Showing posts with label KAATSU Aqua. Show all posts
Showing posts with label KAATSU Aqua. Show all posts

Monday, May 31, 2021

Swimming To Optimize Your Brain Function And Health

For who? Competitive athletes, Baby Boomers, swimmers
For what? Strength, stamina, functional movement, cognitive function






























































Ryan Glatt, MS, CPT, NBHWC is a psychometrist and a Brain Health Coach at the Brain Health Center in the Pacific Neuroscience Institute in Santa Monica, California.

The Pacific Neuroscience Institute focuses on care of patients with a spectrum of neurological and cranial disorders including brain tumors, skull base tumors, pituitary tumors, spine health, stroke and related neurovascular diseases, adult hydrocephalus, vision and hearing disorders, facial pain and paralysis syndromes, movement disorders as well as sinonasal tumors and related disorders. Additionally the brain health team cares for a wide spectrum of behavioral and cognitive disorder as well as autoimmune and neuroinflammatory disease such as Multiple Sclerosis.

Glatt talks about three types of exercise that optimize brain's function and health, and how to incorporate them into your day-to-day lifestyle in a Genius Life podcast with Max Lugavere, a television personality, health and wellness writer, science journalist, and New York Times best-selling author of Genius Foods.

Types of Exercises
* aerobic exercise
* resistance training
* skill-based training (or skillful exercise and neuromotive training)

Swimming is multi-modal. Swimming concurrently enables three types of exercise. Doing all four strokes in a pool in a standard (and innovative*) interval training workout comprises of aerobic exercise, resistance training, and skill-based training.

Aerobic Exercise
Swimming all four strokes in a pool in a standard interval training workout leads to increased heart rate and respiration rate.

Resistance Exercise
While most people do not think of swimming as resistance exercise, it clearly is. The arm movement while doing butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle involves not only pulling (in the front half of the arm strokes in all four swimming styles), but also pushing (in the last half of the arm strokes in all four swimming styles) for the upper body and core muscles.

The long-axis swimming strokes (i.e., backstroke and freestyle) and the short-axis swimming strokes (i.e., butterfly and breaststroke) work on different muscles in different ways. But, in general, the first part of the swimming strokes is a pulling action that primarily works the backs and biceps. The second part of the swimming strokes is a pushing action that primarily works the chest, shoulders and triceps.

By utilizing hand paddles, parachutes, fins, snorkels, and KAATSU Aqua Bands, the outcomes and results in the resistance realm become even greater.



Similarly, the leg and core muscles are worked differently in the long-axis and short-axis strokes. The legs either move up and down against the resistance of the water (in butterfly, backstroke, freestyle) or up and back (in breaststroke).

The quadriceps, hamstrings, calves and abdominals are used concurrently while the upper body is used. The lower body gets a focused, intense bout of exercise before and during turns at the walls of a swimming pool.

Skill-based Training
Thinking about how to swim in a more balanced and streamlined manner is a cognitive exercise as is maintaining different paces at different intervals also requires thought.

Additionally, focusing on faster turns (with increased underwater propulsion) and transitioning between butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle at fixed intervals, or progressing faster intervals, or in negative split swims also requires thought.

For the ultimate in cognitive effort, doing intervals based on prime numbers is challenging. That is, instead of doing 10x100@1:30, swimmers can do 7x100@1:27.

KAATSU
By adding KAATSU Aqua to a swimming workout, the ability to achieve Glatt's advice becomes more effective and efficient.

Copyright © 2014 - 2021 by KAATSU Global

Monday, December 28, 2020

Physiological Effects of Strength Training Incorporating Blood Flow Restriction Underwater

For who? Swimmers, water polo players, triathletes
For what? Strength, stamina, functional movement, mobility, recovery, KAATSU Aqua

Experienced KAATSU Master Specialists and coaches from California (Dave Carlson) to Massachusetts (Chris Morgan) have long incorporated KAATSU Aqua in the training of their athletes for speed, strength and stamina. They also use KAATSU and KAATSU Aqua for rehabilitation of muscles, bones, ligaments and tendons when required. It is used often for recovery, especially after intense workouts and in post-competition situations.

Like KAATSU, KAATSU Aqua is the original BFR for use by aquatherapists, trainers and physical therapists with aquatherapy pools, and competitive aquatic athletes and older people who do aquarobics and aquawalking in shallow pools.

Standard protocols for KAATSU Aqua is the same as KAATSU regarding the Base SKU Pressure and Optimal SKU Pressure.

