Walking With Weight Ain’t Nothing New!

I’m glad to see weighted vests and “rucking” making waves in the menopause space—and it’s exciting that reputable women-focused doctors are backing the practice. But ladies, let’s be clear: walking with weight ain’t nothing new!

We were made to walk with weight. Unfortunately, modern culture has gone out of its way to make life as comfortable and convenient as possible. Strollers, shopping carts, cars, delivery services—you name it. All of these “comforts” have engineered carrying right out of our lives.

The Evolutionary Purpose of Carrying Weight

As Michael Easter explains in The Comfort Crisis, humans were literally designed to carry. Early humans weren’t the fastest or strongest predators. Instead, they became apex hunters by combining endurance running with the ability to haul heavy loads.

• The hunt: Humans developed “endurance hunting”—chasing prey over long distances in the heat until the animal collapsed from exhaustion.

• The haul: Once the animal was killed, they butchered the carcass and carried the meat and bones back to camp, sometimes for miles.

• The carrying athlete: This repeated process shaped our bodies and gave us unique adaptations, including:

  • Strong, compact torsos built for carrying.

  • Running mechanics (like springy arches) that support both distance and load.

  • Exceptional grip strength for hauling heavy objects.

Carrying wasn’t just something our ancestors did—it was central to their survival.

The Modern Decline of Carrying

Fast forward to today, and carrying has all but disappeared. Firewood, water, and food no longer need to be hauled. Tools, technology, and transportation have made life easier—but at a cost. By eliminating discomfort, we’ve also eroded our physical and mental resilience.

This “comfort crisis” is visible everywhere: weaker bones, more injuries, higher rates of chronic illness, and declining mental health. We’ve removed one of the most natural human activities, and our bodies feel the absence.

Why Carrying Still Matters

Reintroducing this simple, ancient practice—whether through rucking or backpacking—has tremendous health benefits:

• Full-body workout: Burns more calories than walking and combines cardio with strength.

• Low injury risk: Safer than high-impact running, especially with loads under 50 pounds.

• Bone density: Helps prevent osteoporosis by stimulating bone growth.

• Posture & core strength: Upright posture reduces back pain and strengthens stabilizing muscles.

• Endurance: Builds both cardiovascular and muscular stamina.

• Functional strength: Improves real-world fitness, from lifting groceries to climbing stairs.

In short: carrying weight makes us stronger, healthier, and more resilient—just as nature intended.

How Women Can Train for Backpacking

I often hear women ask me, “How can I train for my Wild Resilience Backpacking Retreat?” 

The answer is beautifully simple: put some weight on your back and go for a walk.

You don’t need fancy gear. Grab a sturdy backpack, toss in a few cans of tomatoes, wrap them in a sweatshirt to keep them from shifting, and head out the door. That’s it! Start light, build up gradually, and notice how your body adapts.

Backpacking isn’t about chasing perfection—it’s about reconnecting with what our bodies were built to do. Walking with weight connects us to our ancestry, strengthens our bones and muscles, and builds the confidence we need to rise to the challenges of the trail.

Walking With Weight as a Life Hack

Carrying is more than exercise—it’s a mindset shift. It’s a simple way to reintroduce meaningful discomfort into our modern lives. Each weighted step taps into our evolutionary heritage while building resilience for the future.

So, ladies, whether you’re preparing for a Wild Resilience Retreat, supporting your bone health in menopause, or just looking for a way to grow stronger—remember: walking with weight ain’t nothing new. It’s what your body was made to do.

Do small things, use a small carry shopping tote, or choose carry items instead of using wheeled gadgets!