3 min readNew DelhiJun 3, 2026 12:00 AM IST What if your favourite activity — hiking — could transform your fitness routine for the better? Rucking, which involves walking with a weighted backpack, is rapidly gaining global popularity for its health benefits. But why? According to Dr Yogesh K, Senior Consultant – Arthroscopy and Sports Injury, Aster Whitefield Hospitals, it combines the cardio benefits of walking with the strength gains of resistance training. “A lot of sports medicine experts say that when you add outside weight, the body takes on more work, so the leg muscles, core, back and shoulders have to do more than they normally would on a usual stroll,” he explains. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine. Stating another reason as ease and accessibility, the expert says, “Instead of high-impact things like running, it usually puts less stress on the joints, but still helps with endurance, cardiovascular fitness, calorie burn, and even …