But it is important for the KAATSU Aqua pressure to be lower on both the arms and the legs than what is normally used on dryland with standard KAATSU. The other protocols such as proper CRT (Capillary Refill Time) and restricting use no longer than 15 minutes are strictly adhered to by these coaches and their athletes that range from high school students to people in their mid-80's.

This year, the World Health Organization posted a paper by Hiroshi Kawano, Teruhiko Kondo and Atsushi Takeda called Physiological Effects of Strength Training Incorporating Blood Flow Restriction Underwater that was published in The Journal of The Japanese Society of Balneology, Climatology and Physical Medicine (see here).

The abstract reads, "Strength training performed while restricting blood flow is believed to cause the secretion of growth hormones under low load intensities and allow for muscle hypertrophy and increased muscle strength. This has potential clinical applications for elderly individuals and people with existing conditions. However, previous research has been performed on land, with hemodynamics and growth hormone secretion trends for training performed underwater unclear. Against this background, we investigated the effects of blood flow restriction training underwater on hemodynamics and plasma growth hormone (GH) levels. Twelve healthy university students were divided into two groups a localized immersion group where only the upper limb of the dominant hand was submerged, and a whole-body immersion group where participants were submerged to the xiphoid process. Immersed according to respective group protocols, both groups performed flexion and extension of the shoulder joint for 10 minutes with a pressurized cuff at the base of the upper arm under both 0 mmHg and 50 mmHg cuff pressures. Measured hemodynamics were heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure. Plasma GH levels were measured from blood samples. This study revealed that underwater blood flow restriction strength training induced plasma GH level secretion under 50 mmHg conditions. In addition, high levels of GH secretion were shown in the localized immersion group for strength training even when the cuff was not pressurized. Conversely, no significant differences were evident in any measured hemodynamic categories. Results suggest that, in addition to cuff pressure, blood flow restriction training is affected by the body part immersed in water."

High school, club and national level water polo coach Dave Carlson from Los Alamitos, California and 2008 Olympic swim coach Chris Morgan of Danvers, Massachusetts discussed different way to recover from competitions and games with the KAATSU Aqua Bands and the KAATSU Cycle 2.0 device in this podcast:





KAATSU Master Specialists like Dr. Cory Keirn have long talked about KAATSU Aqua:

* Dr. Cory on KAATSU Aqua Arms in Deep Water
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU Aqua Arms
* Dr. Cory on KAATSU Aqua Legs in Deep Water
* Dr. Cory on KAATSU Aqua with a Noodle

Various KAATSU Aqua applications for competitive aquatic athletes are demonstrated below:









Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global

Friday, June 12, 2020

Effects Of KAATSU On Post-lockdown Performance

For who? Swimmers, competitive athletes, triathletes
For what? Speed, strength, stamina, KAATSU At Home, KAATSU Aqua



Chris Morgan, head coach of Gator Swim Club in Massachusetts and the 2008 Swiss Olympic swim team coach, discussed the effects of doing 3 months of home-use KAATSU the original BFR and backyard pool workouts on his athletes' immediate and short-term post-lockdown performance in the swimming pool.

Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global

Monday, May 4, 2020

KAATSU Aqua In A Counter-current Pool

For who? Swimmers, water polo players, triathletes
For what? KAATSU Aqua



Olympic swim coach Chris Morgan offers a wide variety of KAATSU Aqua backyard pool swim workouts and Endless Pool or counter-current pool workouts.

One backyard pool swim workout focused on breaststroke is listed below.

Backyard Pool Warm up
4 lengths kick on board
2 lengths underwater - somersault at halfway to work core / open turn at wall
8 lengths kick on board
2 lengths underwater - somersault at halfway to work core / open turn at wall
12 lengths kick on board
2 lengths underwater - somersault at halfway to work core / open turn at wall
16 lengths kick on board
2 lengths underwater - somersault at halfway to work core / open turn at wall
20 lengths kick on board
2 lengths underwater - somersault at halfway to work core / open turn at wall

Backyard Pool Main set #1
[3x]
4 minute seated static sculling
4x 1-length underwater mini breaststroke pull-outs
4 min vertical body static sculling (deep water preference)
4x 1-length underwater mini breaststroke pull-outs
4 min sculling on belly / static and slightly fetal position
4x 1-length underwater mini breaststroke pull-outs
1:00 rest

Backyard Pool Main set #2
** tethered with stretch-cord**
[2-3x]
10x super slow breaststroke cycles
Head-down sculling no breath UNTIL you need a breath then stop
Remain tethered and 5 vertical bobs in middle of pool
:20 seconds rest
20x super slow breaststroke cycles
Head-down sculling no breath UNTIL you need a breath then stop
Remain tethered and 5 vertical bobs in middle of pool
:20 seconds rest
30x super slow breaststroke cycles
Head-down sculling no breath UNTIL you need a breath then stop
Remain tethered and 5 vertical bobs in middle of pool
:20 seconds rest and REPEAT

Backyard Pool Cool down
[8x]
:20 easy flutter wall kick
1x push glide to opposing/opposite wall
Repeat

Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global

Thursday, April 23, 2020

KAATSU Aqua On SwimShare

For who? Swimmers, triathletes
For what? KAATSU Aqua, recovery



Courtesy of SwimShare.

