HORIZON CORE | Week 6: Posture Under Straps

Amy Petersen headshot
Amy Petersen
ACE-CPT, Sports Performance, PN-1, PATHFINDER Founder & Director of Programming
October 31, 2025

Stronger isn’t always carrying heavier. Sometimes it’s just carrying better.

By Week 6, the ruck weight hasn’t changed, but how you hold it should. This workout targets the postural muscles that keep your chest proud, spine stacked, and trunk braced when the straps start pulling you down.

Build posture that doesn’t collapse. Own the load you already have.

Why this matters: You don't need more ruck weight. You need your muscles to carry the existing load better.

NOTES

  • RPE (rate of perceived exertion) should be 6.
  • If needed, adjust the number of reps, time, or rounds to fit your fitness level.
  • If needed, rest 1-2 minutes between rounds.
  • Always do your warm-up to help prevent injuries.
  • Some video demonstrations may depict exercise tools other than a ruck - the same cues and form will still apply unless otherwise noted.

REMINDER:

  • Soft count: 1, 2, 3, 4 ... this is when both (or all) limbs perform the exercise at the same time.
  • Hard count: 1,1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 4, 4...this is when only one limb does work at a time.
  • Each Side: Do all reps on one side before switching to complete all reps on the other side.

WARM UP

 REPS EXERCISE COUNT
10 x KB Shrugs
20 x steps Heel Walks to Toe Walks

WORKOUT x 3 ROUNDS

 REPS EXERCISE COUNT
8-10 x Ruck Squats
8 x Bird Dog Iso Hold* HARD COUNT
:45 sec x Sandbag Bear Hug Hold**
8 x Prone Swimmers

*Bird Dog Iso Hold should be for 2-3 seconds. Make sure hand to shoulder to hips to ankles is all one continuous line. There should be no dip in your low back.

** Avoid squeezing your forearms in the sandbag bear hug hold. Instead, recruit all upper arm, shoulder, and core muscles to maintain the hold.