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- HomepageBloc LifeAdaptive athlete programming in gyms, for people underserved by traditional fitness.
- Chalk Up for BurpeesCU4BExplore Chalk Up for Burpees, Bloc Life’s 90-day functional fitness program for veterans and first responders. Ask about participation and upcoming sessions.
- AAIMAdaptive AthletesExplore AAIM, Bloc Life’s adaptive functional fitness program for people with physical disabilities. Find an affiliate gym and learn how to get started.
- Find an Affiliated GymAdaptive AthletesFind one of seven Bloc Life affiliate gyms in Kansas, Missouri or Nebraska hosting AAIM or Chalk Up for Burpees.
- Mission & ImpactAboutLearn how Bloc Life expands access to adaptive fitness through local gyms, community support and the Bloc Life Collective.
- Our HistoryAboutDiscover how a request for adaptive training helped shape AAIM and Bloc Life’s growing network of community fitness programs.
- Our TeamAboutMeet the people bringing lived experience and gym leadership to Bloc Life’s adaptive fitness mission.
- Our BoardAboutMeet the Board that guides Bloc Life’s strategy and oversees its governance and finances.
- TestimonialsAboutRead what adaptive athletes and affiliate gym coaches say about training with Bloc Life.
- Our NetworkAboutExplore the organizations connected with Bloc Life’s work in adaptive fitness education, research, equipment and community access.
- Contact UsAboutReach the Bloc Life team about programs, gyms, giving and partnerships.
- Current AffiliatesAffiliatesMeet the seven gyms and facilities bringing Bloc Life’s AAIM program to local communities.
- Become an AffiliateAffiliatesExplore becoming a Bloc Life affiliate and bringing AAIM to your gym and community.
- EventsEventsExplore Bloc Life fundraisers supporting adaptive athletes, veterans and first responders, including the Adaptive Experience and CU4B.
- ResearchResourcesExplore research coverage on adaptive functional fitness and learn how evidence informs Bloc Life’s work with adaptive athletes.
- Resources for CoachesResourcesEducation, equipment and research for gyms starting adaptive fitness, plus a direct line to the Bloc Life team.
- Bloc Life PerspectivesAboutExplore Bloc Life articles on adaptive fitness, training and community.
- VolunteerResources
- Join the CollectiveDonate NowSupport adaptive athletes with monthly or one-time giving through the Bloc Life Collective and help expand access to fitness.
- The Hartford Nationals Shows What an Adaptive Sports Pipeline Looks Like When It Has StructureBloc Life PerspectivesA championship can be inspiring without actually making access easier. The Hartford Nationals matters because it is not only a national event. It is connected to qualifiers, classification, grants, competition series infrastructure, and a visible pathway that helps athletes understand where to start and where to go next.
- Tahmar Upshaw Ran the 800 Meters Faster Than the T46 Record Book Had Ever SeenBloc Life PerspectivesAdaptive sports coverage too often softens the story before the performance even gets a chance to speak. Tahmar Upshaw's 1:48.80 in the men's T46 800 meters does the opposite. It forces the conversation back to speed, preparation, competitive structure, and the record book.
- The Seated Battle Rope Drill That Builds Conditioning Without Leaving the ChairBloc Life PerspectivesThe battle rope looks simple until the clock starts. Two handles. One anchor. Repeated waves driven by the shoulders, arms, trunk, and grip. For adaptive athletes, the seated version can create a real conditioning challenge without pretending that every person needs running, biking, or lower body rhythm to train their engine.
- The Seated Wheelchair Row That Helps Adaptive Athletes' Shoulder PainBloc Life PerspectivesThe seated row is one of the most useful upper body movements an adaptive athlete can train. It builds posture, it builds pulling strength, and it does it from a chair with a piece of equipment that costs less than a tank of gas.
- One Movement. 24 Medals. And the Coaching Fix Nobody's Talking About.Bloc Life PerspectivesThe Bloc Life Breakthrough Report #3 features a practical seated kettlebell deadlift breakdown for adaptive athletes, Oksana Masters' historic 24-medal Paralympic career, and a Texas coaching workshop proving that the biggest barrier to adaptive fitness isn't equipment. It's the people programming the workouts.
- 3 Million Claims. One Year. What the VA Finally Got Right.Bloc Life PerspectivesFrom AI-powered VA claims processing to peer-reviewed adaptive fitness research and rural gym partnerships, these three stories show how removing barriers creates consistency and lasting change.
- Why a 2.8% Increase in VA Disability Compensation MattersBloc Life PerspectivesFrom increased VA compensation to adaptive technology and free programs, these three stories show how removing barriers creates consistency and lasting change.
- 5 Tips to Keep Your New Year's Fitness ResolutionsBloc Life PerspectivesJanuary promises transformation, but 80% of resolutions fail by February. For adaptive athletes, that rate climbs even higher, not from a lack of commitment, but because the system wasn’t designed for you. Discover why willpower falls short and what the science says about sustainable habit formation for veterans, first responders, and people with disabilities.
