Brandon Fischer, Competing For A Higher Purpose

What is the old masters swimming adage?

What is the old man doing in the pool? Swimming like a young one.

Except Brandon J. Fischer, a full-time Mechanical Technologist at the famed Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore, California is swimming like a fast - VERY FAST - young man [see USA Swimming video here and below].

While his competitors are putting in mega workout distances under the tutelage of professional full-time coaches with access to high-altitude training, high-level international competitions, afternoon naps, diets defined by nutritionists, dryland workouts led by professional trainers, while pushed twice-a-day workouts in 50m pools by other world-class athletes all with Olympic dreams, Fischer faces the highly intense world of competitive swimming without these benefits.

He is the lone swimming samurai.

It is a lonely path, but Fischer has been forging his way forward in an unlikely manner for years.

The former University of Wyoming swimmer is now competing against breaststrokers from more established schools from Cal Berkeley and Stanford to the University of Texas and University of Florida. And he is most definitely holding his own.

The current Technologist earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts - and then switched gears to work among scientists and engineers.

The former three-time All-American, four-time Olympic Trials competitor, and a two-workouts-a-day college athlete has now built his customized training program around a full-time job in an intense work environment - where he walks over 10,000 steps per day throughout the laboratory, doing a lot of physical labor.

Instead of being able to taper for weekend events like his competitors do, he is physically exhausted by Friday night.

But this has not stopped him or even harmed him. Like a stoic samurai, he does not complain and finds a way.

He explains, "I love it and I want to keep doing it; it’s just other life circumstances and other things that come into the whole mix of life...I’m not a kid anymore. I still consider myself a childlike person inside an adult body. I’m a young person.”

And like a young person, he is excited to make his marks in the world, both swimming and professionally.

At the age of 32, he finished 15th in both the 100- and 200-meter breaststrokes at the 2020 U.S. Olympic trials. It was very impressive, but not close to being on the powerful USA Olympic Team.

Dial forward two years of consistent and daily KAATSU both in his home garage and in the pool, Fischer has continued to improve and get faster. At this weekend's Speedo Sectional Championships in Southern California, Fischer swam to two lifetime best times in his two favorite races, the 100 and 200 breaststrokes, while setting two national records.

Previously, the national records were 52.09 in the 100-yard breaststroke and 1:53.54 in the 200-yard breaststroke.

On Friday, Fischer ripped off a 51.95 in the 100-yard breaststroke and a 1:52.08 in the 200-yard breaststroke on Saturday [see video below] - at the age of 34.

To put these times in perspective, Fischer swam a 54.10 in the 100-yard breaststroke and a 1:55.75 in the 200-yard breaststroke as a prime scholarship NCAA Division I athlete. 54.10 versus 51.95...and a 1:55.75 as a scholarship collegiate swimmer compared to a 1:52.08 as a full-time scientist on his feet all day...there is no comparison really.

Fischer not only beat the existing the 30-34 year old record of 1:53.54, but he also beat the 19-24 year old record of 1:57.33, the existing 25-29 year old record of 1:53.04, and every other masters swimming record of any age with his lifetime best of 1:52.08 in the 200-yard breaststroke at the Speedo Sectional Championships at Golden West College in Southern California on December 16th 2023. He went so fast that even his 50-yard split time during his record-setting 200 breaststroke just missed the national 50-yard breaststroke record of Olympic gold medalist Matt Grevers.

Even in his off events like the sprint and distance freestyle races, Fischer has dramatically improved and set his lifetime best times in his 30's with a 21.0 50-yard freestyle, a 45.46 in the 100 freestyle, a 1:41.91 in the 200 freestyle, and a 4:35.58 in the 500 freestyle.

So what has led to these changes? What differences has Fischer implemented to get faster, stronger, and more competitive at the elite level...as he gets older - and busier with work?

Fischer, the oldest male qualifier for the 2024 USA Olympic Trials, explains, "Now, I focus on surgical, quality, a different kind of intensity, intentional and cross training of different techniques and stimulus to keep the mind and body growing. I push myself in fewer practices, but with more emphasis on recovery and using science to accelerate myself in the right direction.

It is like a sniper or a warrior with his sword: there is attention to detail, discipline, creative, and purposeful. Every moment, every action, must have meaning.

Most people burn out because they are attached to old habits that did get them there, but do not serve them anymore because their body or life circumstances have changed. Life changes and one must flow like water. Be water.

Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom. You can stay there or fight your way back into the light. Nothing is given. Laws of physics, for every impact or action, there is an equal and opposite impact or action that will happen.