This episode on KAATSU the original BFR and KAATSU Aqua is brought together by SwimShare, an easy-to-use, quick and intuitive workout planning, tracking and sharing app for swimmers and coaches made by ClubAssistant.

Gators Swim Club head coach Chris Morgan (swam at UC Davis), International Marathon Swimming Hall of Famer Steven Munatones (swam at Harvard), and retired Navy SEAL Captain John Doolittle (swam at Air Force Academy) explain KAATSU and its applications to the swimming community.

Various KAATSU Aqua applications for competitive aquatic athletes are demonstrated below:









Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global

Sunday, April 12, 2020

Chris Morgan On KAATSU Aqua

For who? Swimmers, water polo players, divers, triathletes
For what? Functional movement, strength, flexibility, mobility, KAATSU Aqua, recovery, rehabilitation



Olympic swim coach Chris Morgan is the head coach of Gator Swim Club located in Massachusetts. During these times of lockdowns, quarantines, and shelter-in-place and stay-at-home ordinances, Morgan gives backyard pool swimming workouts, Zoom dryland training, and KAATSU Aqua workouts to his 300+ member team.

Morgan discussed in detail how he incorporates KAATSU the original BFR in his pool workouts and how he uses KAATSU equipment at competitive swim meets in this speciality KAATSU interview. He provided examples of specific sets and drills that help his athletes develop their speed, stamina and technical skills in the pool.

1. Specific KAATSU Aqua sets for sprint middle distance and distance freestylers
2. Specific KAATSU Aqua sets for butterflyers backstrokers and breaststrokers
3. Specific drills for starts and turns
4. Specific KAATSU recovery protocols between races and between prelims and finals



Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global

Monday, April 6, 2020

KAATSU At Home - A Talk With Chris Morgan

For who? Swimmers, triathletes, student-athletes, competitive athletes
For what? Functional movement, strength, flexibility, mobility, KAATSU At Home, KAATSU Aqua





Olympic, collegiate, open water and age group swimming coach Chris Morgan has used KAATSU the original BFR since 2014 and is one of the world's most experienced KAATSU Master Specialists.

Not only does Morgan use KAATSU for the training and recovery of his competitive athletes, but he also utilizes KAATSU for rehabilitation of adult swimmers, fitness swimmers, and his own broken ribs and cracked heel.

Morgan, who has coached at the 2008 Beijing Olympics as well as Stanford University and Harvard University, is the featured guest on the KAATSU At Home Interview Series on Tuesday, April 7th at 9 am California time / 12 noon New York time / 5 pm GMT. His physiological knowledge is deep due to his personal use, his use with club and collegiate swimmers and water polo players, and his Masters in Sports Science & Human Movement from the University of Lausanne in Switzerland.

Rehabilitation

Broken Ribs
Morgan has exclusively used KAATSU to rehabilitate from two broken ribs and a cracked heel bone.

"I ran a Tough Mudder and broke two ribs when I dove in some shallow water," recalled Morgan. "I was coaching at Harvard at the time and went to go get an x-ray. Then I repeatedly did lots of KAATSU Cycles on the first-generation KAATSU Nano unit with Mr. Shimizu who was visiting from Tokyo. I had broken ribs before so I knew what it felt like and how long it would take to recover from the injury.

But after 3 days, I felt no pain. It was strange in a way - but great. Then after 7 days, I went back to get a follow-up x-ray and the technician told me that he saw an old rib break that had healed itself. The technician didn't know that I had just broken two ribs 7 days before. Mr. Shimizu had told me of the systemic effects of KAATSU, but this was my first 'ah-ha' moment with KAATSU
." Cracked Heel
Last year, Morgan fractured his right calcaneus bone (heel) while falling on a concrete step.

