Showing posts with label BFR. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BFR. Show all posts

Friday, March 17, 2023

Unboxing and Using the Revolutionary KAATSU B1



The Bluetooth-enabled KAATSU B1 device is the newest model in the KAATSU product line.

The B1 operates via a smartphone, either an Android or iOS app. The B1 can be safely utilized anywhere anytime by anyone with a smartphone.


Costs

• The KAATSU B1 - Dual Model comes with 2 Wearable units, 2 KAATSU Arm Air Bands, 2 KAATSU Leg Air Bands, and includes the online KAATSU Education Course, KAATSU Magazines, access to the KAATSU Performance (a cloud-based database), a customized training program (if desired), and a 1-year warranty for $1,499.99. The 2 Wearable units are interchangeable between KAATSU Arm Air Bands and KAATSU Leg Air Bands.
• The KAATSU B1 - Quad Model comes with 4 Wearable units, 2 KAATSU Arm Air Bands, 2 KAATSU Leg Air Bands, and includes the online KAATSU Education Course, KAATSU Magazines, access to the KAATSU Performance (a cloud-based database), a customized training program (if desired), and a 1-year warranty for $1,999.99.
• The KAATSU B1 - Leg & Core Model comes with 2 Wearable units, 2 KAATSU Leg Air Bands, and includes the online KAATSU Education Course, KAATSU Magazines, access to the KAATSU Performance (a cloud-based database), a customized training program (if desired), and a 1-year warranty for $1,349.99.
• The KAATSU B1 - Arm Model comes with 2 Wearable units, 2 KAATSU Leg Air Bands, and includes the online KAATSU Education Course, KAATSU Magazines, access to the KAATSU Performance (a cloud-based database), a customized training program (if desired), and a 1-year warranty for $1,299.99.
• There is an optional 2-year warranty for $199.99, an optional KAATSU Masters Specialist Course for $250, an optional KAATSU CEU Course that will be offered for $799.99 by year-end 2022, and an optional Masimo MightySat Finger Pulse Oximeter for $299.

Applications & Operations

• The KAATSU protocols (applications) are the same as used with previous KAATSU models (i.e., KAATSU Master, KAATSU Master 2.0, KAATSU M3, KAATSU Cycle 2.0, KAATSU Nano, KAATSU C3) and are based on clinical evidence derived from decades of research in the Japan, China, United States, and United Kingdom.
• The ultra-lightweight B1 Wearable units are connected with the arm and leg KAATSU Air Bands that control the inflation and deflation of uniquely designed internal pneumatic bladders. The bands do not impede arterial flow and only serve to gently, repeatedly, gradually, and briefly modify venous flow with KAATSU’s patented customizable Cycle pressure modes.
• Either one or two B1 Air Bands can be worn at a time, for single-limb or double-limb KAATSU. Like all other KAATSU Air Bands, the bands are placed on either your upper arms or upper legs. The Wearable units and bands are operated by the KAATSU B1 app on your smartphone. The KAATSU app is available on both iOS and Android.
• The KAATSU B1 app captures, archives, and analyzes your individual usage data that can be shared with physicians, therapists, coaches, trainers, chiropractors, teammates, and compared with others in the KAATSU Performance ecosystem.

KAATSU B1 versus KAATSU C3 or KAATSU Cycle 2.0 Advantages

• Tubeless: The KAATSU B1 does not require connector tubes as with earlier KAATSU models. This allows users to have more mobility and freedom of movement in order to meet performance, recovery, wellness, and rehabilitation needs. The B1 is tangle-free without any risk of tripping on connector tubes.
• Data Capture: Real-time usage data is captured, archived, analyzed, and can be shared on both an individual and group basis.
• Clinical Applications: Medical professionals, therapists, trainers, and coaches can access usage data and provide remote diagnoses and therapeutic and training recommendations to users.
• KAATSU Ecosystem: The KAATSU B1 and KAATSU M3 share a common database so medical professionals, therapists, and coaches can use the M3 in a clinical setting and the user can use the B1 at home or at work with usage data shared across the B1 and M3 platforms.

KAATSU Benefits

• On a cellular level, KAATSU increases vascular elasticity, naturally produces a robust hormonal response and healthful metabolites, and improves oxygen and blood flow.
• Physiologically, these biochemical reactions lead to better health safely and faster.
• Unlike other BFR equipment, there is no occlusion of arterial blood flow which significantly increases its safety profile.

B1 Advantages

• The KAATSU B1 is ideal and easy to use for both active and non-active individuals whether able-bodied, injured, or disabled, users of all ages, coaches, trainers, chiropractors, physical therapists, and physicians.
• Global analyses of multiple parameters is enabled (by gender, age, application, pressure, BMI, etc.). Over time, this aggregated and comparative data will help educate future users and KAATSU Specialists on optimal usage patterns and applications.
• The KAATSU Ecosystem now includes 3 models at three different price points that are attractive for different types of users:
o C3 at $999.99 is the lowest cost model, ideal for individual use
o B1 at $1,499.99 is the mid-range model, ideal for individual and military/team/group use who desire data analyses and individual data storage on their smartphones
o M3 at $4,999.99 is the clinical model, ideal for hospitals, medical clinics, rehabilitation and wellness centers

