INT/ADV | BASE LOAD

Amy Petersen headshot
Amy Petersen
ACE-CPT, Sports Performance, PN-1, PATHFINDER Founder & Director of Programming
December 09, 2025

BASE LOAD is a no-frills, purpose-built strength circuit designed for intermediate PATHFINDERs who want strength that holds up under pressure. This workout blends bodyweight control and sandbag resistance, focusing on structural integrity, power transfer, and fatigue resistance, the cornerstones of long-distance performance. You’ll move, lift, carry, and brace with intention.

This workout is a great start to Endure programming or above, or as an introduction to the Int/Adv level workouts.

EQUIPMENT YOU NEED:

  • Sandbag (20-40lbs)

NOTES

  • If you're breezing through: increase the sandbag weight or add a 4th round.

  • If it’s too intense: reduce reps, round count, or swap sandbag for bodyweight.

  • Stay mindful of your form. Sloppy reps lead to setbacks, not progress.

  • 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.

  • If anything causes pain, skip or substitute.

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

 30-45 sec Jumping Jacks
 30-45 sec Arm Swings
 30-45 sec Standing Hip Circles HARD COUNT
 30-45 sec Bodyweight Good Mornings
 30-45 sec World’s Greatest Stretch EACH SIDE

WORKOUT x 3 ROUNDS

Rest 60-90 seconds between rounds. Use a 20-40 lb sandbag (adjust load to your level). Substitute bodyweight if needed.

 10-12 x reps Sandbag Deadlifts
 10-12 x reps Sandbag Front Squats
 10-12 x reps Hand Release Push-Ups
 10-12 x reps Sandbag Bent Over Rows
 10-12 x reps Sandbag Clean to Bear Hug Carry 30-50ft
 10-12 x reps Bodyweight Side Plank with Reach-Through EACH SIDE
 30 x seconds Sandbag Hold @ Front Rack Position

 

© PATHFINDER Ruck Training. All rights reserved.
This workout is the intellectual property of PATHFINDER Ruck Training and is intended for personal use only. Reproduction, distribution, or commercial use without written permission is prohibited.

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