"In the emergency room, the doctor said to me, 'Oh that must be so painful. You cracked 75% of heel.' He was right. But I knew that I had to start rehabbing with KAATSU as soon as I got home," he recalled. "I did the same rehab doing KAATSU when I cracked my ribs during a mud run. The doctors and x-ray technicians at Harvard where I was coaching at the time could not believe how fast my ribs healed. Every since that time, I have been a huge KAATSU believer."

Morgan was given a boot, crunches and pain medications and told not to walk or apply pressure on the healing bone until he cleared him in some months. "It was painful and there is no way to walk on it, but I could sit up and do KAATSU on my arms and legs."

Morgan's rehabilitation includes two separate KAATSU sessions per day: a morning session and an evening session where he does several KAATSU Cycles on both his arms and legs.

Morgan explained his belief in KAATSU, "Dr. Sato [the KAATSU inventor] taught me that the more strongly muscle is exercised, the stronger the bones become. In other words, when there is less mechanical stress on our bones when you are bedridden or unable to move a body part that is in a cast or boot, the calcium that is stored in the bones is dissolved into your bloodstream, thus reducing bone strength.

We know through research that KAATSU changes - improves - levels of bone metabolic markers like BAP (bone alkali phosphatase). This research tells us that KAATSU elicits an acute response to suppress bone resorption and elicits a chronic effect in terms of encouraging bone formation - which was one reason why I believe my ribs healed so quickly and I expect my cracked heel will heal more quickly than my doctor expects.

The doctor told me to be off my injured foot for 6 weeks. I was walking within days and didn't have use for the crutch in 11 days due to KAATSU
."

Podiatrist Dr. Lyle Nalli explains, "The calcaneus is the most vascular bone in the foot and can crack easily, but with its thin cortex and sparse inner bone pattern, can heal the fastest off all the foot bones. KAATSU, as it regulates blood flow, etc., speeds up the bone's healing rate."

Morgan has helped his adult athletes, some in their late 70's, rehabilitate from all sorts of orthopedic injuries.

Recovery

Morgan uses KAATSU with his athletes when they travel to swim meets, including right after travel and between preliminary and final heats.

Athletic Performance

Morgan follows the Three P's of KAATSU that are described by former NCAA athlete and coach Chris Dahowski:

* Physical
* Physiological
* Psychological

He describes the three specific areas of advantages and benefits of KAATSU for competitive athletes:

Physical
This is defined when the athletes are wearing their KAATSU Air Bands - either on their arms or legs - and are in either the KAATSU Training or KAATSU Cycle mode.

The lactate build-up that inevitably comes with movement while the KAATSU Air Bands are on literally kickstarts the natural biochemical process in the body. When this movement becomes technically flawless with the KAATSU Air Bands on, this is the optimal way to start preparing the athlete for performance gains.

After the athlete trains with technically flawless technique and builds that perfect movement into their muscle memory, even if they are not going all-out or at highly intense levels, this is the first part of our KAATSU protocol.

Then, we ask the athletes to take off their KAATSU Air Bands and then replicate their technically flawless technique while working intensely and going all-out.

This can be done while improving free throws with a basketball player, swinging a golf club or baseball bat, or trying to improve times for an Olympic runner, swimmer or rower.

The raw use of the KAATSU Air Bands during technically flawless athletic movements, even without intensity of all-out exercise is the catalyst for improvement in speed, stamina, or strength. KAATSU introduces physiological changes in the body, a natural adaptation, while the mind-body connection is being refined.

Physiological
This is defined when the athletes are wearing their KAATSU Air Bands - either on their arms or legs - and are in either the KAATSU Training mode and going close to or at race pain or at their highest level of intensity and focus.

When the athletes start to feel the discomfort of their lactate levels increasing as they start to train faster and more intensely, profound changes in their neuromuscular system, vascular system and endocrinology system have already begun. Increases in endothelial cells and IGF-1, and significant release of nitric oxide and human growth hormone, occur naturally and enable the athlete to improve physiologically.

This is especially true if the athlete does KAATSU Cycles before and after each workout, and KAATSU Training within each workout.

Psychological
Coaches understand that their athletes' mindset is absolutely critical for self-confidence and positivity. If the athlete's mind is in the right place, then all their training and preparation will lead to improvement and achievement of their goals.

Instead of "race pace", Morgan tells his athletes that they must become comfortable with "race pain". At every aerobically-based competition - whether it is swimming, running, rowing, or cycling - there comes a point where fatigue and discomfort come into play. The athletes feel that discomfort - or as they describe it as pain - and start to slow down and adjust their pace...downwards.

But with daily use of KAATSU Air Bands, they can become much more familiar with that race pain. With familiarity comes acclimatization and they learn how to deal with it psychologically.



