Why more women are doing weighted walks

• Wellness influencers and gear brands helped turn it into both a solo exercise and a community activity done in outdoor clubs and even virtual classes.
• Small studies suggest that rucking can build stamina and strength.

How it works: You can start by filling a backpack with household items like magazines and water bottles, GORUCK co-founder Emily McCarthy tells Axios. "Keep it by the door," and wear it as you're doing your daily activities.

• Women might start walking with 5%-10% of their body weight for short walks. Experts recommend slowly adding weight and time.

By the numbers: Sales of weighted vests jumped over 50% to $27 million in the 12 months ending in May 2025, per market research firm Circana.

"Weighted vests aren't just a fitness trend," according to Mary Claire Haver, OB-GYN and author of "The New Menopause."

• "They're a science-backed strategy to potentially improve bone density, balance, and muscle mass," she writes, "all of which are critical for reducing the risk of osteoporosis and frailty as we age."

Yes, but: Rucking isn't an "easy button," warns Anna Hammond, head physical therapist at Core Exercise Solutions in Atlanta.

• She cautions that poor form and uneven weight distribution can cause posture issues and shallow breathing.

• And she notes the research often compares ruckers to sedentary people, not those who walk or lift weights.

💭 Abbey's thought bubble: I took a walk by the river wearing a weighted vest — part curiosity, part experiment, part "maybe this will slowly fix my posture."

• It was hot, a little awkward, and definitely sweatier than I expected. But I get the appeal.
• Rucking feels like strength training disguised as something gentler. You're just walking … but heavier. And for people who don't always love intense workouts (hi), that's kind of brilliant.
• I spotted others rucking — a fitness bro and a mom with a stroller, looking like they were getting ready for suburban Basic Combat Training.