Dual versus Quad Model Advantages

The primary advantages of KAATSU B1 Quad Model (with 4 Wearable units) versus the KAATSU B1 Dual Model (with 2 Wearable units) are as follows:

• Two people can simultaneously use the KAATSU B1 Quad Model. That is, a husband and wife or 2 teammates can use 2 Wearable units each, enabling them to workout together. In this case, one partner uses the arm bands while the other partner uses the leg bands - meanwhile all the data is captured on each of their own respective smartphones.
• Users do not have to remove and put back on the 2 Wearable units each time they transition from using their arm and leg bands. That is, they just keep the 4 Wearable units on the arm bands and leg bands all the time. The units can be charged simultaneously while the units stay on the bands.
• Users can share their Wearable units and bands with others who might be interested in learning more about KAATSU at the same time the original user is demonstrating the KAATSU B1 with 1 Wearable unit on 1 band. The system also enables single-limb use.
• In the case that 1 Wearable unit is damaged, gets wet, or is not charged, a user has the choice to interchangeable use their other 3 Wearable units so there is no downtime.




KAATSU B1 Package

• KAATSU B1 Wearables: 2 units in the Dual Model or 4 units in the Quad Model
• 2 KAATSU Arm Air Bands
• 2 KAATSU Leg Air Bands
• 2 KAATSU Arm Wearable covers
• 2 KAATSU Leg Wearable covers
• USB Type-C dual charger (to simultaneously charge 2 units)
• Black carrying case
• Android or iOS app
• KAATSU Performance (cloud-based database)
• Online KAATSU Education Program
• KAATSU Magazines
• Optional Masimo MightSat Finger Pulse Oximeter
• Customized training program (if desired)


Differences between the KAATSU C3 and KAATSU B1 Models

• KAATSU C3 has connector tubes; KAATSU B1 does not
• KAATSU C3 was developed to meet the rugged needs of tactical athletes (i.e., soldiers) who occasionally train in harsh, dusty, muddy, rainy conditions
• KAATSU C3 device easily fits in a shirt or pants pocket or be clipped to a pair of shorts, pants, or tights; KAATSU B1 Wearable units are attached to the KAATSU Air Bands.
• KAATSU C3 costs $999; KAATSU B1 starts at $1,299.
• KAATSU C3 and KAATSU B1 Air Bands are not interchangeable

For more information on the KAATSU B1, visit here.

Copyright © 2014 - 2023 by KAATSU Global

Wednesday, March 2, 2022

Michael Renteria Joins KAATSU Global

Military veteran and former NBA coach Michael Renteria has joined KAATSU Global as a KAATSU Specialist and Ambassador.

Renteria is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with over a dozen human performance certifications and a decade of successful experience in training athletes across multiple fields. He graduated with his bachelor's from the University of Nebraska in Nutrition-Exercise-Health-Science, and his master's in Exercises Science at the University of South Florida.

He began his career working with collegiate baseball at the University of Nebraska. From supporting Cornhusker athletes, he went to work as an assistant coach for the Houston Rockets in the NBA. At the end of the 2014 season, he was invited to Beijing to train and prepare the Chinese Men's Olympic basketball team for the 2016 Olympic games in Rio.

In 2015, Renteria stepped in as the head strength coach for Special Operations Command Central at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida. He has been in the reserves for 14 years, as a Security Forces member, and a Tactical Air Control Party specialist in U.S. Air Force Special Warfare.

Renteria is an avid KAATSU user himself and wrote a TSAC Report where he discussed exercise selection, protocol, and considerations of BFR (Blood Flow Restriction) for injury prevention and strength training for tactical (military) populations using KAATSU equipment. The TSAC Report is the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s quarterly publication designed for the training of tactical professionals, operators, and facilitators.

Copyright © 2014 - 2022 by KAATSU Global

Sunday, May 23, 2021

Always Start Conservatively With KAATSU

For who? Baby Boomers, retirees, masters athletes, corporate executives
For what? Strength, recovery, functional movement, mobility, balance


























When you first start KAATSU, it is extremely important and a KAATSU Golden Rule to start very gently, conservatively and slowly.

This guideline is especially true if you have any adverse medical or physiological conditions, are older than 50 years old, are sedentary or de-conditioned. This is true even if you think you are fit and can withstand great physical challenges.

The standard recommended build-up protocols when starting KAATSU, especially with older individuals, are as follows:

• In order to build up to 5-6 KAATSU Cycles in one session, build-up slowly and gradually:
• Do only 1 KAATSU Cycle in your 1st session in the first week.
• You can do 2 KAATSU Cycles in your 2nd session in the second week.
• You can do 3 KAATSU Cycles in your 3rd session in the third week.
• You can do 4 KAATSU Cycles in your 4th session in the fourth week.
• You can do 5 KAATSU Cycles in your 5th session in the fifth week.
• You can do 6 KAATSU Cycles in your 6th session in the sixth week.





































In Chapter 7 of the online KAATSU Education Program, the Standard Do’s and Don’ts of KAATSU are listed:

KAATSU can be prudently and safely incorporated into your training, rehabilitation, and recovery regimens - without performing at maximal pressure levels.