Morgan explained KAATSU Aqua in an interview with Brent Rutemiller of Swimming World Magazine at the 2017 American Swimming Coaches Association World Clinic in Washington D.C. [see above]

Morgan was the guest on KAATSU At Home - A Zoom Talk With Chris Morgan on April 7th.

Morgan is the world's foremost KAATSU Aqua Specialist with experience in water polo, competitive swimming, fitness swimming, aqua therapy, masters swimming, open water swimming, and fin swimming, and Olympic swimming. Various KAATSU Aqua topics are covered here:

* Olympic Coach's Journey To KAATSU
* Details And Differences Between KAATSU And KAATSU Aqua
* KAATSU Aqua Strength & Speed Drills
* Olympic Swim Coach On His Use Of KAATSU Aqua
* Déjà Vu, Training Of Misty Hyman Redux
* How North Shore Lifeguards Train With KAATSU
* KAATSU Aqua Bands - How To Use In Pool
* KAATSU Aqua Burpees
* KAATSU Aqua Applications For Aquatic Athletes
* KAATSU Aqua Exercises
* Aquatic Equivalents Of Brutal Dryland Workouts
* KAATSU Aqua For Recovery
* KAATSU Aqua For Breaststrokers & Water Polo Players
* Training With KAATSU Aqua Bands In The Water
* When Swimmers Cannot Swim During Shelter-in-Place Quarantines
* No Big Pool, No Problem
* KAATSU User Michael Andrew Wins First World Title
* Coaching With KAATSU Aqua
* Core Work In The Water With KAATSU Aqua
* KAATSU Aqua Core And Shoulder Work
* KAATSU Leads To Decreased CRP Levels
* How KAATSU Can Change Outcomes
* Kicking with KAATSU Aqua
* Yuko Matsuzaki Sets Guinness World Record In Endless Pool
* Swimming Helped Me Survive, KAATSU Enabled Me To Thrive
* Dr. Cory Doing KAATSU Aqua
* Dr. Cory on KAATSU Aqua with a Noodle
* Dr. Cory on KAATSU Aqua Legs in Deep Water
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU Aqua Arms
* Dr. Cory on KAATSU Aqua Arms in Deep Water
* Dr. Cory On Shallow Water KAATSU Aqua

Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global

Thursday, April 2, 2020

Dr. Cory On Shallow Water KAATSU Aqua

For who? Injured student-athletes, competitive athletes, work-at-home parents
For what? Rehabilitation, functional movement, strength, flexibility, mobility, KAATSU At Home



Cory Keirn DPT demonstrates a number of shallow water KAATSU Aqua exercises and aqua therapy movements following the principles and protocols of KAATSU the original BFR.

Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global

Monday, March 30, 2020

Dr. Cory on KAATSU Aqua Arms in Deep Water

For who? Injured student-athletes, swimmers, triathletes, work-at-home parents
For what? Rehabilitation, recovery, strength, mobility, KAATSU Aqua



Cory Keirn DPT demonstrates different KAATSU Aqua arms exercises in a home pool.

Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global

Dr. Cory On KAATSU Aqua Arms

For who? Injured athletes, competitive athletes, swimmers
For what? Rehabilitation, recovery, strength, flexibility, mobility, KAATSU Aqua



Cory Keirn DPT demonstrates various kinds of upper body and core exercises with KAATSU Air Bands inflated by the KAATSU Cycle 2.0.

Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global

Dr. Cory on KAATSU Aqua Legs in Deep Water

For who? Student-athletes, swimmers, triathletes, work-at-home parents
For what? Rehabilitation, recovery, strength, mobility, KAATSU Aqua



Cory Keirn DPT demonstrates using the KAATSU Cycle 2.0 and the KAATSU Aqua Bands for an at-home workout.

Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global

Dr. Cory on KAATSU Aqua with a Noodle

For who? Injured athletes, swimmers, triathletes
For what? Rehabilitation, recovery, strength, mobility, KAATSU Aqua



Cory Keirn DPT demonstrates how to use inflated KAATSU Air Bands with a Noodle in a swimming pool as a form of innovative aqua therapy.

Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global

Dr. Cory Doing KAATSU Aqua

For who? Injured competitive athletes, retirees, work-at-home parents
For what? Rehabilitation, recovery, strength, mobility, KAATSU Aqua



Cory Keirn DPT demonstrates using the KAATSU Cycle 2.0 and the KAATSU Aqua Bands for an at-home workout based on the principles and protocols of KAATSU the original BFR.

Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global

Thursday, March 19, 2020

When Swimmers Cannot Swim During Shelter-in-Place Quarantines

For who? Work from home employees, swimmers, water polo players, retirees
For what? Functional mobility, strength, KAATSU Aqua



Dr. Lyle Nalli and his masters swimming group in Seal Beach started to miss their early morning workouts because all the pool and fitness gym are closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

With the local pools closed in Southern California, swimmers have no choice but to do dryland workouts in their home in the quarantined shelter-in-place locations.

So they gathered at their normal time (5:30 am) and did circuit training ... with a twist. They used the pneumatic Original BFR bands, or the KAATSU Aqua Bands, and included sets on Dr. Nalli's Vasa Trainer in his garage.

After warming up with KAATSU Cycles on their arms and legs using the KAATSU Cycle 2.0 unit, the swimmers did 45-60 second sets with the KAATSU Air Bands inflated to 250 SKU.

"The reason why KAATSU on Vasa Trainers is so effective and efficient is because the recruitment of muscle fibers skyrockets with KAATSU Training when the limbs are engorged in blood," explains Steven Munatones, a teammate of Dr. Nalli'. "The Japanese sports scientists and coaches have understood this since before 2000 when a paper titled Effects of resistance exercise combined with moderate vascular occlusion on muscular function in humans was published in the Journal of Applied Physiology.

While the pneumatic bands around the upper arms - or upper legs - appear to be some kind of tourniquet, it is not. There is no occlusion or cutting off with blood as you would expect with a tourniquet or blood pressure cuff. With gentle pressure, the bands serve to allow arterial flow from the torso to the limbs to continue, but the rate of venous return - or the blood return back from the limb to the torso - is modified or slowe
d."


The ultrasound image on left shows the brachial artery and brachial veins at 300 SKU during KAATSU of a 21-year-old collegiate athlete remains unobstructed without occlusion.

One of the findings and subsequent understandings of the benefits of KAATSU is that there is an increase in muscle fiber recruitment that has significant implications for athletes and older people. The moderation of blood circulation and the hypoxia and acidic intramuscular environment during KAATSU also leads to additional motor-unit recruitment.

This increase of muscle fiber recruitment with KAATSU means that Dr. Nalli is effectively training more vigorously than normal, but he can avoid the usual fatigue and muscle soreness than comes with intense sustained exercise because there is no microtrauma in his muscles.



Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global

Monday, December 10, 2018

Peter Andrew Headlines Global Coaching Convention

Courtesy of FINA, Hangzhou, China.

Coach Peter Andrew spoke eloquently on a topic he knows very well about training world-class swimmers: Quality vs Quantity: Non-Traditional Periodisation of Training Volume to over 1000 delegates, representing over 400 organizations and National Federations at the Hangzhou Intercontinental Hotel. Andrew headlined the 3-day FINA World Aquatics Convention between December 8th and 10th.

Speakers at the 2018 FINA World Aquatics Convention and FINA Swimming Coaches Golden Clinic covered myriad topics to the world's most accomplished coaches and administrators.

"It was years ago that Peter inquired about KAATSU the original BFR and KAATSU Aqua, its application in the swimming and aqua therapy worlds," recalled Chris Morgan, an Olympic coach who runs Crimson Aquatics in Massachusetts. "He started to use KAATSU for recovery after workouts and between heats and the finals, and later for dryland training, and with the KAATSU Aqua Bands when doing explosive sprints in the pool."

After making his presentation at the 5th FINA World Aquatics Convention, Andrew shifted from a speaker to a coach attending the 14th FINA World Swimming Championships held between December 11th and 16th.

Born and raised in South Africa, Andrew was an avid swimmer who later became a member of the Naval Operational Dive Team with the South African Naval Defense Force before earning his business management degree from Natal Technico.

Andrew moved to the United States and established the Aberdeen Aquaholics in South Dakota. The team moved to Kansas and evolved into Indie Swimming and then into the Race Pace Club where his son and world champion Michael trains.

He coached Michael who became the United States' most successful national age group swimmer with over 100 national age group records with four national titles in the 50m freestyle, 50m breaststroke, 100m breaststroke and 50m butterfly, and a 2016 world 100m individual medley championship. As his son developed into one of the world's fastest swimmers, Andrew’s influence within the global swimming community has increased.

The Andrew's pair incorporates Ultra Short Race Pace Training and KAATSU into their training regimen.

For more information on the World Aquatics Convention and FINA Swimming Coaches Golden Clinic, visit here. For more information on Peter Andrew, visit here.

