Add Row
Add Element
Kansas City Thrive | Local News. Real Stories. KC Vibes.
update
cropper
update
Add Element
update

GOT A STORY?

(816) 892-0365

Video will render in Public page

Update
Add Element
update

EMAIL US

team@kansascitythrive.com

Video will render in Public page

Update
Add Element
update

NEWSROOM

Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm

Video will render in Public page

Update
Add Element

UPDATE
[{"campaignId":684,"campaignName":"Leads By Lunch 2","sidebar":false,"article":true,"sidebar_img_url":"//my.funnelpages.com/user-data/gallery/4603/6874a4f9db2a8-original.jpg","article_img_url":"//my.funnelpages.com/user-data/gallery/4603/6874a4f9db37d-original.png","href":"https://leadsbylunch.com/"}]
Add Element
  • Homepage - Kansas City Thrive
  • News Interests
    • KC 100 Business Spotlight
    • Local Spotlight
    • KC Sports & Game Day
    • Shop Local KC
    • KC Events
    • Politics
    • Health & Wellness in KC
    • Tech News
    • Neighborhood Life
    • Food & Drink Vibe
Add Element
  • Facebook Kansas City Thrive
    update
  • update
  • update
  • LinkedIn Kansas City Thrive
    update
  • Pinterest Kansas City Thrive
    update
  • update
  • Instagram Kansas City Thrive
    update
October 17.2025
3 Minutes Read

Brigadier General Craig McPike Advocates for Fitness in New Airmen

Focused cyclist adjusting wheel, fitness for new airmen.

A New Era of Fitness: Insights from Brigadier General Craig McPike

In a rapidly changing world where physical fitness can determine career success, Brigadier General Craig McPike of the United States Air Force is leading a campaign for a new standard among aspiring airmen. As the Deputy Commander of the Air Force Recruiting Service, McPike understands that being part of the military isn’t just about serving; it’s also about maintaining a commitment to health and fitness.

Commitment to Health: Lessons for the Kansas City Community

As McPike emphasizes the importance of physical fitness, his message transcends the military sphere and resonates with communities in Kansas City. Many local residents are seeking ways to enhance their physical health, whether for personal fulfillment, sports, or aspirations of service. McPike's experiences as an athlete continue to influence his life. From his early football days at Texas A&M to managing a career in the military while raising a family, he highlights that dedication to fitness is integral to success.

Building Strong Foundations: The Essential Fitness Commitment

Merging life as a military leader and a family person, McPike suggests that physical readiness starts long before an individual joins the air force. His advice resonates with many looking to succeed in any aspect of life—making fitness a priority is crucial. Often, it’s not enough to want to be fit; one must carve out time to work for it. He shared that during his college years, his commitment led him to forge a balance between academics, sports, and personal fitness.

Future Generation of Airmen: Creating a Culture of Fitness

“Get ready so you can stay ready,” says McPike, as he gears efforts toward inspiring the next generation of service members. For young people in Kansas City considering joining the military, he sets benchmarks. He encourages aspiring airmen to track progress with specific fitness targets, such as running a mile and a half in under 15 minutes or completing 50 pushups in a minute. This focus provides actionable steps towards not only meeting military standards but also leading a healthy lifestyle.

Envisioning the Path Ahead: Fitness as Legacy

As McPike advances his advocacy for health, he recognizes parallels between fitness and leadership. Whether mentoring airmen or community youth, the principles of discipline, commitment, and resilience remain the same. “You'll be proud of what you achieve. The skills you develop will serve you well beyond military service,” he states. These words serve as a powerful call-to-action for local youth to invest in their physical and mental well-being, shaping not only their futures but also the broader community.

Local Fitness Resources: Taking the Next Step

To foster the spirit of fitness within the Kansas City region, local organizations and gyms are pivotal in providing accessible resources. Many offer programs designed specifically for beginners, allowing community members to explore options like HIIT workouts, bodyweight training, and structured meal plans. These resources pave an encouraging pathway for anyone motivated to enhance their fitness journey, laying the groundwork for a healthier generation.

So, what does all this mean for you in Kansas City? As McPike illustrates, the commitment to fitness strengthens not just individuals but binds communities together in a shared goal of health and vitality.

Have a story to share or want to contact us for more details? Drop us an email at team@kansascitythrive.com.