Do’s
• Always hydrate well before, during and after each KAATSU session.
• Always first use the KAATSU Cycle Mode before using the KAATSU Constant (Training) Mode.
• Always breathe throughout your KAATSU exercises. Consciously count your repetitions quietly to yourself or out loud so you do not hold your breath while doing KAATSU.
• Always place the KAATSU Air Bands at the correct location on your upper and lower limbs.
• Always confirm your KAATSU Air Bands are high enough to engorge your limbs in blood and create a pink or red color to your skin in your arms and legs. You can get distended veins, but the band pressure should not be so high to occlude your blood flow to your limbs.
• Always wear your KAATSU Air Bands over clothing (e.g., t-shirts, shirts, tights, pants, shorts).
• Always frequently check your Capillary Refill Time (CRT) throughout the KAATSU session.
• Always confirm your CRT is always less than 3 seconds in duration.
• Always release your KAATSU Air Bands if you feel something is not right or unusually uncomfortable. If you feel lightheaded or if you have an unusual pain on one side or the other, immediately stop and take off your KAATSU Air Bands.
• You can perform different exercises during your KAATSU session while doing KAATSU Cycles as you see fit.
• Use the KAATSU Cycle and the KAATSU 3-point Exercises or stretch to warm-up and to help determine the optimal SKU pressure or as a form of basic exercise for both your arms and legs.
• The veins in your limbs may become distended (i.e., pop out) and you may feel a slight tingling in your fingers or toes during the KAATSU Constant mode.
• If you experience occlusion, numbness, or any kind of lightheadedness with the KAATSU Air Bands, immediately remove the bands from your limbs. • Always check with your physician before starting a KAATSU regimen.
• Always start slowly and conservatively with KAATSU.

Don’ts
• Do not use when dehydrated or intoxicated or after or while drinking alcohol or taking medications or illegal drugs including any performance enhancing drugs.
• Do not use while driving a vehicle.
• Do not use while underwater or while holding your breath.
• Do not use while using a vibration plate or doing anything (e.g., treadmill, Bosu Balls) that you cause you to lose your balance.
• Do not fall asleep while the KAATSU Air Bands are on your arms or legs.
• Do not use if you feel pain during use.
• Do not ever partly or fully occlude your blood flow. Signs of this occlusion are collapsed veins, no pulse at your wrists, pale palms of your hand, pale or blue skin color, or severely delayed (>6 seconds) capillary refill time.
• Do not train in the KAATSU Constant mode (i.e., sustained pressure with the inflated bands) for more than 10 minutes on either your arms or your legs.
• Do not use more than 6 consecutive KAATSU Cycles in a row; always build up to 6 consecutive KAATSU Cycles and never exceed this number.
• Do not simultaneously use the KAATSU Air Bands on both your arms and legs.
• Do not lift heavy weights or heavy resistance when using the KAATSU Constant mode.
• Do not use the KAATSU Constant mode if you are older than 50, de-conditioned, overweight, tend to faint, or have White Coat Syndrome.
• Do not use the KAATSU Constant mode if you are training at altitude; only use the KAATSU Cycle mode.
• Stop KAATSU immediately if your limbs become clammy, cold, white, or pale. That physiological response may be due to occlusion of your arterial blood flow, use with heavy weights, or use with sustained vigorous activities - especially at high altitudes.
• Do not place the KAATSU Air Bands on your body other than on your upper arms or upper legs.
• Do not do KAATSU if you are pregnant, under medical treatment, have cancer, hypertension, fractures, muscle ruptures, or any acute diseases without the prior approval of your physician.
• Do not do KAATSU if you are undergoing cardiac rehabilitation or have a pacemaker.
• Do not do KAATSU if you have any of the following conditions: atrial fibrillation, acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, ventricular tachycardia or severe arrhythmia, serious case of cardiac insufficiency (NYHA class IV), serious aortic stenosis, acute pulmonary embolism or lung infarction, acute myocarditis or pericarditis, acute vena cava dissociation, or macular degeneration.
• If you have peripheral vascular disease, Raynaud’s disease, heart disease or low blood pressure, it is essential to only use very low (conservative) pressure in the KAATSU Cycle mode.
• People with Raynaud’s disease can feel discomfort or even pain if they use high pressures on the KAATSU Air Bands. Because the capillaries are engorged in blood, this impacts the nervous system – which should be avoided for people with Raynaud’s disease.
• Do not use if you are under 14 years old. This recommendation is due to a small number of overly ambitious adults who push children too much or too long with KAATSU.
• Do not open the device and attempt to change or repair the device yourself.