Copyright © 2014 - 2018 by KAATSU Global

Saturday, June 16, 2018

KAATSU Aqua Strength & Speed Drills



There all kinds of various applications of KAATSU the original BFR. KAATSU Aqua Bosu Ball Kicking with KAATSU Specialist Shotaro Shimazaki at McGaugh Pool in Seal Beach, California doing KAATSU Aqua Bosu Ball sprint kicking (both freestyle and breaststroke) with KAATSU Aqua Bands on legs (with 25 Base SKU + 200 Optimal SKU pressures).



KAATSU Aqua Sit-ups: start horizontal in the water while grabbing onto a Bosu Ball; then climb on top of the Bosu Ball. Do 3 sets to failure.



KAATSU Aqua Triceps Extension with a Water Polo Ball: hold inflated water polo ball with both hands and push ball underwater in 3 sets (doing a number of repetitions sufficient to cause muscular failure) with 20-30 seconds between each set.



KAATSU Aqua Inflated Ball Hold: hold water polo ball underwater with a straight arm while kicking and moving forward.



KAATSU Aqua Double Hand Inflated Ball Hold: hold inflated water polo ball vertically underwater with both hands while kicking forward.



KAATSU Aqua Stationary Core Lifts: move water polo ball left, right, backwards and forwards in 3 sets until failure while attempting to stay stationary and afloat on the surface of the water.



KAATSU Master Specialist David Tawil and Shimazaki move ball underwater with a straight arm (KAATSU Aqua Inflated Ball Vertical Hold), then alternate with KAATSU Aqua Sit-ups.



KAATSU Aqua Recovery Breaststroke: easy pace breaststroke with KAATSU Aqua Bands on.



KAATSU Aqua Sprint Breaststroke Kicking (against wall): do 30 fast breaststroke kicks (first set of 3 with 20-30 seconds rest between sets).



KAATSU Aqua Running Forwards + Backwards: do short runs in shallow water, both forwards and backwards (first set of 3 shown with 20-30 seconds rest between sets).



KAATSU Aqua In-Water Jumps (forwards + backwards in shallow water): do in-water jumps, both forwards and backwards, in shallow water.



KAATSU Aqua In-Water Jumps (forwards + backwards in deeper water): do in-water jumps, both forwards and backwards, in deeper water.



KAATSU Leg Lifts: place back against the wall of the pool and extend arms along the pool's edge. Lift legs slowly and steadily in a variety of movements.



KAATSU Aqua Burpees: 1st lap is butterfly + pull-ups off the diving board performed to muscular failure; 2nd lap is freestyle; 3rd lap is butterfly + push-ups on deck performed to muscular failure; 4th lap is freestyle



Boston-based swimming coach Chris Morgan explains KAATSU Aqua in an interview with Brent Rutemiller of Swimming World Magazine at the 2017 American Swimming Coaches Association World Clinic in Washington D.C.



KAATSU Aqua Sprinting + Pull-ups + Pull-outs + Push-ups



KAATSU Aqua Core: bring legs up and down against the water's resistance.



KAATSU Aqua Eggbeater while holding a weight.



KAATSU Aqua Kicking: use a kickboard or fins, do vertical kicking to stress the legs and core.



KAATSU Aqua Parachuting.



KAATSU Aqua Stationary Sculling: with or without hand paddles.



KAATSU Aqua Sculling: with or without hand paddles.

Copyright © 2014 - 2018 by KAATSU Global

Tuesday, April 24, 2018

KAATSU Aqua Exercises

For who? swimmers, Baby Boomers, retirees, student-athletes
For what? Strength, stamina, functional movement, mobility, flexibility, recovery



For competitive swimmers for are working on leg, core and upper body strength, as well as for aging Baby Boomers who are undergoing aqua therapy.

Copyright © 2014-2018 by KAATSU Global

Monday, January 8, 2018

KAATSU Aqua Core And Shoulder Work

For who? water athletes, Baby Boomers, retirees, student-athletes
For what? Strength, stamina, functional movement, mobility, flexibility, recovery



While basic core-strength exercises including planks, crunches, sit-ups, bridges, and abdominal presses can be done on land or in gyms, KAATSU users (especially competitive and fitness swimmers, water polo players, lifeguards and surfers) can also do a variety of core-strength and shoulder exercises in the pool.

Use a Bosu Ball and KAATSU Aqua Bands - either on your arms or legs.

The KAATSU Aqua Bands can be inflated and monitored with the KAATSU Master, KAATSU Nano, and KAATSU Master 2.0 products.