Fischer also uses KAATSU equipment for his dryland training and pool workouts. He uses the KAATSU C3 model for his warm-ups, workouts, and post-workout and post-competition recovery and the KAATSU Aqua Bands for in-water sets. His purpose for the equipment is both to enhance his athletic performance and for recovery from his 90-minute workouts and races.

He says, "256 different types of muscle fibers, from slow to fast, need to be worked. It is the hidden muscles that no one knows how to work or it is built up in the mind that it is too hard or too long. The results will come. It just takes patience. I could have quit along time ago - but kept going.

I use to compete to get approval from others. But I am competing now for a higher purpose.



So how does Fischer use his KAATSU equipment?

He uses it during his dryland and in-water practices. He also uses his KAATSU C3 device around the house and as a recovery tool after workouts.

This weekend, after he warmed up in the pool before the finals, he got dressed and relaxed before the race...with the KAATSU equipment on.

Leading up to the race start, Fischer put his KAATSU C3 AirBands on his legs and used the equipment in the Low Pressure cycle mode with one-finger tightness. He removed the AirBands off only a few minutes before he went up to the starting blocks. The automated gentle and progressively incremental compression caused by the 30 seconds of inflation in the AirBands is repeatedly followed by 5 seconds of deflation in the AirBands. It is an ideal way to get vascularly and hormonally prepared for an intense competition - that Fischer proved over this weekend.

Copyright © 2014 - 2023 by KAATSU Global

Helping Jason and James Bitzer

Emergency room physicians, firefighters, lifeguards, police officers...when you need them, you really need them.

Jason Bitzer is such an individual. A long-time veteran North Shore (of Oahu) lifeguard who saved many lives and averted many potential disasters and injuries while serving in treacherous ocean conditions along a number of famed big-wave surfing beaches such as Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach, Banzai Pipeline, Haleiwa Beach, and Ehukai Beach. He was formerly head of the North Shore Lifeguards Association.



Bitzer also introduced KAATSU to the lifeguards on the North Shore who experienced all kinds of injuries, cuts, wounds, and accidents.



After 15 years on the job along the North Shore, he still loved going to work every day and wanted to share his lifestyle and responsibilities with others. He started a non-profit aimed at providing free first responder and lifeguard training to children in Hawaii.

However, his three-year-old son James was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma, a rare cancer that affects nerve cells in children in March. He and his wife decided to take James to New York, far far away from Oahu, to one of the best cancer centers in the United States.

Family friends, Wesley and Ayesha Liquorish, started a Go Fund Me campaign on James Bitzer’s behalf that has raised $167,192 towards their $200,000 goal from 1,700 kind donors. See here.

On September 22nd, Bitzer reported, "After 6 months of intensive treatment, James is in remission. His treatment included 5 rounds of high dose chemotherapy, surgery, feeding tube, proton therapy, two rounds of immunotherapy, and countless days in the hospital for blood transfusions, blood test, antibiotics infusions, etc. He has 5 more months of consolidation to include immunotherapy and possibly radiation of the skull, then a year or so of continued treatment (vaccine or DFMO) and monitoring to ensure there is no relapse.

Please consider donating to @bandofparents. We have lots to do to help cure and prevent relapse of this rare brutal aggressive childhood cancer."

Copyright © 2014 - 2023 by KAATSU Global

What is Double Stacking with KAATSU?

Double Stacking means to do repeated KAATSU Cycle sets while relaxing or doing tasks at the home, at work, or while traveling (e.g., writing emails, walking your dog, folding clothes, brushing your teeth or hair, reading books, watching TV or movies, knitting, gardening, waiting at the airport) are an ideal time to do KAATSU Cycle sets to maintain or improve skin elasticity, muscle tone, and weight maintenance.

Copyright © 2014 - 2023 by KAATSU Global

KAATSU Aqua: Performance, Recovery, Rehabilitation, Longevity in the Water

KAATSU Aqua is a specialized form of KAATSU used in the water to enhance:

* performance of speed, strength, stamina, balance, agility, technique, tactile feel
* recovery from vigorous workouts, intense competition, travel fatigue
* rehabilitation from muscle, bone, ligament, tendon injuries
* longevity and wellness

KAATSU Aqua can be performed in various locations:

* competitive swimming pools
* aqua therapy pools
* lakeside
* seaside

KAATSU Aqua can be performed while:

* swimming horizontally in the water, doing butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle, combat stroke, or sidestroke while fully submerged
* treading water (e.g., eggbeatering)
* walking, stretching, jogging vertically in the water while not fully submerged
* using swimming or rehabilitation equipment (e.g., hand paddles, fins, kickboards, noodles, floating gear, stretch cords)
* practicing racing starts or (flip) turns
* passing, shooting, blocking (water polo) balls
* performing strength-training or core-strengthening drills (e.g., with Bosu Balls)

The KAATSU AirBands are made of neoprene and are waterproof. However, the controller units for the KAATSU Cycle 2.0, KAATSU C3, KAATSU B1, and KAATSU B2 models are not waterproof and should not be submerged in the water.