Health & Wellness in KC

Write A Comment

*
*
Related Posts All Posts
10.30.2025

Unlock Your Potential: Jeff Nippard's Low Volume Training Experiment in Kansas City

Update Revolutionizing Workout Paradigms: Jeff Nippard’s Low Volume Training In the ever-evolving landscape of fitness, the common belief has typically revolved around the notion that more is better. For years, trainers and athletes alike have adhered to a rigorous schedule of intense, high-volume workouts. So, when Jeff Nippard—a renowned fitness coach and advocate of evidence-based training—decided to challenge this paradigm by cutting his workout volume drastically, the fitness world sat up and took notice. What is Low Volume Training? Low volume training refers to the practice of reducing the number of sets or reps in workout routines while maintaining or even increasing the intensity of the exercises performed. Instead of performing multiple sets per exercise, Nippard opted for just one or two, focusing entirely on quality over quantity. This concept isn't just a whim; it reflects a growing body of research suggesting minimal effective doses for muscle gains might yield significant results. The 100-Day Experiment: Results That Speak Volumes Nippard embarked on a 100-day training experiment where he halved his usual workout volume, transitioning from three to four sets per exercise to just one or two. Over the course of this time, he measured several metrics to assess the impact on his physique and performance: Strength increased, with Nippard achieving new personal records even as he trained with less volume. Body fat decreased by a significant 5.5 pounds, showcasing the fat-burning efficacy of this approach. Lean muscle mass experienced only a slight loss of 1.8 pounds, indicating that even at a caloric deficit, he maintained most of his muscle. Why Shorter Workouts Can Yield Better Results “It’s so insane how much better you lock in when you only have two sets to do,” Nippard reflects. This thoughts resonate with many fitness enthusiasts—especially those perpetrating the myth that longer workouts are synonymous with better results. Focusing only on one or two sets per exercise allowed Nippard to lock in his form, focus intensely, and build strength efficiently. Emerging evidence supports this viewpoint, suggesting that beyond a certain volume threshold, increasing sets results in diminishing returns regarding strength and muscle gains. This perspective urges individuals, especially those balancing work and family commitments, to consider the quality of workouts over sheer volume. Low Volume Training: A New Normal for All Levels? When it comes to beginners or those entering a new fitness journey, Nippard's findings present a compelling case for the adoptability of low-volume training. With time constraints being a leading factor for many individuals missing out on workouts, this methodology can fit seamlessly into busy schedules while still promoting effective strength training. Additionally, Nippard claims that the enjoyment factor of training also increased. “Instead of dreading long workouts, I actually can’t wait to train each day.” As a health journalist and someone who champions accessible fitness routines, I see tremendous value in minimizing workout times while maximizing enjoyment and efficiency. What This Means for Kansas City Residents The implications of Nippard's study resonate particularly well within the Kansas City community, where personal trainers and fitness enthusiasts are constantly seeking innovative ways to engage clients and promote healthy lifestyles. With many local businesses focused on optimizing their clients' workout routines, the emphasis on shorter, intensive training sessions may serve as a refreshing, practical option. Gym owners in Kansas City could leverage this low-volume training approach to attract more clients looking for effective yet manageable fitness solutions. For residents contemplating their fitness strategies, embracing a low-volume training approach might be just the shift needed to enhance their physical performance without overwhelming their schedules. In a city that thrives on both community and individualism, effective training strategies can support personal goals while fostering broader fitness engagement. Join the Conversation Have a story to share or want to contact us for more details? Drop us an email at team@kansascitythrive.com and participate in the dialogue about how innovative, evidence-backed training methods can reshape our fitness culture.

10.30.2025

Unlock Your Strength: Master the Close-Grip Bench Press with Joe DeFranco's Insights

