Strength and conditioning franchise MADabolic is teaming up with GoRuck, a global leader in rucking gear and experiences, to launch weekly ruck clubs at select MADabolic locations nationwide.
Rucking—a low-impact weighted backpack workout known for highly effective results—has been gaining traction as a go-to for active recovery, posture and core stability improvement. It’s also an ideal addition to MADabolic’s scalable approach to fitness, where members are encouraged to train four times a week, with 1-2 days dedicated to active recovery and another 1-2 for full rest.
The North Carolina-founded strength training franchise has cultivated a devoted base of those seriously committed to reaching their fitness goals and noted last November that it’s on track to hit the 50-location mark by mid-year.
“Partnering with GoRuck was a natural fit for us,” MADabolic co-founder and chief training officer Kirk DeWaele said. “Rucking is the perfect way for our clients to take their functional strength training outside of the gym and put it to work in both a practical and social environment. It’s challenging but inclusive, and it aligns beautifully with our mission to promote a structured and sustainable approach to strength and conditioning.”
The trainer-led ruck clubs will launch at participating MADabolic locations this spring, welcoming both members and non-members—potentially pushing rucking further into the mainstream. It’s a move that aligns with the vision of GoRuck founder Jason McCarthy, a former U.S. Army Green Beret, who predicted last year that rucking will soon become bigger than running.
“The number one reason is because it’s better for more people,” McCarthy told Athletech News. “I think running is great. The problem with running is multifold, though. The rate of injury is high – it’s the number one cause of injury in special forces. The load onto your body per strike is eight times your body weight. When walking it’s 2.7, and when rucking, it’s your body weight plus the weight of the ruck times 2.7. It’s fractional in terms of the (additional) load or the taxation on your body. If you can walk, you can ruck. And it’s completely scalable – 10 pounds is rucking and 100 pounds is rucking.”
GoRuck event operations director Bianca Salcido stated that the American-born company is thrilled to partner with MADabolic.
“They’ve built an incredible network around sustainable, strength-focused training, and we’re excited to extend that energy into the outdoors with rucking,” Salcido said. “It’s a fantastic way to connect with others, build mental and physical toughness, and enjoy active recovery.”