KAATSU Aqua can be used to improve/enhance:

* upper body
* lower body
* core
* lower back



KAATSU Aqua can be used by people who are water-safe:

* of all age
* of any ability
* of any walk of life

KAATSU Aqua should always be used in conjunction with the KAATSU Cycle mode. That is, do 3-6 KAATSU Cycle sets, starting at Low Pressure level, prior to starting KAATSU Aqua. KAATSU Aqua, by necessity, is always used in the KAATSU Constant mode. This means that KAATSU Aqua should be used for a maximum of 10 minutes on the arms and 10 minutes on the legs at any given time. The 10 minutes on the arms and 10 minutes on the legs can be performed consecutively and can be repeated if two KAATSU sessions are conducted within one 24-hour period.







It is important to understand the following:

* The KAATSU Cycle mode induces lower pain and less fatigue levels compared to the KAATSU Constant mode.
* The KAATSU Cycle mode enhances the cognitive responses at a greater extent than the KAATSU Constant mode.
* The KAATSU Cycle mode and the KAATSU Constant mode induce similarly advantageous lactate responses as a result of limb movement.
* The KAATSU Cycle mode can help mitigate the effects of flight dysrhythmia (i.e., jet lag) when used before, during, and after a long-distance air flight.

The KAATSU AirBands and KAATSU Aqua Bands should always only be placed on two locations on the body:

* Upper arm: above the biceps, above the triceps, near the armpit, below the deltoids
* Lower leg: above the quadriceps, above the hamstrings, high up on the groin at an angle along the swimsuit line

KAATSU Aqua Bands are designed to engorge the limbs (arms or legs) in blood due to the modification of venous flow (i.e., flow of blood from the limbs back to the torso). When performed properly and safely, the following phenomenon occur: * the skin color turns pink, rosy, or occasionally a beefy red color in some very fit individuals
* a dissention (visual "popping out") of the veins
* a rapid increase in lactate in the working muscles

KAATSU Aqua equipment is not meant to do the following. If these phenomenon occur, the KAATSU Aqua Bands should be immediately removed:

* the skin color turns blue, gray, or white (that indicates a lack of blood flow to the limbs)
* lightheadedness
* uncomfortable feelings or sensations

Do's and Don'ts

* always be well hydrated before and during your KAATSU session.
* always start with your arm bands, and then finish with your leg bands.
* always start on Low Pressure setting.
* you can increase from Low Pressure to Medium Pressure and from Medium Pressure to High Pressure, if your Capillary Refill Time (CRT) is fast (e.g., 1-2 seconds).
* to check your CRT on your arms, firmly press your thumb into your palm. Your skin will temporarily go white. If your skin returns to normal (i.e., the blood returns to your surface capillaries), within 1-2 seconds, you can increase the pressure settings from Low to Medium (or from Medium to High).
* to check your CRT on your legs, firmly press your thumb into your thigh or your calf. Your skin will temporarily go white.
* if your skin returns to normal (i.e., the blood returns to your surface capillaries), within 2-3 seconds, you can increase the pressure settings from Low to Medium or from Medium to High.
* you can do KAATSU sessions 1-3 times per day, but only do KAATSU once per day during the first 1-2 weeks.
* each KAATSU session can include sets on your arms, and then on your legs.
* you can do up to 6 KAATSU Cycle sets on your arms, and then up to 6 KAATSU Cycle sets on your legs, during each KAATSU session. But in the beginning, it is best to do only 1-3 Cycle sets until your body adapts to KAATSU.

* immediately remove your bands if your skin color turns blue, gray or white.
* immediately remove your bands if you feel uncomfortable in any way.
* immediately remove your bands if you feel lightheaded in any way.