Update Mastering the Close-Grip Bench Press: Key Insights from Joe DeFranco If you've ever approached the close-grip bench press, you've likely heard conflicting opinions about the best way to execute it. Popular strength coach Joe DeFranco recently took to his Instagram, explaining common mistakes that could hinder your progress, specifically when it comes to form. He emphasizes that proper technique is essential not only for maximizing muscle gains but also for preventing injury. The Common Misstep to Avoid According to DeFranco, many lifters think that positioning their hands extremely close on the barbell will place more stress on the triceps. However, this is a misconception. "Most lifters take an extremely close grip, with the inside of their thumbs almost touching," he notes. "This shift puts excessive stress on the wrists and elbows, rather than targeting the triceps as intended." Recommended Technique: The Narrow Grip Bench Press DeFranco offers a solution: the narrow grip bench press. This modified technique involves placing your index fingers on the smooth part of the barbell with the remaining fingers resting on the knurled section. This grip allows the lifter to isolate their triceps effectively while maintaining joint health. "It's crucial to find a grip that keeps your wrists, elbows, and shoulders aligned in a safe position," he says. This not only maximizes tricep activation but also helps in building the strong horseshoe shape everyone desires. Enhancement Through Auxiliary Exercises In addition to perfecting your close grip, DeFranco encourages integrating specific auxiliary lifts that enhance your bench press. Some effective exercises include isometric holds like prone Y-W-T’s and face pull iso-holds, which strengthen the upper back and improve shoulder stability. These exercises ensure that while you focus on your triceps, you also build the overall musculature required for a powerful bench press. Why This Matters in Kansas City For fitness enthusiasts in Kansas City, understanding the mechanics of bench pressing is more relevant than ever. With several local gyms and fitness groups looking to uplift community wellness, having proper form in exercises like the close-grip bench press can set you on the path to achieving your fitness goals without the risk of injury. Furthermore, as the local fitness scene continues to grow, mastering foundational exercises becomes a vital stepping stone towards a more significant progress in strength training. Key Takeaway: Form Focus For Every Level The close-grip bench press isn't just for bodybuilders; it's a versatile exercise everyone from beginners to seasoned lifters can incorporate into their training. Understanding how to perform it correctly can help you avoid pain, increase your bench press strength, and enhance your overall performance. So the next time you hit the gym, remember DeFranco's insights, adopt the narrow grip, and feel the difference. By effectively managing pain points through informed technique, lifting can become an enjoyable and sustainable part of your lifestyle. If you have a story to share about your fitness journey or want to learn more about effective workout techniques, feel free to reach out to us at team@kansascitythrive.com!

10.30.2025

Bill Gates Climate Change Pivot: A Path to Wellness and Innovation in KC

Update A New Vision for Climate Strategy Bill Gates has recently stirred discussions on climate strategies, suggesting a significant shift from traditional methods focused solely on immediate emissions reductions. Instead, he advocates for a holistic approach that targets poverty and disease as primary issues in combating climate change. His perspective—which places improving human life in impoverished regions ahead of strict emissions goals—reflects a growing discourse on how best to approach global crises that are interconnected. Understanding the Strategic Pivot Gates believes that the current climate narrative often distracts from immediate human needs. In a world where many still suffer from preventable diseases, he argues that the fight against climate change should not come at the cost of addressing pressing health and poverty issues. "If I have to let the temperature rise by 0.1 degrees to eradicate malaria, I would do it," Gates declared, emphasizing that millions are still directly affected by these avoidable ailments in developing regions. Innovation: A Key To Reversing Climate Effects While climate change poses severe threats, particularly to vulnerable populations, Gates remains optimistic about scientific advancement. With his Breakthrough Energy initiative, he champions investment in clean technology as a viable solution that could, in the long term, reduce emissions while improving quality of life. This belief reflects a perspective shared by some modern environmentalists who tout the potential of innovations in green energy. Resource Allocation: A Balancing Act The question Gates raises—whether limited resources are being allocated effectively—brings to light the challenging balance between combating climate change and improving quality of life. Critics argue that his suggestions risk downplaying the urgency of climate action. Renowned climate scientists caution that every fraction of a degree of warming has serious repercussions, including exacerbated weather events and biodiversity loss. This tension between immediate needs and long-term survival poses a dilemma for policymakers. Finding Common Ground Despite Gates' controversial views, there is an opportunity to create a common ground between poverty alleviation and climate change initiatives. According to many experts, sustainable development and proactive climate action can indeed coexist. Addressing poverty could empower communities to become better equipped to handle environmental changes, ultimately forming a more resilient global society. Involving Local Perspectives in Global Discussions For residents in Kansas City, the implications of Gates' memo are multi-tiered. As local communities navigate health and wellness issues, they must also consider how broader climate policies will affect their lives and businesses. Initiatives that foster healthy living—like improving access to nutritious foods or promoting physical activity—can contribute to the kind of societal resilience that Gates envisions. Call to Action: Get Involved in Community Wellness Local residents are encouraged to engage with health and wellness resources available in Kansas City. By connecting with local fitness centers, yoga studios, and wellness events, individuals can contribute to building healthier communities that are better equipped to tackle the challenges posed by climate change and public health. Have a story to share or want to contact us for more details? Drop us an email at team@kansascitythrive.com.

Terms of Service

Privacy Policy

Core Modal Title

Sorry, no results found

You Might Find These Articles Interesting

T
Please Check Your Email
We Will Be Following Up Shortly
*
*
*