Aimee Cringle, recently crowned the UK’s Fittest Woman, has integrated rucking into her rigorous training regimen as she prepares for the 2024 CrossFit Games.
Rucking, which involves walking or exercising with a weighted backpack, originally emerged from military training but has gained traction among fitness enthusiasts and tech leaders [1].
At 25, Cringle earned her title by clinching first place in the UK’s CrossFit semifinals. She explained that incorporating a ruck into her workouts amplifies the difficulty, making her competition less daunting. “If you can do exercises with a ruck on, they feel easier without it,” Cringle told Business Insider.
Her training routine is notably varied, with no two workouts being identical. Typically, her week includes a mix of high-intensity sessions and strength training [2].
For example, a Monday might start with two 20-minute AMRAPs (as many rounds or reps as possible) and conclude with ruck-enhanced exercises like legless rope climbs and tricep dips. Tuesday could feature a 400-calorie assault bike session, a 5-kilometer row and additional strength training.
Incorporating rucking into her regimen has helped Cringle build strength and endurance. “It makes everything harder,” she noted, describing her ease once she removes the ruck after training. Her workouts blend gymnastic skills, such as handstand walks and ring muscle-ups, with intervals and strength sessions.
Cringle’s focus is on performance over appearance. Although she has gained muscle mass, she embraces it as a part of her athletic identity. “With CrossFit, we’re athletes and we’re bound to look stronger and larger,” she stated. Her primary goal is to excel in her sport rather than conform to conventional aesthetics.
Despite being the third British woman to qualify for the elite individual category at the CrossFit Games, Cringle struggles with self-pride but remains driven by her pursuit of excellence. Her approach exemplifies how strategic training methods like rucking can enhance athletic performance.
Cringle’s innovative use of rucking underscores her commitment and illustrates how traditional training tools can be adapted for modern fitness goals.
[1] Slate. Rucking Around
[2] Business Insider. The UK’s ‘fittest woman’ uses rucking to get fitter and stronger. Here’s how she’s training for the CrossFit Games
