Why Some Executives Ruck During Meetings - And When It Actually Works

Rucking meetings are a real practice, but the evidence supports a useful niche rather than a sweeping C-suite trend. Author and rucking researcher Michael Easter has described taking work calls under load since the pandemic and published the practical lessons he learned. Momentous CEO Jeff Byers has also discussed rucking as part of his routine in business-media coverage.

The straightforward appeal is time: a routine phone call can become a walk instead of another seated hour. That does not make every meeting better, and adding weight has not been shown to improve business performance. The best case is narrower - a light, familiar ruck during a low-stakes call that does not require a screen, notes, confidentiality, or perfectly quiet audio. See Easter's firsthand account of rucking meetings.

Why executives are choosing rucking over traditional fitness

Rucking does not replace a complete strength or cardio program, but it can convert a block of sitting into loaded walking. The best candidates are routine one-to-one calls, status updates, and conversations where listening matters more than looking at a document.

Keep the effort low enough that your breathing never becomes part of the call. If the other person can hear the workout, the load, pace, route, or meeting choice is wrong.

The multitasking advantage of walking meetings

Walking meetings are not new. A 2014 Stanford study by Oppezzo and Schwartz found that walking improved divergent idea generation compared with sitting, but it did not improve focused, convergent thinking. The study tested walking, not rucking, so it cannot tell us that adding weight creates a larger cognitive effect. Read the Stanford study.

Time zone, weather, privacy, and route safety all matter more than job title. Use the window that lets you stay attentive and audible.

Equipment recommendations for executive rucking

The key is familiar, quiet gear that does not demand attention during the call. Four items cover a clean-looking pack, an adjustable alternative, a secured plate, and shoes that work on pavement.

Backpacks: The GORUCK GR1 has a restrained exterior and keeps dense weight close to the back. The Osprey Tempest 20 Women's offers an adjustable hiking-style harness for people who prefer more fit tuning.

Weight plates: Avoid loose weights that shift during calls. The GORUCK Ruck Plates are designed specifically for this purpose and won't rattle during important conversations.

Footwear: Business-appropriate walking shoes matter when you're going from a ruck straight into the office. The Hoka Transport is built specifically for everyday urban walking with a low-profile silhouette that reads more dress-casual than running shoe, while still offering Hoka's signature cushion under load. The Transport is the same shoe we point urban ruckers to when they want one pair for both the ruck and the office.

Secure the weight before worrying about aesthetics. A quiet, stable load matters more to the call than the logo on the pack.

Programming rucking into executive schedules

Build the activity into calls that already suit walking. These are practical options, not proven productivity formulas:

Routine audio calls: Use a one-to-one check-in or informal planning call after confirming the route and reception on your own time.

Commute replacement: For executives who drive to work, parking farther away and rucking the final distance provides built-in training time.

Walking desk integration: A slow treadmill can remove traffic noise and weather, but test camera movement and microphone noise first. External load is optional indoors.

Solo thinking time: A walk can suit brainstorming before a meeting. Record notes only after stopping somewhere safe.

What the practice can and cannot promise

The defensible benefit is increased movement during time that might otherwise be sedentary. Walking may help divergent thinking; a familiar ruck can add training load. Claims about leadership, resilience, decision quality, or executive performance have not been established by rucking research.

The meeting still comes first. If route finding, traffic, breath, weather, or pack discomfort divides your attention, take off the load or sit down.

Common mistakes to avoid

Starting too heavy: Executives often push too hard initially, leading to fatigue that impacts work performance. Begin with lighter loads and build gradually.

Ignoring form: Poor posture during calls can cause back pain. Maintain upright posture and engage core muscles throughout the session.

Inappropriate timing: Save challenging topics for seated meetings. Rucking works best for routine updates, planning sessions, and one-on-one conversations.

Weather dependence: Have indoor alternatives ready. A treadmill desk or mall walking option ensures consistency regardless of conditions.

Rucking meetings are one practical way to replace sitting when the call, route, and load are all uncomplicated. They are not a status symbol or a productivity requirement. Start with walking; add a light pack only when it leaves the conversation untouched. For the rest of the active-lifestyle kit - walking shoes, trackers, travel gear - our sister site Kit Authority covers what we don't.

Frequently asked questions