HORIZON CORE | Week 7: Cadence Core

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

Cadence isn’t just about speed -- you're also building control.

This session links your deep core and hip flexors to the rhythm of your stride. When these systems sync, every step costs less energy. That’s efficiency. And over long events, it adds up fast.

Train your rhythm today, so your feet keep time (not burn out) when the miles get long.

Why this matters: Hip flexors and deep core coordinate your step rhythm. Better rucking cadence equals better energy economy.

NOTES

  • RPE (rate of perceived exertion) should be 6-7.
  • 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
30 x Ruck Standing March SOFT COUNT
:20 x Hip Flexor Stretch / Lunge Position EACH SIDE

WORKOUT x 3 ROUNDS

 REPS EXERCISE COUNT
10 x Marching Dead Bug HARD COUNT
:30 sec x Ruck Standing March
10 x Half Kneeling DB Anti-Rotation Press EACH SIDE
10 x Wall Sit with Heel Raises