The KAATSU Mechanism

* KAATSU Cycle sets lead to a robust hormonal response. This includes Human Growth Hormone and various other molecules from IGF-1 to beta-endorphins.
* KAATSU Cycle sets also lead to an increase in BDNF and alpha waves in the brain.
* KAATSU Cycle sets also lead to a decrease in CRP (C-reactive protein) which is a blood test marker for inflammation in the body. That is, CRP levels increase in response to inflammation. If the inflammation is reduced in the body, users can experience relief from their arthritic pain or tendinitis.
* the decrease in CRP is accompanied by the production of EPC (endothelial progenitor cell). EPC are cells that help regenerate the endothelial lining of your blood vessels (VEGF), bringing additional benefits. Vascular endothelial cells form the innermost layer of our blood vessels. These vascular endothelial cells produce nitric oxide which help keep our blood vessels pliable and elastic as well as regulate the inflammatory cells in the blood vessel walls.
* KAATSU Cycle sets also lead to an increase in nitric oxide.

Body weight KAATSU & Single-limb KAATSU

* while you can sit in a relaxed state and do KAATSU 3-point exercises (i.e., opening and closing of your hand, unweighted bicep curls, tricep extensions on your arms or heel raises, standing leg curls, non-stop quarter squats for your legs), you can also do simple KAATSU Walking while in the KAATSU Cycle mode. There is no need to do a power walk or to walk quickly. A calm, gentle stroll is sufficient.
* during your evening KAATSU session, you can try using the single-limb KAATSU mode where you only apply an AirBand to the limb where the pain is greatest (e.g., right arm or left leg if pain is an issue). Use the single-limb plug on the other side or just do not put on the AirBand on the other arm.
* daily or twice-daily use of the KAATSU Cycle mode while doing body weight exercises will help increase muscle mass and tone while increasing energy consumption that will ultimately reduce body fat percentage.
* KAATSU Walking is the most optimal body weight exercise with the KAATSU AirBands on.
* as the vascular tissue engorges with blood in either the arms or legs, the vascular walls increase in elasticity with every heartbeat. When the three walls of the blood vessels increase (due to this engorgement of blood), this phenomena requires energy consumption (and requires a caloric burn). So KAATSU Walking burns more calories than regular walking and helps increase our metabolism, especially as we age.
* it is important (optimal) to not eat 90 minutes after doing the KAATSU Walking or KAATSU exercise. During this 90-minute period, the increased elasticity of the vascular walls remains and therefore with every heartbeat, there remains an increased caloric burn. Therefore, it is best to not eat during this period when your body is burning more calories.

For water polo players, there are a variety of exercises that can be performed with the KAATSU AirBands on either your arms or legs in order to:

* improve shooting speed
* improve passing accuracy
* get accustomed to handling the ball with your off hand (non-dominant hand)
* improve your eggbeater (for height, speed, and strength)
* sprinting speed
* stamina

For detailed protocols and applications of KAATSU Aqua, you can visit the KAATSU Aqua Education Program that is posted on the www.kaatsu.com website.

Copyright © 2014 - 2023 by KAATSU Global

Differences between KAATSU B2 and KAATSU C4 Models

The differences between the new KAATSU B2 model and the KAATSU C4 model are as follows:

*The KAATSU B2 model has no connector tubes. The KAATSU C4 model includes connector tubes.

*The KAATSU B2 model controller unit is incorporated into bands. The KAATSU C4 controller unit can be placed in pockets, hooked onto pants, placed into pockets, or handheld.

*The KAATSU B2 model requires a smartphone to operate (either iPhone or Android). The KAATSU C4 model is independently operated without a smartphone.

*The KAATSU B2 usage data is measured, archived, analyzed, and can be shared with healthcare professionals, family, friends, teammates, coaches. The KAATSU C4 usage data is not measured, archived, analyzed, nor can be shared.

*The KAATSU B2 and KAATSU C4 bands are made with the same materials, sizes (width and length), specifications, and use the same SKU and protocols.

*The KAATSU B2 model and KAATSU C4 model both have improved band quality.

*The KAATSU B2 model is more expensive

*The KAATSU B2 model can be used simultaneously by two people (one using the arm bands; one using the leg bands). The KAATSU C4 model can only be used by one person at one time

Copyright © 2014 - 2023 by KAATSU Global

Differences between KAATSU C3 and KAATSU C4 Models

The new KAATSU C4 model has a number of features that are upgrades from the KAATSU C3 model:

* The KAATSU C4 model has a longer battery life (leads to fewer charges).

* The KAATSU C4 model has a faster inflation time (leads to more efficient battery usage; reduces inactive time between sets).

* The KAATSU C4 model includes improved components (leads to a longer overall product life).

* The KAATSU C4 bands are improved in quality.

* The KAATSU C4 bands are compatible with the Cycle 2.0, C3, and M3 models.

* The KAATSU C4 model has a new Reverse Recovery Cycle mode (i.e., higher pressure levels decrease to lower pressure levels, both at standard and customizable levels).