- Why Holiday Loneliness Feels Like a Silent Battle in the BrainBloc Life PerspectivesHolidays hit like forced joy while you bleed inside. Empty chairs scream louder than laughter. Vets & adaptive athletes: this loneliness is wired deep—but you can fight back.
- The Science of Grit: Why Some People Don’t QuitBloc Life PerspectivesSome people stop when life hits hard. Others dig in and keep going. Grit isn’t luck or genetics, it’s science. Learn how your brain rewires under pressure, and how training, purpose, and recovery build the mental endurance to keep moving forward when it matters most.
- Beyond “Just Stay Positive”: Combat-Tested Self-Talk That Actually WorksBloc Life Perspectives‘Staying positive’ just isn’t enough. Veterans and adaptive athletes need science-backed self-talk strategies that rewire the brain for resilience. Here’s how to turn your inner voice into your strongest ally.
- 5 Grounded Ways to Calm Anxiety (That Go Beyond “Just Relax”)Bloc Life PerspectivesAnxiety doesn’t always look like panic; it can be restless energy, tight shoulders, or sleepless nights. For veterans, adaptive athletes, and anyone under stress, here are five grounded, body-based strategies to calm your nervous system and reclaim a sense of control.
- Under Pressure: How Movement and Connection Help Veterans and Adaptive Athletes Manage AnxietyBloc Life PerspectivesAnxiety doesn’t always shout—it often whispers through muscle tension, sleepless nights, and the need to stay in control. For veterans and adaptive athletes, that tension runs deep. But through movement and connection, the nervous system can learn to exhale—and healing becomes possible.
- Out of the Dark: How Movement and Community Combat Depression in Veterans and Adaptive AthletesBloc Life PerspectivesDepression often hides behind pain, silence, or disconnection—especially for veterans and adaptive athletes. But science continues to show that movement can do more than build strength. It rewires the brain, lifts mood, and restores a sense of belonging, especially when shared in community.
- Training Through Triggers: How Movement Helps Veterans and Amputees Living with PTSDBloc Life PerspectivesPTSD doesn’t just live in the mind—it lives in the body too. For veterans and amputees, trauma often lingers long after the physical wounds close. This blog explores how structured movement and adaptive training can offer emotional release, rewire stress responses, and create a sense of control—without needing to relive the past out loud.
- Go-To Movements for Upper Extremity AmputeesBloc Life PerspectivesMost fitness plans weren’t built for upper extremity amputees—but that doesn’t mean you’re left out. These three movements are simple, effective, and tailored to real bodies with real-life challenges. Your strength story starts here.
- Go-To Movements for Lower Limb Amputees: Rebuild Strength, Boost Confidence, and ThriveBloc Life PerspectivesLiving with a lower limb amputation doesn’t mean giving up an active life—it’s a fresh start. These three simple, powerful exercises—Side-Lying Hip Abduction, Prone Hip Extension, and Single-Leg Sit-to-Stand—help rebuild strength, boost balance, and reclaim independence. Start today and thrive!
- Go-To Workout Movements for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders: Build Strength, Balance, and ResilienceBloc Life PerspectivesNeurological disorders are the leading cause of disability globally, affecting 1 in 3 people in their lifetime. Staying active is key to maintaining strength and independence. Try these three adaptable exercises: Supported Lunges for balance, Squats for mobility, and Tuck/Plank Holds for core strength.
- Go-To Workout Movements for Wheelchair Users: Build Strength, Mobility, and IndependenceBloc Life PerspectivesStaying active as a wheelchair user is about more than just fitness—it’s about independence, injury prevention, and longevity. Despite the booming fitness industry, accessible training guidance remains scarce. In this guide, we break down three essential movements to strengthen shoulders, enhance mobility, and build functional power for everyday life.
- Nutrition for Wheelchair Users: Fueling Health and IndependenceBloc Life PerspectivesEvery year, 18,000 people in the U.S. become new wheelchair users, facing major lifestyle changes. Good nutrition can make all the difference—helping prevent pressure ulcers, manage bowel routines, and maintain energy. From protein and fiber to hydration and meal timing, discover essential strategies to fuel your body, foster independence, and thrive both physically and mentally.
- Life by Burpees Challenge: A Community Effort to Support Our Nation's FinestBloc Life PerspectivesThe Life by Burpees Challenge united fitness communities to support veterans and first responders, raising over $7,500 and completing 13,000 burpees. This event wasn’t just about physical endurance—it was a reminder to step out of our mental “boxes” and embrace empathy, connection, and growth.
- Bent, NOT Broken: Veterans and First Responders Navigating Civilian LifeBloc Life PerspectivesIn "Bent, NOT Broken," Josh Snyder delves into the tough shift from military and first responder roles to civilian life, highlighting the loss of structure and camaraderie. He provides actionable advice on regaining purpose through daily structure, supportive networks, and personal accountability, proving resilience is possible.
- Navigating Life After a Neurological Diagnosis: Insights from an Adaptive AthleteBloc Life PerspectivesReceiving a neurological diagnosis can be overwhelming, but adaptive athletes share powerful insights on navigating this new reality. Through community support, exercise, and self-advocacy, they demonstrate the importance of taking control of your recovery and living a fulfilling life, even in the face of adversity.