Key Points When Doing KAATSU
• Always remain well hydrated before and during the entire KAATSU session.
• Always start each KAATSU session with the KAATSU Cycle. The KAATSU Cycle include 8 steps of 30 seconds pressure on followed by 5 seconds of no pressure. Each step has sequentially increasing pressure.
• First, start KAATSU on your arms and then do KAATSU on your legs.
• Never simultaneously put on or use the KAATSU Air Bands on your arms and legs.
• Always and frequently check the Capillary Refill Time on the exercising limb is within 3 seconds. Confirm that the color of the limbs remains either pink or beefy red.
• Your veins may become distended (i.e., pop out) during KAATSU.
• You may feel a slight tingling in your fingers or toes during KAATSU. This feeling is acceptable.
• Always immediately stop KAATSU and remove the KAATSU Air Bands if there is any occlusion, numbness, or paleness (i.e., whiteness, grayness, or blueness) in your limbs.
• Always immediately stop KAATSU and remove the KAATSU Air Bands if you experience any lightheadedness. Lie down with your legs elevated if necessary.
• If undergoing rehabilitation from an injury or surgery, never push your joints or your limbs to or pass the point of pain. • Do not exceed 15 minutes of KAATSU on your arms or legs.
• Keep your rest short between your sets and between exercises. Rest 20 seconds maximum between sets or 60 seconds maximum between exercises. This can be modified as necessary.
• Select exercises, movements or loads that allow slow and steady performance of a good number of repetitions (e.g., 30-40 in first set, 20-30 in the second set, >15 in the third set).
• Do 3-4 sets of each exercise and then continue with a different exercise. If only one limb is being exercised at a time, first do 3-4 sets on that limb and then proceed with 3-4 sets on the other limb.
• Reach maximum effort (or go to muscular or technical failure) within each set if you want to build muscular strength or increase muscle tone or size.
• KAATSU should be implemented with the understanding of your physician or physical therapist. KAATSU can be incorporated with your physical therapy routine.
• KAATSU can be performed with most kinds of exercise equipment.
• Conduct movements slowly, steadily and with good range of motion unless you are performing a specific athletic movement (e.g., swinging a golf club, swinging a bat, throwing a ball, cycling, swimming, practicing race starts or jumps). In these cases of athletic movements, move at the speed in which you want to perform.
• Try to reach muscular failure or technical failure during each set of each exercise.
• The dual combination of Base SKU pressure and Optimal SKU pressure is a critical element of KAATSU. The Base SKU pressure is the manual tightening of your KAATSU Air Bands. The Optimal SKU is the inflated pressure of your inflated KAATSU Air Bands. If the Base SKU is low, the Optimal SKU will be higher. Conversely, if the Base SKU is high, the Optimal SKU will be lower. The Base SKU (i.e., manually tightened KAATSU Air Bands) in combination with Optimal SKU (i.e., inflated KAATSU Air Bands) is critically important to set the pressures necessary to achieve maximum benefits from KAATSU.
• KAATSU Air Band placement is critically important. The KAATSU Air Bands can only be used in two locations: above your biceps and triceps, but below your deltoids near your armpit on your arms, and above your quadriceps and hamstrings near your groin on your legs.
• Muscle contraction in your limbs temporarily squeezes venous blood past the KAATSU Air Band on your limbs.
• KAATSU is the original BFR (blood flow restriction), but KAATSU is not Occlusion Training or Tourniquet Training.
• Occlusion Training or Tourniquet Training is a type of training where blood is reduced or restricted going from your torso to your limbs. This is not KAATSU. • The term "occlusion" implies that the blood flow is restricted or stopped from going from your torso to your limbs.
• In contrast, the interaction of the blood flow both in and out of your limbs during the KAATSU Cycle and KAATSU Constant modes is vitally important to realize the benefits, safety, and efficacy of KAATSU.
• KAATSU is a means to safely moderate blood circulation both in and out of your limbs. KAATSU slows the venous outflow that leads to backing up and engorging your limbs in blood. This is why the KAATSU Cycle is important; the vascular system must be warmed up first before starting KAATSU Constant.
• If you want to build strength or improve muscular size and tone, do sets of each KAATSU to either muscular or technical failure. If the Optimal SKU is set correctly, the duration (or repetitions) of each set will be reduced. That is, if set #1 is 1 minute in duration (or 30-40 repetitions), then rest for a maximum of 20 seconds and continue with set #2. You should reach your muscular or technical failure before 1 minute or 30-40 repetitions in Set #2. Rest should be no more than 20 seconds before set #3 begins. In set #3, you should reach your muscular or technical failure in a shorter time duration or fewer repetitions in Set #2.
• The veins in your limbs may become distended (i.e., pop out) during the KAATSU Constant mode.
• You may feel a slight tingling in your fingers or toes during the KAATSU Constant mode. This is acceptable, but KAATSU should be immediately stopped if there is any occlusion, lightheadedness, or numbness or whiteness in your limbs.
• KAATSU should be implemented with the understanding of your physician.
• Wait at least 72 hours after a surgery to start KAATSU with the approval of your physician.

Conservatively Start KAATSU
• Always start slowly and conservatively with KAATSU, especially if you have any adverse medical or physiological conditions, are older than 50 years old, or are sedentary or de-conditioned.
• In order to build up to 5-6 KAATSU Cycles in one session, adhere to the following protocols especially if you have any adverse medical or physiological conditions, are older than 50 years old, or are sedentary or de-conditioned.
>> Do only 1 KAATSU Cycle in your 1st session in the first week.
>> You can do 2 KAATSU Cycles in your 2nd session in the second week.
>> You can do 3 KAATSU Cycles in your 3rd session in the third week.
>> You can do 4 KAATSU Cycles in your 4th session in the fourth week.
>> You can do 5 KAATSU Cycles in your 5th session in the fifth week.
>> You can do 6 KAATSU Cycles in your 6th session in the sixth week.