* The KAATSU C4 model has improved connector tubes (with lower possibility of leaks).

* The KAATSU C4 model includes two additional connector tubes (includes 2 for arm bands + 2 for leg bands that significantly reduces possibility of breakage or damage to bands and connectors - and improves ease of use especially for those with arthritic pain or those with weak hand grip and finger coordination).

* The KAATSU C4 model has a larger, easier-to-read touch-sensitive screen on controller unit.

* The KAATSU C4 model is quieter with a lower decibel level during the inflation phase.

* The KAATSU C4 model have automatic beeps can be turned on or off, as user prefers.

Copyright © 2014 - 2023 by KAATSU Global

Differences between the KAATSU B1 and KAATSU B2 Models

The new KAATSU B2 model has a number of features that are upgrades from the original KAATSU B1 model:

* The KAATSU B2 model has a longer battery life (leads to fewer charges).

* The KAATSU B2 model has a faster inflation time (leads to improved battery life and usage; reduces inactive time between sets).

* The KAATSU B2 model includes improved components (leads to a longer overall product life).

* The KAATSU B2 bands are improved in quality.

* The KAATSU B2 model has a new Reverse Recovery Cycle mode (i.e., higher pressure levels decrease to lower pressure levels, both at standard and customizable levels).

* The KAATSU B1 and B2 app is renamed KAATSU Connect with improved app accuracy (of SKU, time of inflation, mode selection of individual usage data).

* The KAATSU B2 model has a new dock that allows for more vigorous movements and intense exercise to be performed without connector or band failure (no possibility of breakage of B1 connectors).

* The KAATSU B2 model is quieter with a lower decibel level during the inflation phase.

* The KAATSU B2 model has automatic beeps can be turned on or off, as user prefers.

* The KAATSU B2 model uses Bluetooth 5.0 on either the iOS or Android platform.

Copyright © 2014 - 2023 by KAATSU Global

KAATSU Users on An Open Water Swimmer's Podcast

William Ellis, the co-founder and host of An Open Water Swimmer's Podcast, recently completed a 65 km Round Jersey solo circumnavigation swim in 9 hours 52 minutes. His September 2nd swim was the eighth fastest time in history.

Ellis previously interviewed two other KAATSU users in on the podcast that is listed as the #1 UK Swimming Podcast on Chartable. Ellis, Steven Munatones, and John Doolittle all utilize the KAATSU C3 model for recovery after their swimming workouts:

2.5 An Open Water Swimmer's Podcast with John Doolittle - listen here
Ellis described the episode, "I was honoured to chat to former Navy Seal John Doolittle. John swam The English Channel in memory of his friend Neil Roberts who was the first Seal killed in combat after 911; John continues to raise money for fallen and injured servicemen and their families through swimming. We chat about all sorts on this one including shallow water blackouts, hammerhead breeding grounds and boxing Eagle Rays... a man who has been around the world many times over as a special forces operative, seen it and done it: and what a lovely bloke to top it all off."

3.3 An Open Water Swimmer's Podcast with Steven Munatones - listen here
Ellis describe the episode, "I so enjoyed this talk with the legendary Steven Munatones: he has written about the sport since the 60’s and is one of the most influential people in the world of Open Water Swimming. He founded the World Open Water Swimming Association, the Oceans Seven and is a marathon swimmer, water polo player, commentator, race director, coach and recent winner of the annual SCAR race held in Arizona (more of that in the chat). He needs no introduction to anyone connected to the sport. It’s an honour to welcome him onto the show."

Copyright © 2014 - 2023 by KAATSU Global

Daddy Is Amazing! William Ellis Rounds Jersey

William Ellis, the co-founder and host of An Open Water Swimmer's Podcast, completed a 65 km Round Jersey solo circumnavigation swim in 9 hours 52 minutes. His September 2nd swim was the eighth fastest time in history.

Ellis explains the motivation for his swim, "Our son Odie has a rare genetic syndrome called Mowat-Wilson Syndrome. Since diagnosis, we have found ourselves dealing with a rollercoaster of emotions and logistical hoops to jump through in what is a new norm for us all. There is so much involved in having a child with differences including a lot of communication, paperwork and applications for assistance.

We have, and are still, receiving a huge amount of help from a charity called Amaze.

Amaze help families who have children with disabilities, both emotionally and giving information, advice and support to families with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) children. We could not have navigated this journey so far without their help and most importantly compassion. All  of the staff have children with disabilities so can truly understand and empathize how we are processing and learning this new unknown.

