AAIM
Coached adaptive functional fitness at local gyms.
Mission & Impact
Fitness Communities Built for Every Ability
Bloc Life connects people of every ability with welcoming gyms and coaches equipped for their needs. Clearing the barriers in between lets more people build on their abilities, move through daily life with greater ease and find a community where they belong.
Classes
3,800+3,800+Classes held across affiliate partners
Athletes
400+400+Individuals served across CU4B and AAIM
Support
$250K+$250K+Distributed across our affiliate gyms and programs
A Community Built Around Access
Our impact grows through athletes, coaches, affiliate gyms and the people who fund their training.
Chalk Up for Burpees
A 90-day functional fitness program for veterans and first responders.
Affiliate Partners
Local gyms bringing AAIM to athletes across the region.
Our History
From the first classes to a growing regional network
Bloc Life began with a place to train and people willing to show up for one another. What started with veterans and first responders grew to include adaptive athletes and a network of gyms across the region.
Each new affiliate brings coached fitness closer to more people, and our research with the University of Kansas helps us learn from every class.
- 2017
Chalk Up for Burpees Begins
Chalk Up for Burpees was created, with the first classes for veterans and first responders held at The Hill KC.
- 2018
A Non-Profit Takes Shape
Bloc Life was established as a non-profit, and the first adaptive sessions were held.
- 2019
Adaptive Athletes in Motion (AAIM) Begins
AAIM was created, with the first classes for people with disabilities held at The Hill KC.
- 2022
The First Three Gyms
The program expanded to its first three gyms as regional concept testing began. Research partnerships with the University of Kansas were established, and Bloc Life was awarded its first pilot study.
- 2023
A Regional Network
Three additional gyms joined the network, proving the regional concept across Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska. Bloc Life was awarded its second pilot study.
- 2024
More Than 400 People Served
Bloc Life surpassed 400 individuals served.
- 2025
A Third Pilot Study
Bloc Life was awarded its third pilot study.
- 2026
Our Largest Research Grant
Bloc Life was awarded the largest research grant in its history and added a seventh gym to the affiliate program.
- Future
More Access More Impact
More affiliate partners, more athletes served and greater impact experienced.
The Story Behind Our Logo
Our logo draws inspiration from the 35th Infantry Division and its Santa Fe cross insignia. Formed in 1917 from Kansas and Missouri National Guard units, the division brought people together around a shared purpose.
For Bloc Life, that connection is about the hard work behind lasting change. The image of working in the trenches reflects the commitment our athletes, coaches and supporters bring to the mission: showing up, doing the difficult work and supporting one another.
The symbol also speaks to staying power. Our mission depends on people who keep showing up so that access to fitness can endure and grow.
Read About the 35th Infantry DivisionOur Team
Bloc Life is led by people who know military service, community gyms and adaptive coaching firsthand.
Josh Snyder
Executive Director
Josh is a Marine veteran who developed AAIM. His work connects adaptive athletes with coached fitness and a community that shows up for them.
He built AAIM so coaching starts with the individual: their goals, how they move and the support they need to take part.
Alec Barowka
Development Director
Alec brings an affiliate owner’s view of the gym floor through his connection with Kaw Valley CrossFit in Lawrence.
Affiliate gyms are where AAIM happens: a place for adaptive athletes to train, work with coaches and become part of a fitness community.
Our Board
Bloc Life’s Board sets strategic direction, oversees the organization’s governance and finances, and brings expertise to key decisions.
Mary Kincheloe
President
Brian McMillian
Secretary
Open Seat
Treasurer
Help More Athletes Find a Place to Belong
Your monthly or one-time gift to the Bloc Life Collective puts adaptive athletes on the gym floor, with a coach and a community behind them.