Seek Medical Advice Before Starting KAATSU
• It is important to seek advice from your physician before starting KAATSU.
• Do not do KAATSU if you are under 14 years old, under 18 years old without adult supervision, pregnant, under medical treatment, have cancer, hypertension, fractures, muscle ruptures, undergoing cardiac rehabilitation, have a pacemaker, heart disease, atrial fibrillation, acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, ventricular tachycardia or severe arrhythmia, serious case of cardiac insufficiency (NYHA class IV), serious aortic stenosis, acute pulmonary embolism or lung infarction, acute myocarditis or pericarditis, acute vena cava dissociation, macular degeneration, or any acute diseases without the prior approval of your physician.
• If you have peripheral vascular disease, Raynaud’s disease, multiple sclerosis or low blood pressure, it is essential to only use very low (conservative) pressure in the KAATSU Cycle mode.
• People with Raynaud’s disease or multiple sclerosis can feel discomfort or even pain if they use high pressures on the KAATSU Air Bands.
• These protocols have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and its use should be evaluated by your own physician before use.

Copyright © 2014 - 2021 by KAATSU Global

Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Rocking And Recovery With Robert, Heading To The Tokyo Paralympics

For who? Competitive athletes, swimmers, masters swimmers, runners, rowers
For what? Strength, recovery, functional movement, mobility, flexibility, cool-down

Robert Griswold is an American Paralympic swimmer and gold medal favorite for the upcoming Tokyo Paralympics. He has cerebral palsy and does KAATSU Cycles before and after his 8-times-per-week workouts and races as part of his pre-swim warm-ups and post-swim cool-downs.

During the complete lockdown at the U.S. Olympic Training Center due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Griswold spent nearly a year of trying his best to being creative in order to maintain his speed, strength, stamina and flexibility. He also graduated from Indiana State University, began clerking at a law firm in St. Louis, Missouri, and continues to train 8 times per week in anticipation of the Paralympic Trials in Lewisville, Texas in April with the anticipation of winning medals at the Tokyo Paralympics.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the administration at the U.S. Olympic Training Center shut down its facilities, but also would not let the athletes off the Training Center campus. The athletes had no way to leave the Center, but swimmers also had no way to train properly in a pool. So what did Griswold do? He looked for an AirBnB with a backyard pool and found one and negotiated an early morning training schedule with the owner.







































He and his roommate would sneak out of the Training Center campus through a side door before the sun came up. They would get to the AirBnB house with a 13-meter pool. They jury-rigged a tether unit and did creative pool workouts. He also finagled his way to get a Vasa Trainer unit and figured out a way to stay in shape with his ingenuity and KAATSU Air Bands that he used on dry land and in the pool.

Eventually, he ended up moving to St Louis where he currently trains in a 50m pool 8 times per week while working as a law clerk 25 hours per week. The United States Paralympic Trials are on April 10-12.

He explains his recovery protocol, "When I came back and competed in my first swim meet at the U.S. Open, I swam the 400m individual medley. I was about 95% of my peak physical abilities and just barely missed the world record. When I got out of the pool, I used my lactate meter and showed the USA Swimming National Team High Performance Director that his post-race lactate levels were 19.9 mmol/L. The director saw my lactate reading and said that 19.9 must be a mistake.

So I retested a few minutes later and I tested at 20.2 mmol/L. The director was surprised it was that high
."

But Griswold uses his KAATSU equipment to help him recover from these high lactate levels. He swims easily (loosens down) for 600 meters until his lactate reading is between 7-8 mmol/L. Then he gets out of the water and does KAATSU Cycles until his lactate is reduced to 2.1 or lower mmol/L.

Note: Griswold, Matt Torres and Jamal Hill are among the American Paralympic athletes who will use KAATSU at the Tokyo Paralympic Games.

Copyright © 2014 - 2021 by KAATSU Global

Monday, May 17, 2021

Improving Sleep Quality With The KAATSU Cycle

For who? Baby Boomers, retirees, student-athletes, competitive athletes
For what? quality sleep, insomnia, jet lag, recovery

Antonio Argüelles is a two-time Guinness World Record holder and the oldest man to achieve the Oceans Seven.

Oceans Seven is the swimming world's equivalent of the Seven Summits or the solo crossing of seven major iconic channels around the world:

* English Channel between England and France
* Strait of Gibraltar between Spain and Morocco
* North Channel between Scotland and Northern Ireland
*Molokai Channel between Molokai and Oahu in Hawaii
* Catalina Channel between Catalina Island and Los Angeles, California
* Cook Strait between North Island and South Island in New Zealand
* Tsugaru Channel between Hokkaido and Honshu in Japan.

Argüelles, a 62-year-old entrepreneur, author and speaker from Mexico City, not only uses KAATSU Cycle sets to help him recover from his intense and lengthy workouts, but also to enhance his sleep. The repeated, gentle, temporarily brief, progressively incremental inflation of the KAATSU AirBands - followed by 5-second breaks of deflation in the AirBands - while you sit comfortably or maintain a relaxed position without doing exercise - serves as a catalyst to activate your parasympathic nervous system.

You can gently stretch your upper body or do neck rotations at the KAATSU AirBands repeatedly inflate and deflate. This helps relax the vascular tissue in your neck and upper body, further relaxing you.

Additionally, the temporary engorgement of blood in your surface capillaries slightly warms up your arms. When you remove the AirBands from your arms, then your body starts to cool down - another trigger for sleep.