I would love to be able to give back to these “AMAZE”ing  people who have helped us beyond expectation and made us feel welcomed and supported in a time which is so alien and disorientating. 

When you’re cast into an unknown all you need is an anchor or a glimmer of hope, this charity provides that beyond expectation.  Please give anything, nothing is too small."

To donate to his charity swim and add to his 114 supporters to date, visit here.

The KAATSU user recalled, "It was a wonderful swim - all helped by KAATSU. I love the bands, which were instrumental in my recovery. They’ve helped enormously."

To listen to Ellis interviewing dozens of open water swimmers, tune into An Open Water Swimmer's Podcast here.

To learn more about Ellis, listen to his Marathon Swim Story here with Shannon House.

Amaze (www.amazesussex.org.uk) helps families with disabled children and young people tackle issues such as poverty, school exclusion, social isolation, physical and mental ill-health and poor housing by providing high quality and impartial information, advice and support.

Copyright © 2014 - 2023 by KAATSU Global

Different Types of KAATSU Walking

People of all ages perform KAATSU Walking.

Users can either use their KAATSU Air Bands on their arms or legs while doing KAATSU Walking. They do this extremely effective, efficient, safe application of KAATSU for a variety of reasons and applications, preferably in the KAATSU Cycle mode:

Weight Maintenance or Weight Loss

• The most effective KAATSU Walking for weight maintenance or weight loss is to use the arm bands first as a warm-up modality before you begin your KAATSU Walking session. Then, switch to the leg bands on the KAATSU Cycle mode in the Low Pressure setting and begin walking. If you want to apply more stress, then you can switch to the Medium Pressure setting, and then to the High Pressure setting as you wish and as you can.
• Make sure to place the leg bands around your upper legs while you are sitting down; not while you are standing up. Apply the bands with a "one-finger tightness".
• Make sure to be well-hydrated before and during your KAATSU Walking session.
• Immediately take off the bands if you feel uncomfortable or lightheaded. This is an indication that the leg bands are on too tightly.
• Walk barefoot in the sand for the most vigorous KAATSU Walking session.
• Alternatively, you can walk on grass or uphill for a more intense workout.
• You can also walk on a treadmill while it is set on a slight or moderate incline.

Muscle Strengthening of the Upper Body

• The most effective KAATSU Walking for muscle strengthening of the upper body is to use the arm bands first as a warm-up modality before you begin your KAATSU Walking session. Then, keep the arm bands on the KAATSU Cycle mode in the Low Pressure setting and begin walking. If you want to apply more stress, then you can switch to the Medium Pressure setting, and then to the High Pressure setting as you wish and as you can.
• Repeatedly contract and relax the muscles of your arms while you are walking. You can do biceps curls or triceps extensions or hand clenches as you walk. The more that you contract your arm muscles while walking, the more impactful KAATSU will be.
• You can continue walking at a comfortable pace as you work your arms.
• Make sure to place the bands around your upper arms with a "one-finger tightness".
• Make sure to be well-hydrated before and during your KAATSU Walking session.
• Immediately take off the bands if you feel uncomfortable or lightheaded. This is an indication that either the arm bands are on too tightly or the stress of the workout is too much.
• Walk barefoot in the sand for the most vigorous KAATSU Walking session.
• Alternatively, you can walk on grass or uphill for a more vigorous workout while moving your arms.
• You can also walk on a treadmill while it is set on a slight or moderate incline.

Overall Stamina Building and Muscle Strengthening of the Lower Body

• The most effective KAATSU Walking for stamina building and muscle strengthening of the lower body is to use the arm bands first as a warm-up modality before you begin your KAATSU Walking session. Then, put the leg bands on the KAATSU Cycle mode in the Low Pressure setting and begin walking. If you want to apply more stress, then you can switch to the Medium Pressure setting, and then to the High Pressure setting as you wish and as you can.
• Start with a comfortable pace and increase your pace as you wish.
• Make sure to place the bands around your upper legs with a "one-finger tightness" while you are sitting down (not standing up).
• Make sure to be well-hydrated before and during your KAATSU Walking session.
• Immediately take off the bands if you feel uncomfortable or lightheaded. This is an indication that either the leg bands are on too tightly or the stress of the workout is too much.
• Walk barefoot in the sand for the most vigorous KAATSU Walking session.
• Alternatively, you can walk on grass or uphill for a more vigorous workout while moving your arms.
• You can also walk on a treadmill while it is set on a slight or moderate incline.

