Why I’m building ONUS

I really enjoy working out. I fit my calendar to make space for cycling, running and resistance training, alone and with my friends. I enjoy putting in the effort, keeping a pace and finding I can do more than I could before. Exercise is something I deliberately make room for, and I’m always looking for ways to fit it into everyday life.

For years, I cycled around 20 kilometres each way to work. It took a little longer than driving, but gave me a proper dose of exercise within a journey I had to make anyway. By the time I arrived, the thoughts in my head had usually settled, too. That experience shaped how I think about training and time.

When a friend introduced me to rucking — walking with added weight — the appeal was immediate. I already enjoyed walking, and here was a way to add a load and make more of the physical effort. It could sit alongside running and cycling, help me prepare for longer hikes, and make an everyday walk more demanding.

I am half Norwegian and grew up hiking with my family. I could get caught up in the smallest things along the way, from the plants to the curves of the mountains. I liked being out in the weather, feeling the wind and rain on my face. Some walks were probably too ambitious for my age, but I still remember finishing them tired and sore, feeling proud of what I’d achieved. I still enjoy that feeling of discovering what I’m capable of.

What happens along the way

Over time, I’ve also come to value what moving together does for relationships. I have my kids half the time, so I’m conscious of making our time together count. I used to expect our best conversations to happen during planned activities or family meals, but they often happened walking to school or kindergarten. Hand in hand, on our way somewhere, they would simply start sharing whatever was on their minds.

I began noticing the same with friends, family and colleagues. Something shifts when we walk side by side, and conversations come more easily. Those moments in between other things deserve more room in everyday life.

That’s part of what makes rucking interesting to me: I can add a physical challenge to a walk while still being there for the person beside me. Training, thinking and spending time together can happen within the same part of the day.

What I’m building with ONUS

ONUS grew out of wanting more of that combination. We’re developing a bag with adjustable weight to help people move more and get more exercise from their walks, whether they already train regularly, are preparing for a demanding hike or want to build a more active routine.

I like the idea of it standing in the hallway as an invitation to head out and put in some effort, make that phone call or meet a friend for a walk. You choose the load to suit the challenge you want, and there’s room for good company along the way.

My hope is that carrying it becomes a small expression of what matters to you: staying active, feeling stronger and making time for people you care about, and perhaps an invitation for someone else to join you.

In a busy week, finding another hour for training can be difficult. ONUS is about making more of the time we already spend moving, and giving us a reason to move more.