Argüelles explains his data that is regularly generated by his WHOOP device. "Over the last four days, I have slept almost the same amount of time between 4.5 hours and 5 hours. But I lent my KAATSU device [to a friend] for three days - that non-use correlates to the red data. But I received my KAATSU equipment back yesterday. You can see my usual outstanding results in yellow."

KAATSU users like Argüelles and those who travel frequently use their KAATSU equipment with the following standard KAATSU protocols to reduce the effects of jet lag, battle insomnia, and improve their quality of sleep. These are the important points regarding KAATSU use before, during and after airplane travel - or about an hour before going to bed in the case of dealing with insomnia - or seeking improved sleep:

Key Points:
›› Be very well-hydrated before doing KAATSU Cycles in the airplane or before takeoff at the airport or within an hour of going to bed in order to help reduce your jet lag.
›› Do KAATSU Cycles in your hotel room (or home) before going to bed on your first few evenings in your new location or on your return back home.
›› Always focus on doing KAATSU Cycles, starting in the lowest pressures. You may gradually increase if you wish, but it is not necessary.

›› Be conservative with your pressure. The effects will still be evident despite a lower-than-normal pressure.
›› There is no need to go to failure with these Sleep Quality protocols; the goal is to become relaxed and get your parasympathetic nervous system activated.
›› Always follow the standard KAATSU safety protocols (e.g., always have Capillary Refill Time faster than 2- 3 seconds with absolutely no occlusion. You should experience absolutely no numbness in your feet or legs, and see a deeper (pinker or redder) skin color than normal in your limbs. You may also see some slight or pronounced vein distention (i.e., your veins pop out slightly).
›› Ideally, do your KAATSU Cycles before you board the airplane or before going to bed when you return home.
›› Never do the KAATSU Constant mode while flying.
›› Use the arm bands for the optimal effect, but you can also subsequently use the leg bands to complete the entire insomnia protocol.

Upper Body Jet Lag or Insomnia Movements:
1. Place the KAATSU Air Bands on your upper arms.
2. Do 2-4 KAATSU Cycles, ideally within 30-60 minutes of boarding the airplane.
3. You can do all or any the following KAATSU exercises while sitting in your seat during flight:
* Forward Shoulder Rolls
* Backward Shoulder Rolls
* Head Rotations
* Tricep Muscle Stretches
* Deltoid Muscle Stretches
* Arm Rest Press Downs
* Isometric Contractions
4. Do 20-30 Forward Shoulder Rolls in a steady motion while your KAATSU Air Bands are inflated in the KAATSU Cycle mode. Breathe deeply. Relax while your KAATSU Air Bands are deflated. Repeat as desired.
5. Do 20-30 Backward Shoulder Rolls in a steady motion while your KAATSU Air Bands are inflated in the KAATSU Cycle mode. Breathe deeply. Relax while your KAATSU Air Bands are deflated. Repeat as desired.
6. Slowly roll the head forwards and backwards. Then slowly roll your head to the left and then to the right. Then slowly roll your head in a clockwise direction and then in a counterclockwise direction while your KAATSU Air Bands are inflated in the KAATSU Cycle mode. Breathe deeply. Relax while the KAATSU Air Bands are deflated in the KAATSU Cycle mode.
Note: Skip this exercise if rolling your head forwards, backwards, left, right, clockwise or counterclockwise causes dizziness.
7. Stretch your triceps muscles on your left and right arms while your KAATSU Air Bands are inflated in the KAATSU Cycle mode. Breathe deeply. Relax while the KAATSU Air Bands are deflated in the KAATSU Cycle mode.
8. Stretch your deltoid muscles on left and right shoulders while your KAATSU Air Bands are inflated in the KAATSU Cycle mode. Breathe deeply. Relax while the KAATSU Air Bands are deflated in the KAATSU Cycle mode.
9. Do isometric exercises like placing both hands on your arm rests and press down for a few seconds while contracting your muscles. Rest and relax, then repeat.
10. Place the palms of your hands together and push your hands together for a few seconds. Then, rest, relax and repeat.
11. Grasp the fingers of your hands and pull your hands apart for a few seconds. Then rest, relax and repeat.
12. Stretch your upper body or torso as you desire and are able.

Lower Body Jet Lag or Insomnia Movements:
Note: Doing KAATSU on your legs is much easier in a business or first class seat and most difficult - or frankly impossible - while in the middle seat in economy class.
1. Place the KAATSU Air Bands on your upper legs.
2. Do 2-4 KAATSU Cycles, ideally within 30-60 minutes of boarding the airplane.
3. You can do all or any the following KAATSU exercises while sitting in your seat during flight:
* Heel Raises
* Leg Extensions
* Inward Leg Squeezes
* Outward Leg Squeezes
* Isometric Contractions
4. Slowly do 10-20 Heel Raises in a steady motion while your KAATSU Air Bands are inflated in the KAATSU Cycle mode. Breathe deeply. Relax while your KAATSU Air Bands are deflated. Repeat as desired.
5. Slowly do 10-15 Leg Extensions in a steady motion while your KAATSU Air Bands are inflated in the KAATSU Cycle mode. Breathe deeply. Relax while your KAATSU Air Bands are deflated. Repeat as desired.
6. Place your hands on your inner thighs and slowly push outwards as you push your legs inwards against the force of your hands while the KAATSU Air Bands are inflated in the KAATSU Cycle mode. Breathe deeply. Relax while the KAATSU Air Bands are deflated. Repeat the Inward Leg Squeezes as desired.
7. Place your hands on your outer thighs and slowly push inwards as you push your legs outwards against the force of your hands while the KAATSU Air Bands are inflated in the KAATSU Cycle mode. Breathe deeply. Relax while the KAATSU Air Bands are deflated. Repeat the Outward Leg Squeezes as desired.
8. Repeatedly contract and then relax your upper leg muscles (quadriceps and hamstrings) while the KAATSU Air Bands are inflated in the KAATSU Cycle mode.