- Navigating Life After Amputation: Practical Insights for a Healthier RecoveryBloc Life PerspectivesLife after amputation presents unique challenges, but early movement, social connections, and practical advice can pave the way for a healthier recovery. As Daniel, an AAIM Athlete, emphasizes, "Start talking to other amputees as soon as possible, get into support groups. Do not let your body go." This blog explores essential insights for new amputees, from the importance of adaptive exercises to the power of community support, offering a roadmap for navigating this life-changing journey.
- Navigating Life Suddenly in a Wheelchair: So Now What?Bloc Life PerspectivesSuddenly finding yourself in a wheelchair can turn your world upside down. But you're not alone on this journey. Thousands have faced similar challenges and not just survived, but thrived. This blog offers insights from those who've been there, providing practical advice and emotional support. From rebuilding confidence to redefining priorities, we explore the physical and mental aspects of adapting to life on wheels. Join our community and discover the strength, resilience, and new possibilities that await you.
- Navigating Life with a Spinal Cord Injury: An Essential Guide for New Wheelchair UsersBloc Life PerspectivesNavigating life after a spinal cord injury can be overwhelming. Our guide, based on real experiences, offers crucial insights for new wheelchair users. From prioritizing mental health to breaking isolation and building community, learn how to confidently embrace your new journey.
- Unlock Your Wellness Potential: The Power of Measurement for Achieving Health GoalsBloc Life PerspectivesIn today's fast-paced world, prioritizing health and wellness can be daunting. However, research shows that individuals who regularly track their progress are significantly more likely to achieve their fitness goals. This blog post explores the concept of the "continuum of health" and how small, incremental steps can lead to substantial improvements in physical and mental well-being over time. Discover the power of measurement and learn practical strategies to unlock your full wellness potential.
- Empowering Wheelchair Users: The Critical Need for Exercise and MovementBloc Life PerspectivesIn our latest blog post, "Empowering Wheelchair Users," we explore the challenges they face in staying active, like inaccessible facilities and societal misconceptions, which can lead to health issues such as cardiovascular disease. We discuss actions like enhancing accessibility, engaging in community programs, and raising awareness to help them lead more active, fulfilling lives. Join us in supporting wheelchair users.
- Neurological Disabilities and Exercise: A Comprehensive GuideBloc Life PerspectivesDiscover the essential guide to adapting exercise routines for those with neurological disabilities. This comprehensive resource provides tailored strategies to enhance balance, coordination, and muscle strength, catering specifically to the diverse needs of individuals with conditions like stroke, Alzheimer's, and migraines. With a focus on safety and improving daily life, this guide is an invaluable tool for embracing an active lifestyle amidst neurological challenges.
- Adaptive Fitness for Amputees: A Complete Guide to Lower Limb Exercise RoutinesBloc Life PerspectivesAdaptive Fitness for Amputees: A Complete Guide to Lower Limb Exercise Routines" demystifies exercise adaptations for individuals with Below Knee and Above Knee Amputations, focusing on safe and effective strength-building techniques. This step-by-step guide is an invaluable resource for the 2.1 million amputees in the U.S. striving for an active and balanced lifestyle.
- How to Effectively Exercise in a Wheelchair: A Complete GuideBloc Life PerspectivesA full guide to training from a wheelchair: the daily exercises that build pulling strength and transfer confidence, the bands worth owning, and how to adapt a workout written for someone standing so it still does its job from a chair.
- The "Golden Rule": Self-Compassion MattersBloc Life PerspectivesConsider this: 'Do to yourself as you would have others do to you.' How would this change your perspective? Be kind, understanding, and empathetic to yourself first. This foundation shapes how we support others in their times of need.
- A 16-Week Community HIFT Pilot for Older Adults with Mobility DisabilitiesResearchTen adults aged 61 to 82 with long-term mobility disabilities completed 16 weeks of adaptive HIFT. Self-reported function improved; measured results were mixed.
- Federal Grant Expands Adaptive Fitness Research to Five Gyms in Three StatesResearchA three-year, $750,000 federal grant moves KU research on adaptive functional fitness from small pilots to a five-gym study in Missouri, Kansas and Texas.
- Research GO: 12 Weeks of Community HIFT for Adults with Mobility DisabilitiesResearchA University of Kansas pilot tested whether adults with mobility disabilities new to HIFT could complete 12 weeks of adaptive training at community gyms.
- A 24-Week Community HIFT Pilot for Adults with Mobility Disabilities and Overweight or ObesityResearchTwenty adults with mobility disabilities and overweight or obesity trained for 24 weeks at four Kansas City gyms. Function and body composition were tracked.
- How an Adaptive Gym Program Became a University Research PartnerResearchA 2024 Kansas Alumni feature traces how KU researcher Lyndsie Koon met Josh Snyder and why her studies of adaptive training run in community gyms.
- What Adaptive Athletes Say High-Intensity Functional Training Changed for ThemResearchA 2023 University of Kansas study asked 38 adults with mobility-related disabilities what high-intensity functional training changed in their lives.
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.