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January 01.2026
3 Minutes Read

Explore the Transformative Power of Barbell-Between-Legs Split Squat for Strength Training

Young man performing a barbell-between-legs split squat in the gym.

Unlocking New Gains with Nana Boateng's Split Squat

When it comes to maximizing leg strength, the Barbell-Between-Legs Split Squat, also known as the Jefferson Split Squat, is quickly becoming a favorite high-impact exercise among fitness enthusiasts. Recently, English soccer star Nana Boateng took to Instagram to showcase this challenging leg workout that promises to ignite muscle growth while offering a refreshing twist on traditional squats. With many athletes rapidly adopting this regimen, it poses a perfect opportunity for anyone wanting to diversify their workout routine.

Why the Jefferson Split Squat is Essential

The Barbell Between Legs variant is more than just an alternative exercise; it offers a plethora of benefits that make it a must-try for anyone serious about leg training. Unlike conventional back squats that can strain the back, this squat variation shifts the load down to the thighs, placing less stress on the spine. This not only helps prevent injuries but also allows for greater leg engagement, hitting the quads, glutes, adductors, and hamstrings.

Boateng humorously shared that it’s a glute workout he’ll “never try again,” which goes to show how demanding this exercise truly is. Users of various fitness levels can benefit from the movement, making it ideal for both functional athletes and bodybuilders. For anyone seeking superb muscle building or just overall strength improvements, incorporating this squat into your workout is well worth it.

Steps to Perfecting the Jefferson Split Squat

For those intrigued by Nana Boateng's workout, here’s how you can perform the Barbell-Between-Legs Split Squat effectively:

  1. Start by placing a barbell on the ground sideways and step one leg over it.
  2. Next, kneel down with your front foot elevated on a platform to create a bigger gap from the bar.
  3. Maintain an upright posture while gripping the barbell with an overhand grip.
  4. Push off with your front foot ensuring your back foot provides stability.
  5. Focus on lowering the barbell while descending, without locking your knees.
  6. For optimal results, aim for 8–10 rep pulses, engaging primarily your front leg for power.

Engagement Level and Community Buzz

The feedback on social media from Boateng’s followers illustrates just how electrifying this move can be. With comments like “I can feel the burn just watching this,” it’s clear that gym-goers are eager to incorporate this exercise into their own routines. Given the community’s enthusiastic response, this exercise is not just breaking boundaries; it’s setting new trends in fitness.

Considerations and Tips for Newcomers

If you’re new to this movement, here are some insightful tips to keep in mind:

  • Start with lighter weights to ensure you master the form before increasing your load.
  • Engage in proper warm-up exercises to prepare your muscles and lessen injury risks.
  • Focus on your breathing; exhale as you push upwards and inhale while lowering.
  • Gradually increase the elevation under your front foot to challenge yourself further.
  • Consider working with a trainer or experienced friend to get feedback, especially if you’re unsure about your form.

Conclusion

Incorporating the Barbell-Between-Legs Split Squat into your workout could redefine your leg day, boosting strength and muscle growth while keeping your routine exciting. With athletes like Nana Boateng leading the charge on social media, now's the perfect time to shake up your leg workouts. Want to share your transformation story or learn more tips? Drop us an email at team@kansascitythrive.com!