A few of these insomnia movements are demonstrated below - that can also be used in the office when you are under stress. These same movementss - while the KAATSU Cycle is running - can be easily and conveniently done in the airport, airport lounge or at your office or home. They work to relieve stress, induce sleep and improve sleep quality, and get some increased blood circulation during the day when you are sitting and being sedentary all day long.



Copyright © 2014 - 2021 by KAATSU Global

Sunday, May 9, 2021

Laura Wilkinson Flying Gracefully Through The Air

For who? Baby Boomers, retirees, military veterans, competitive athletes
For what? rehabilitation, recovery, muscle tone



One of the most remarkable athletes around the world who utilizes KAATSU is Laura Wilkinson. Her comebacks are legendary in the global diving community. The Olympic gold medalist diver from Houston, Texas is a 43-year-old mother of four young children.

Her tenacity, passion and dedication have continued throughout her life.

Early on during her teenage years, Wilkinson was told that she was too old to start a new sport and was later kicked off her high school team because they thought she was a "waste of space". She had major surgery on her neck in 2020 to repair damage to discs injured by her diving career - but her Olympic dreams continue.

Remarkably, Wilkinson remains at the top of her game and as strong and sharp as ever despite her injuries and most recent surgery [see above doing a 10-meter platform dive]. Wilkinson is the first woman to win the three major diving world titles. While the Houston native and motivational speaker initially retired in 2008, she returned to competition in 2017 and is currently training for a fourth Olympic Games at The Woodlands Diving Academy in Texas.

"Within two days of starting KAATSU I noticed relief from a lingering tricep injury that was impacting my ability to dive at my full potential. What started as a tool to aid in recovery has grown into a way to help build strength and endurance. KAATSU has made me feel strong again diving off the 10-meter platform," she explained.

The velocity in which she hits the water is tremendous - and her arms take the shock upon entry. At the age of 43 and doing repeated dives during competitions, the stress on her arms and upper body is off the charts - even for her competitors who are less than half her age.

But, by doing KAATSU Cycles before and during the competition, she remains a strong contender - and a reminder that Olympic swimmer Dara Torres also found her way onto the Olympic podium at the age of 41 in her fifth Olympics.

Wilkinson's movements and therapy are primarily done while using the Progressive KAATSU Cycle mode - always starting off with lower pressures and building up to higher pressures. Fundamentally, her movements are simple and include the KAATSU 3-Point Exercises as well as stretching. Additionally, she also uses her KAATSU Air Bands while doing activities at home while she is with her children and husband Eriek Hulseman.

To learn more information about Wilkinson's deep-seated drive and belief in herself and her dreams, visit www.laurawilkinson.com.

To listen to her Pursuit of Gold Podcast and her conversations with elite and Olympic athletes, sports professionals, coaches, and experts tht unlock the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual tools that shape the whole athlete and generate peak performance, visit here.

Read the latest KAATSU Magazine here with Wilkinson on the cover.

Copyright © 2014 - 2021 by KAATSU Global

KAATSU While Quarantined In A Hotel Room

For who? Road warriors, competitive athletes, executives, travelers, individuals on quarantine
For what? Travel, jet lag, insomnia, stress relief



KAATSU users of the KAATSU Cycle 2.0 or KAATSU C3 are really, really fortunate, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you find yourself stuck in a quarantine in a hotel or at a home due to local regulations or cross-border travel, the KAATSU the Original BFR is extremely useful to stay sane, stay relaxed, and/or work on your strength, stamina, speed and fine motor skills while in a hotel room or other location.

KAATSU users around the world have stayed pumped with KAATSU equipment while using everything from TRX straps hooked to their hotel door to water bottles substituting for dumbbells. You can also do burpees, slow negative squats, isometric exercises, the classic KAATSU 3-Point Exercises [shown below], stretch, do shoulder rolls frontwards and backwards, and/or use resistance bands tied to a doorknob while you have your KAATSU Air Bands on your arms (utilizing the Progressive KAATSU Cycle mode) or while you have your KAATSU Air Bands on your legs while doing core work.









Both the KAATSU Cycle 2.0 and newer KAATSU C3 are compact (handheld), lightweight, and can be used anywhere anytime by anyone doing anything. The standard KAATSU 3-Point Exercises on your arms or legs [shown above] are tremendously beneficial and provide a great stress relief while on quarantine.

In times of stress, especially while being forced to limit (or avoid) outdoor activities, simple leg and easy-to-do core exercises with KAATSU equipment are also a great way to stay fit, stay sane, and not gain weight.

KAATSU Walking (or KAATSU Pacing in a hotel room) can provide the same effect as significantly longer (in duration and distance) runs, jogs and walks. Simply put the KAATSU Air Bands on your legs and walk back and forth while stuck in your hotel room [see photo on left].