Longevity and Wellness

• The most effective KAATSU Walking for longevity and overall wellness is to use the arm bands first as a warm-up modality before you begin your KAATSU Walking session. Then, put the leg bands on the KAATSU Cycle mode in the Low Pressure setting and begin walking. If you want to apply more stress, then you can switch to the Medium Pressure setting, and then to the High Pressure setting as you wish and as you can.
• Start with a comfortable pace and increase your pace as you wish. But a comfortable pace, performed for 15-30 minutes per day in the Low Pressure setting in the KAATSU Cycle mode is sufficient.
• Make sure to place the bands around your upper legs with a "one-finger tightness" while you are sitting down (not standing up).
• Make sure to be well-hydrated before and during your KAATSU Walking session.
• Immediately take off the bands if you feel uncomfortable or lightheaded. This is an indication that either the leg bands are on too tightly or the stress of the workout is too much.
• Comfortably walk barefoot in the sand for the most strenuous KAATSU Walking session.
• Alternatively, you can walk on grass or uphill for a more vigorous working while constantly moving your arms.
• You can also walk on a treadmill while it is set on a slight or moderate incline, at a comfortable pace.

Core Strengthening

• The most effective KAATSU Walking for core strengthening is to use the arm bands first as a warm-up modality before you begin your KAATSU Walking session. Then, put the leg bands on the KAATSU Cycle mode in the Low Pressure setting and begin walking slowly with a book on your head. Keep your shoulders back and walk with perfect posture with a straight spine and a balanced gait.
• Continue to walk until the book falls off your head. Reset the book and continue walking.
• For a more difficult challenge (for those with outstanding balance), hold two water bottles (or very light weights) in both hands and move your arms assymetically while you are walking.
• Alternatively, you can do Hand Clenches as you walk with the book balanced on your head.

KAATSU Hybrid

• The most effective KAATSU Walking for overall fitness is to alternate each of these applications (e.g., Monday: Weight Maintenance or Weight Loss + Tuesday: Muscle Strengthening of the Upper Body + Wednesday: Overall Stamina Building and Muscle Strengthening of the Lower Body + Thursday: Longevity and Wellness + Friday: Core Strengthening) described above on different days of the week.
• A variety of stress applied to different parts of the body performed daily will have a very positive cumulative effect.

Copyright © 2014 - 2023 by KAATSU Global

How Do Extreme Athletes Use KAATSU?

Are you going to climb Mount Everest? Will you cycle across the continental USA or Europe? Do you plan to swim across the English Channel?

Are you entered in a triathlon or a marathon? Are you entered in a 10K run or a Mud Run? Going on a long kayaking trip or going on a multi-day hiking adventure?

Do you plan to challenge yourself and go way out of your comfort zone? Will you try something extraordinarily difficult that you have never done before – but have always dreamed of accomplishing?

If so, then KAATSU is a modality that can help you reach your goals.

How do extreme athletes – of any age of any ability in any sport – use KAATSU in the preparations?

Three Ways

• For athletic performance
• For injury rehabilitation
• For workout recovery

However, the use of KAATSU in all these areas is non-intuitive.

That is, if you want to run faster, you can use KAATSU while you are walking or sitting. If you want to get stronger, you can use KAATSU for strength building with much lighter weights or lower resistance. If you want to get rid of metabolic waste after an intense workout, then just sit and relax with your KAATSU equipment.

The use of KAATSU equipment and protocol is the catalyst to complex internal physiological mechanisms. These mechanisms enable the increase in elasticity of your vascular tissue and serve as the catalyst for robust hormonal responses. Through these biochemical reactions in your body, athletic performances can be improved, injury rehabilitation can be quickened, and workout recovery can be enhanced.

Stamina, Strength, Speed

For athletic performance, you can increase your stamina and speed by increasing the elasticity of your vascular tissue throughout your body, especially in your working muscles. The vascular tissue in your body is ubiquitous. If you took all the arteries, veins, and capillaries in your entire body and laid them end to end, you could circle the Earth two times. That is how much vascular tissue the human body is necessary to circulate approximately 5 liters (or 1.2 – 1.5 gallons) of blood in our bodies.

Athletes can accomplish this while at rest or during movement. At rest, you can simply by repeat Progressive KAATSU Cycle sets, starting at the Low Pressure setting and advancing to higher settings (i.e., Medium and High). During movement (training), you can use the KAATSU Constant mode and replicate the movement in your chosen sport or activity.

That is, extreme athletes can literally walk at a comfortable pace (or increase to a Power Walk) with the KAATSU Air Bands on their legs, either in the KAATSU Cycle mode or the KAATSU Constant mode. With the increase in vascular elasticity during movement, blood flows more efficiently in and out of your working muscles.