Health & Wellness in KC

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01.01.2026

Discover Jay Cutler’s Lying Dumbbell Front Raise for Shoulder Gains

Update Unleash Your Inner Bodybuilder with Jay Cutler’s TechniqueFour-time Mr. Olympia, Jay Cutler, is a name that resonates in the bodybuilding community. Known not just for his massive frame but also the finesse of his training techniques, Cutler recently shared a game-changing exercise on his social media that could enhance everyone’s shoulder workouts: the lying dumbbell front raise. This alteration to a staple exercise aims to isolate the front delts better and minimize the involvement of other muscle groups, especially the traps, which often overpower the shoulder muscles during lifts.While standing dumbbell front raises are common, Cutler emphasizes a more effective and targeted approach in the lying position. This allows for greater focus on the front deltoids. Here’s how to incorporate the exercise into your routine:How to Perform the Lying Dumbbell Front RaiseFirstly, set yourself up on an incline bench. Lay prone with your chest resting on the bench, engaging your core for stability. Cutler advises adjusting the foot position accordingly: stagger them behind the bench to prevent any unintended movement during the lift. This foundational stance is essential for isolating those key muscles effectively.Next, using a weight that allows for controlled movement is crucial. Cutler doesn’t recommend going heavy right off the bat. Instead, he suggests starting light to master the movement and gain full control over it. As he demonstrated in his video, the focus is on lifting the dumbbells in sync, aiming to reach parallel to the floor without jerky motions that come from uncontrolled momentum.Why This Method Matters for Muscle BuildingOne of the primary benefits of Cutler’s method is its emphasis on muscle development without risking injury. Bodybuilders often battle with overcompensation from stronger muscle groups. By focusing on the front deltoids while minimizing trap activation, lifters can effectively target and develop ‘boulder shoulders’—a trademark of championship-level physiques.Cutler’s insights into training also extend to other exercises, highlighting the importance of alignment and tempo in shoulder development. In related workouts, he discusses the utility of exercises like the standing shoulder press and lateral raises, which collectively build well-rounded shoulder development.Current Fitness Trends in Kansas CityFor Kansas City residents excited about getting fit or enhancing their current routines, embracing Cutler's techniques presents an opportunity to elevate your workouts. Emphasizing muscle isolation is part of a broader trend in fitness focusing on targeted training essential for anyone hoping to achieve a specific muscle-building goal.Alongside Cutler's insights on strength training, local gyms and fitness clubs are increasingly incorporating innovative techniques into their classes, including HIIT workouts and strength training sessions designed to foster community and motivation. Kansas City has embraced healthier lifestyles, offering ample local workout options tailored for beginners and advanced athletes alike.Take Action Today!Feeling inspired to rework your shoulder routine? Incorporating unique exercises like Cutler’s lying dumbbell front raise can be a game changer! Not only do these movements enhance muscular development, but they also align with current trends that emphasize functional fitness. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned gym-goer, consider hitting up a local fitness class or reaching out to nearby trainers for personalized coaching in Kansas City.If you have a story to share or want to contact us for more details, drop us an email at team@kansascitythrive.com!

01.01.2026

Embrace New Beginnings: Energize Your 2026 with Heartfelt New Year Messages

Update Celebrate New Beginnings: The Power of New Year Wishes in Kansas City As we step into 2026, the air in Kansas City is charged with excitement and optimism. New Year’s Eve is a time for new beginnings, reflections on the past year, and, most importantly, a chance to reach out to friends, family, and colleagues with heartfelt wishes. A well-crafted New Year message can fortify relationships, bring smiles, and enhance community bonds. Heartfelt New Year Wishes for Friends and Family Expressing genuine sentiments through New Year messages is especially meaningful. For family, messages filled with love and gratitude resonate deeply. For instance, wishing your parents a year filled with joy and health can be a touching way to convey appreciation for their support. Consider sending messages like, "Happy New Year! May our bond grow even stronger in 2026," ensuring they know how much they mean to you. Inspirational Messages for Your Community Kansas City residents can also uplift one another through inspirational New Year messages. Sharing ambitions and optimism for the year ahead can create a sense of unity. An inspiring message might read, "Let 2026 be the year you choose progress over pressure and peace over panic." Such words not only motivate individual growth but also reinforce the collective spirit of the community. Funny Wishes to Brighten the Year Humor is an essential part of New Year celebrations in Kansas City. Light-hearted messages can ease the stress that often accompanies year-end reflections and resolutions. For instance, a humorous take could be, "My New Year’s resolution is to stop procrastinating… starting tomorrow!" These playful messages provide a light-hearted way to welcome the New Year without overlooking the importance of making lasting memories. The Role of Local Businesses in New Year Celebrations Local Kansas City businesses can capitalize on these sentiments too. By sharing New Year messages with customers through social media or email newsletters, they not only show appreciation but foster a deeper connection with the community. Businesses can send messages like, "Cheers to another year of fruitful collaboration! Wishing all of you a successful 2026!" to engage and motivate employees and customers alike. Bringing a Smile: Short and Sweet Messages For those who prefer brevity, short and aesthetic messages work wonders. Simple phrases like, "Happy New Year 2026! Let’s make it a great one!" or "Cheers to hope and new beginnings!" can easily be shared via texts or social media, spreading positivity in a matter of seconds. These concise messages are perfect for quick sharing and maintaining connections amid busy lives. Setting Intentions: Wishes that Inspire Action New Year’s messages can go beyond simple well-wishes; they can serve as calls to action. Encourage your loved ones with wishes such as, "May 2026 inspire you to chase your dreams fearlessly!" This can ignite ambition not just for your friends and family but also create ripples of motivation throughout Kansas City. Connecting through Gratitude: A Chance to Reflect New Year’s is also a time to express gratitude. This could be a wonderful opportunity to reach out to local wellness experts, fitness centers, or yoga studios, thanking them for their impact on community health and wellness. A message like, "Thank you for being a vital part of our health journey! Here’s to a successful 2026 together!" captures the essence of community support. Special Messages for Clients and Colleagues For business professionals in Kansas City, crafting New Year messages aimed at clients and colleagues can strengthen professional relationships. Messages such as, "Wishing you a prosperous 2026!" or "Thank you for your trust and partnership this past year!" will go a long way in establishing goodwill and setting the tone for a fruitful working year ahead. Wrapping It Up: Why Your New Year Wishes Matter In conclusion, sharing New Year messages, whether heartfelt, humorous, or motivational, is a powerful way to connect with the people in our lives. Kansas City is a community that thrives on support, love, and belonging; thus, as we approach 2026, let’s take the time to uplift each other with our words. Wishing you all a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year! If you have a story to share or wish to collaborate on New Year’s celebrations in your business, don’t hesitate to contact us at team@kansascitythrive.com.

