Army Soldier rucking
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Why Rucking is So Hard and How To Make it Easier

ByDave

There is a reason why every selection course emphasizes rucking.

It’s because rucking is HARD.

Putting 70lbs on your back and covering 12 miles when you’re tired and sore is not fun.

But, there is a physiological reason why rucking is so hard, and we can adjust training to optimize your performance and get better.

Why Rucking is So Hard

The reason rucking is so hard is because it combines two disparate aspects of fitness (and a third less important one):

  1. Strength – A pack weighing 40lbs is on your back
  2. Endurance – The ability to cover multiple miles at a swift pace
  3. Rucking Skill – The ability to move efficiently

Sounds obvious right?

Most people train endurance (#2) and rucking (#3), but entirely ignore strength.

And since your timed rucks are so long (2+ hours), it will take a long time before you can identify what your weakness is.

For some, it could be their legs; for others, it could be their upper back or their cardio.

The problem 90% of people make is assuming they suck at rucking when in reality, their weakness is their strength or endurance.

The problem 90% of people make is assuming they suck at rucking, when in reality, their weakness is their strength or endurance

How To Make Rucking Easier

The way you make rucking easier is not by rucking more.

Your first step is to train the upstream factors – #1 Strength and #2 Endurance.

Why?

If you are stronger and faster than everyone else, you will be a better rucker.

On Friday, I’ll be releasing my most comprehensive video and article on How To Improve Rucking yet – 10 minutes and 2,200 words.

While you wait for that edition, check out the previous rucking articles below.

I'm a coach with a passion for helping athletes dominate the toughest selection courses in the world. Over the years, I've trained well over 100 athletes for Special Operations selection courses, including SFAS, RASP, Air Force A&S, BORTAC, SWAT, and MARSOC A&S. My mission is to bridge the gap between traditional performance training and the unique demands of tactical and military athletes.

I got my start coaching hybrid athletes, blending strength, endurance, and hypertrophy training to achieve peak performance. As I worked with more tactical and military athletes, I realized there was a need for a specialized approach tailored to the grueling physical and mental challenges of SOF selections. This realization drove me to focus on prepping SOF candidates for success, combining cutting-edge research, proven training methodologies, and real-world experience.

Whether you're preparing for selection, seeking to level up your fitness, or simply curious about what it takes to thrive in these elite environments, I hope you'll find the information I share helpful.