wife!
So, you see, incorporating rucking into your routine with friends or family offers a powerful combination of fitness, connection, and fun, making it a highly rewarding experience for everyone involved. If you haven’t already, I urge you to try it…even if you’re the only one wearing the rucksack. I guarantee your family and friends will ask lots of questions and some will likely go on to start rucking as well (if they don’t already).