After tightening to your appropriate Base SKU and inflating to your Optimal SKU, and doing a few KAATSU Cycles in order to warm-up, you are ready to go in the pool.

In the exercise shown above, place the KAATSU Aqua Bands on your arms and start in deep water (so you cannot stand on the bottom of the pool). Place your hands on sides of the Bosu Ball and pull yourself up on top of the Bosu Ball, using your arms and legs. Balance on the ball for a short time (3-10 seconds) as you place stress on your core. Slide off the ball back into the water and repeat.

Do this non-stop: (1) pull yourself up on top of the ball, (2) balance on the ball, (3) drop back down into the water, treading water to stay afloat, and (4) repeat until failure - where you cannot do any more repetitions.

Rest 20 seconds between each set. Do 3 sets with the KAATSU Aqua Bands on your arms.

Then do 3 sets to failure in the same manner with the KAATSU Aqua Bands on legs, resting 20 seconds between each set.

It is harder than it looks.

Other core exercises in the water are shown here and below:



Copyright © 2014 - 2018 by KAATSU Global

Thursday, January 4, 2018

Core Work In The Water With KAATSU Aqua

For who? water athletes, Baby Boomers, retirees, student-athletes
For what? Strength, stamina, functional movement, mobility, flexibility, recovery



While basic core-strength exercises including planks, crunches, sit-ups, bridges, and abdominal presses can be done on land or in gyms, KAATSU users (especially competitive and fitness swimmers, water polo players, lifeguards and surfers) can also do a variety of core-strength exercises in the pool.

Core exercises in the pool with a Bosu Ball and KAATSU Aqua Bands are fun and enjoyable to do with friends.

KAATSU Aqua Bands are made of neoprene and can be inflated and monitored with the KAATSU Master, KAATSU Nano, and KAATSU Master 2.0 products.

After tightening to your appropriate Base SKU and inflating to your Optimal SKU, and doing a few KAATSU Cycles in order to warm-up, you are ready to go in the pool. There are various exercises that you can do:

1. KAATSU Kicking
Use a Bosu Ball of any size and place KAATSU Aqua Bands on either your upper arms or upper legs (but not both!). Jump on top of the ball and starting kicking forward. It may take a few times to get the hang of it, but once you get the hang on it, KAATSU Kicking can be fun.

If you want, repeat three times with your arm bands on with at least 20 seconds of rest between each set. Then try three times with your leg bands on. Repeat three times with at least 20 seconds of rest between each try. You can kick freestyle - or even breaststroke or butterfly (dolphin) kick for even more difficult sets.

2. KAATSU Balancing
Use a Bosu Ball of any size and place KAATSU Aqua Bands on either your upper arms or upper legs (but not both!). Jump on top of the ball and starting balancing without trying to move. It may take a few times to get the hang of it, but once you get the hang on it, KAATSU Aqua Balancing can be fun.

Repeat three times with your arm bands on with at least 20 seconds of rest between each set. Then try three times with your leg bands on. Balance as you can. Then try extending your arms forward - and then placing your legs over the surface of the water for even more difficult sets.

You can start in the shallow water by jumping off the bottom of the pool - or try climbing up on the Bosu Ball in deep water for a greater challenge.



3. KAATSU Backstroke
Put on your KAATSU Aqua Bands on your upper legs. Kick on your back holding the Bosu Ball up over the surface of the water. Your hips and legs will sink deep in the water, but try to tighten your core and kick backstroke with your hips and legs as close to the water surface as possible. Kick 3 x 25 meters with at least 20 seconds of rest between each set.

4. KAATSU Aqua Walking
Put on your KAATSU Aqua Bands on your upper legs. Walk in shallow water of at least 1 meter in depth. The resistance of the water will make you quickly feel the KAATSU effects on your quadriceps and hamstrings. Walk slowly and steadily.

5. KAATSU Leg Lifts Put on your KAATSU Aqua Bands on your upper legs. Place your back against the wall of the pool and extend your arms along the pool's edge. Lift your legs in a variety of movements (see video above and other KAATSU Aqua ideas below). Move slowly and steadily.



Copyright © 2014 - 2018 by KAATSU Global

Friday, June 30, 2017

Coaching With KAATSU Aqua



Chris Morgan, a 2008 Olympic swimming coach, teaches and teaches everyone about KAATSU the original BFR on dryland and KAATSU Aqua in the water from Olympic swimming medalists and Olympic Trials finalists to masters swimmers (24- 75 years), competitive age group swimmers and collegiate swimmers for those aiming for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to those recovering from injuries.

Copyright © 2014 - 2017 by KAATSU Global