12.31.2025

Why the TRX Body Saw is a Game-Changer For Core Workouts

Update Unlocking Core Strength: The TRX Body Saw Explained In the world of fitness, the quest for a strong core has become synonymous with overall body strength and conditioning. With so many exercises available, one stands out for its efficiency and effectiveness — the TRX Body Saw. This exercise goes beyond the standard plank by challenging your body in a way that promotes not only core stability but also functional strength crucial for everyday activities and advanced athletic performance. How the TRX Body Saw Works The TRX Body Saw operates on the principle of anti-extension, a fundamental requirement for maintaining a strong core. While a traditional plank involves holding a static position, the Body Saw introduces dynamic movement. This variation compels your core to engage continuously while your arms glide backward and forward. Your abdominal muscles, including the transverse abdominis, rectus abdominis, and obliques, are put to the test, teaching them to brace against potential extension. This skill translates seamlessly into lifting movements like squats and deadlifts where a rigid midsection is non-negotiable. Step-by-Step: Performing the TRX Body Saw Ready to give it a try? Here's how to execute the TRX Body Saw properly: Adjust the TRX straps to mid-calf height and position your feet into the foot cradles. Get into a forearm plank position with your elbows beneath your shoulders, ensuring your body forms a straight line from head to heels. Engage your glutes and shoulders, pressing your forearms into the ground. Slowly glide your body back and forth by pushing through your forearms, maintaining core tension throughout the motion. Complete the repetitions while focusing on form and stability, aiming for controlled movements. Why It's Worth Adding to Your Routine The benefits of the TRX Body Saw go beyond mere aesthetics. Here's why it deserves a place in your workout repertoire: Improved Core Control and Strength: Because the Body Saw requires active stabilization, it builds core strength that is directly transferable to real-world actions — perfect for enhancing overall athletic performance. Less Strain on Your Back: Unlike many core exercises that can place strain on the lower back, the TRX Body Saw minimizes spinal movement while still engaging the core effectively. Functional Training: By strengthening your core in a dynamic way, you enhance your ability to perform daily tasks and sports activities, making this exercise practical for everyone. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them Like any exercise, form is crucial in maximizing benefits and minimizing the risk of injury. Here are common mistakes seen when performing the TRX Body Saw: Sagging Hips: If the hips drop, it indicates a lack of glute engagement. Focus on activating your glutes to prevent this mistake. Excessive Range of Motion: Sliding back too far can shift stress away from the abs to the lower back. Start with a smaller range and increase as your control improves. Incorrect Elbow Position: Keep your elbows directly under your shoulders to maintain alignment and reduce undue stress on your joints. Integrating the TRX Body Saw into Your Workout To get the most out of the TRX Body Saw, incorporate it into your training regimen thoughtfully. Consider using it as a warm-up before heavy lifts to activate your core or as part of a superset designed to enhance strength. Optimal sets and repetitions can range from 2 to 4 sets of 6 to 12 reps, depending on your fitness level. The Bigger Picture: Core Training for Overall Fitness The TRX Body Saw serves as an exemplary model of how effective core training can enhance overall fitness and performance. Whether you're an athlete looking to level up your game or someone striving for a healthier lifestyle, understanding and implementing core stability exercises like the Body Saw can be a game-changer. Ready to Transform Your Core Strength? If the TRX Body Saw intrigues you, explore it further and consider how it can benefit your fitness journey. And remember, the goal isn't just to perform an exercise, but to cultivate a body that performs better in everyday life. Have a story to share about your fitness journey or want to learn more? Drop us an email at team@kansascitythrive.com.

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