The same is true when you are at rest, perhaps relaxing at home before or after workouts, or doing the KAATSU Cycle mode while you are writing emails, reading, studying, or making plans for your event.

You can also do speed work with the KAATSU Air Bands on your arms or legs. This speed work can take less than 10 minutes. Then, in an ideal situation, you can remove the KAATSU Air Bands and repeat your drill or set without the bands. Athletes report they feel “lighter” and faster as a result.

Practical Performance Protocols

Practical performance protocols include the following:

• You can do KAATSU before, during, or after each workout or training session.
• Each session can include use of the KAATSU Air Bands on your arms, and then subsequently on your legs.
• Always be well hydrated before and during your KAATSU sessions.
• Each session can include up to 6 KAATSU Cycle sets, performed both on your arms and legs.
• Each session, if you so choose, can also include up to 10 minutes of KAATSU Constant on either your arms or legs (but never both simultaneously together).
• Always start in the Low Pressure setting and then advance to the Medium (and High, if possible or desired) Pressure settings.
• If you are a leg-dominant athlete (e.g., a runner or cyclist), you can focus more on your legs.
• Conversely, if you are an arm-dominant athlete (e.g., a marathon swimmer), you can focus more on your arms.
• For increased core strength, you can use the KAATSU Air Bands on your legs, and then balance on one foot – or walk around with a book on your head with a straight spine and shoulders back.

Rehabilitation

For athletes who experience overuse injuries of their connective tissue (ligaments or tendons) or muscles, KAATSU can be critical part of your overall physical therapy.

Similarly, for athletes whose limbs must be temporarily immobilized in a cast or sling due to a broken bone (foot, finger, hand, foot, arm, or leg, or even broken ribs or clavicle, repeated KAATSU Cycle sets are an essential modality that can help you avoid muscle atrophy and significant strength or stamina loss. This is also true if you must temporarily use a wheelchair, leg brace, or foot boot.

Practical Rehabilitation Protocols

Practical rehabilitation protocols include the following:

• Do 2-3 sessions of KAATSU daily (e.g., morning, afternoon, and evening within an hour of going to bed).
• Each session can include use of the KAATSU Air Bands on your arms, and then subsequently on your legs.
• Always be well hydrated before and during your KAATSU sessions.
• Each session can include 3-6 KAATSU Cycle sets, performed both on your arms and legs.
• There is no need to do KAATSU Constant.
• Always start in the Low Pressure setting and then advance to the Medium (and High, if possible or desired) Pressure settings.
• If you wish, you can also do “single-limb KAATSU” where you place the band on only the injured arm or leg. This single-limb KAATSU helps focus the utilization of healing hormones on the injured side.

Recovery

For athletes who are training hard daily or twice daily, or competing in athletic events, Progressive KAATSU Cycle sets can be performed immediately after intense workouts or after bouts of competition to effectively and efficiently remove metabolic waste that have built up in your muscles. Blood engorges your vascular tissue for 30 seconds during the inflation phase. Then, the KAATSU Air Bands alternatively deflate (decompress) and the metabolic waste efficiently flushes out of the muscle during the repeated cycles.

These repeated KAATSU Cycle sets are a highly effective modality to help avoid or minimize muscle soreness and sustained fatigue.

Practical Recovery Protocols

Practical recovery protocols include the following:

• Do sessions of KAATSU immediately (or as soon as possible) after each workout or bout of competition. It can be done after training, games, and between preliminary heats, semifinal heats, and the finals.
• Each session can include use of the KAATSU Air Bands on your arms and/or your legs.
• Always be well hydrated during your KAATSU sessions.
• Each session can include up to 6 KAATSU Cycle sets, performed both on your arms and legs.
• Always start in the Low Pressure setting and then advance to the Medium (and High, if desired) Pressure settings.
• If you are a leg-dominant athlete (e.g., a runner or cyclist), you can focus more on the recovery of your legs.
• Conversely, if you are an arm-dominant athlete (e.g., a marathon swimmer), you can focus more on the recovery of your arms.
• You can start at whatever Pressure setting that you are comfortable with. Athletes often have different preferences given different scenarios and conditions.
• If you are a leg-dominant athlete (e.g., a runner or cyclist), you can focus more on the recovery of your legs.
• Conversely, if you are an arm-dominant athlete (e.g., a marathon swimmer), you can focus more on the recovery of your arms.
• You can also use the KAATSU Cycle sets during travel across multiple time zones to help moderate your interrupted circadian rhythm.

Copyright © 2014 - 2023 by KAATSU Global