Ep 42: No Ruckin' Excuses: Unmasking Army Fitness for the Everyday Man w/ Michael Glover

In this episode of ResistingBeta: The Men’s Health Podcast, host Andrew Bontz interviews guest Michael Glover, Michael Glover, a committed personal trainer from Killeen, Texas, is currently serving in the Army Reserve while running his innovative business, "The Art of Rucking". His dual role intertwines military discipline with the practical benefits of rucking, providing a unique training approach for his clients. Michael's focus is on instilling mental toughness and highlighting the transformative power of rucking for overall health and fitness.

Summary:

• Michael Glover, the owner of The Art of Rucking, believes being "beta" can be dangerous and that men need to adapt to today's society. He discusses mental health and how Rucking has influenced his journey.
• Michael Glover shares his personal journey with anxiety and depression after a difficult breakup. He discusses how he overcame his fears through rucking during Army training, highlighting the mental challenges and importance of perseverance.
• The difference between Michael's mental state and the guys who quit during the challenging rucking exercise was his ability to stay focused on his goal and block out anxiety, pushing through the physical and mental obstacles.
• Michael attributes his ability to push through challenges to his upbringing and the mindset instilled by his father, who raised him with a strong work ethic and a focus on physical endurance.
• After his difficult breakup, Michael took steps to resist his previous "beta" mindset. He focused on conquering his fears, pushing through anxiety, and developing a strong work ethic to overcome challenges and embrace a more resilient mindset.
• To overcome his depression and anxiety after the breakup, Michael relied on a strong support system, rekindling friendships, adjusting his diet, and prioritizing intense workouts at the gym to rebuild his confidence and resilience.
• Michael participated in a men's health competition to promote rucking and raise awareness about its benefits. He aimed to showcase how rucking, combined with elements of CrossFit, powerlifting, and bodybuilding, can have both mental and physical advantages.
• Michael trains civilians in rucking from the ground up, starting with a baby ruck and gradually increasing weight and intensity. He emphasizes developing strong feet and preventing injuries based on his own experience with inflamed tendons.
• Rucking offers physical benefits such as building leg muscles, engaging shoulder and back muscles, and burning calories. 
• Rucking provides physical benefits by engaging various muscle groups, improving cardiovascular health, burning calories, and promoting mental resilience and accountability.
• It also fosters camaraderie and offers an outdoor alternative to traditional gym workouts.
• Being a man, according to Michael, involves embracing camaraderie, cultivating healthy male friendships, finding a supportive brotherhood, and fostering intentional relationships while maintaining a sense of accountability and resilience.
• According to Michael, being a man involves having a sense of purpose, embracing masculinity, and fulfilling that purpose by accomplishing goals and not quitting, which builds testosterone and a sense of achievement.
• Michael's purpose is to help people, particularly by guiding and mentoring younger men who may be facing challenges and need support. He finds fulfillment in bringing out the best version of others and helping them overcome obstacles.
• To get started in the art of rucking, Michael suggests developing strong feet, gradually increasing rucking distance, hydrating properly, training relevant muscle groups, wearing the appropriate gear, and maintaining a strong mindset. Contact him through Instagram for guidance and support.

Conclusion:
Michael Glover, an owner of The Art of Rucking, shares his personal journey of overcoming anxiety and embracing resilience through rucking. He promotes the importance of mental and physical strength, camaraderie, and purpose in men's lives. To start rucking, he advises developing strong feet, gradually increasing distance, and maintaining a determined mindset.

7 days of homework:

Day 1: Research Rucking
Take some time to learn more about rucking, its benefits, and how it can improve both physical and mental resilience.

Day 2: Develop Strong Feet
Start by walking on a treadmill for 10-30 minutes with a backpack. Focus on building strength and endurance in your feet.

Day 3: Gradually Increase Rucking Distance
Take your rucking outdoors and gradually increase the distance you cover. Aim for a 1-2 mile ruck, either on a treadmill or in your neighborhood.

Day 4: Hydration and Electrolytes
Learn about the importance of hydration during rucking. Prioritize drinking enough water and consider incorporating electrolytes during your rucks.

Day 5: Train Relevant Muscle Groups
Engage in exercises that target the muscle groups used during rucking. Incorporate squats, shoulder presses, and rows into your workout routine.

Day 6: Gear and Preparation
Ensure you have appropriate gear for rucking, including wool socks, powder for your feet, and compression shorts for added support. Familiarize yourself with how to properly pack your ruck.

Day 7: Maintain a Strong Mindset
Embrace a resilient mindset and commit to not quitting. Stay focused on your goals and push through any physical or mental obstacles that may arise.

Follow :

Theartofrucking.com 

Theartofrucking Michael Noexcuse

Quotes :

"Block out anxiety, push through obstacles."
"Rucking: Engaging muscles, promoting mental resilience."
"Embrace camaraderie, find supportive brotherhood."
"Fulfill purpose, overcome obstacles, achieve."