Advanced KAATSU 3-Point Exercises for the legs (i.e., Standing Heel Raises, Leg Curls, and Quarter Squats) are a great finisher to KAATSU Pacing.

The KAATSU Air Bands on your upper legs will result in healthful systemic effects that are felt and seen throughout your body, including your core and upper body.

But if you want to focus on your core, you do not have to do planks, crunches and other forms of abdominal work - although you can. Instead, you can do a number of simple KAATSU exercises to strengthen your lower back and tighten your core.

In fact, core and lower back exercises can comprise of your entire KAATSU training session for the day. Alternatively, core and lower back exercises can be an addition to your typical KAATSU sessions.

Core & Lower Back #1 Exercise
1. Manually tighten your KAATSU Air Bands on your legs at your appropriate pressure.
2. Repeatedly inflate your KAATSU Air Bands while utilizing the KAATSU Cycle mode.
3. Stand on one foot, balancing only on your other leg for as long as possible.
4. When your balance is lost, rest for 10-20 seconds and repeat two more times.
5. After 3 times, balance on your other foot.
6. This act of balancing will create instability in your core and will help strengthen your stomach and lower back.

Core & Lower Back #2 Exercise
1. Manually tighten your KAATSU Air Bands on your legs at your appropriate Base SKU.
2. Repeatedly inflate your KAATSU Air Bands while utilizing the KAATSU Cycle mode.
3. Place a book on your head and walk slowly until the book falls off.
4. Rest 10-20 seconds and repeat the walk again two more times with the book on your head.
5. Walking straight slowly, especially on an uneven surface like a sandy beach, will create instability in your core and will help strengthen your stomach and lower back.

Core & Lower Back #3 Exercise
1. Manually tighten your KAATSU Air Bands on your legs at your appropriate SKU.
2. Repeatedly inflate your KAATSU Air Bands while utilizing the KAATSU Cycle mode.
3. Stand on one foot while holding a water bottle in each hand.
4. Hold the water bottle in your outstretched arms and stand as long as possible on one leg.
5. When your balance is lost, rest 10-20 seconds and repeat two more times.
6. After 3 times, balance on your other foot.
7. In order to make this exercise more difficult, move your outstretched arms left and right, and up and down in an asymmetric manner while balancing on one foot.

Core & Lower Back #4 Exercise
1. Manually tighten your KAATSU Air Bands on your legs at your appropriate Base SKU.
2. Repeatedly inflate your KAATSU Air Bands while utilizing the KAATSU Cycle mode.
3. Do planks as usual.
4. Alternatively, tighten the KAATSU Air Bands on your arms at your Optimal SKU and do planks as normal.

Core & Lower Back #5 Exercise
1. Tighten your KAATSU Air Bands on your legs at your appropriate Base SKU.
2. Repeatedly inflate your KAATSU Air Bands while utilizing the KAATSU Cycle mode.
3. Lie on your back and slowly bring one leg one up to your stomach and hold. Grab your knee with your arms to stretch your back.
4. Repeat as desired.
5. Continue to lie on your back and slowly pull both your legs up to your stomach and hold. Grab your knees with your arms to stretch your back.
6. Repeat as desired.

Core & Lower Back #6 Exercise
1. Tighten your KAATSU Air Bands on your legs at your appropriate Base SKU.
2. Repeatedly inflate your KAATSU Air Bands while utilizing the KAATSU Cycle mode.
3. Lie on your back and slowly lift your hips off the floor and hold. Bring your hips to the ground and repeat as desired.

Core & Lower Back #7 Exercise
1. Tighten your KAATSU Air Bands on your legs at your appropriate Base SKU.
2. Repeatedly inflate your KAATSU Air Bands while utilizing the KAATSU Cycle mode.
3. Lie on your back and slowly lift both your feet off the ground and hold. Repeat as desired.
4. Lie on your back, lift both your feet off the ground, and kick your feet slightly off the ground. Repeat as desired.

Core & Lower Back #8 Exercise
1. Tighten your KAATSU Air Bands on your legs at your appropriate Base SKU.
2. Repeatedly inflate your KAATSU Air Bands while utilizing the KAATSU Cycle mode.
3. Lie on your back and slowly pandiculate (i.e., stretch and stiffen your trunk and limbs, extending your toes, feet, arms and hands as you do upon waking).
4. Repeat as desired.

Core & Lower Back #9 Exercise
1. KAATSU Aqua Sit-ups are used by competitive aquatic athletes with a Bosu Ball in a pool.
2. 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 Master Specialist Cory Keirn DPT explains how and where KAATSU can be used...anywhere anytime, including in your car while waiting for your children. You can do the same while quarantined in your hotel room or other location:



You can use KAATSU for exercise or rehabilitation while...

* typing an email in the hotel room
* waiting while meals are delivered to your room
* sitting and waiting and waiting
* watching TV or moviews
* doing homework or reading a book
* stretching
* packing your bags before heading out to the sunshine

Once you understand that exercise and rehabilitation can be done anywhere anytime, your efficiency and effectiveness in getting things done goes way up. And exercise is transformed to simple movement - that you constantly do during the course of your day - with KAATSU equipment.



Copyright © 2014 - 2021 by KAATSU Global

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

Green Beret Joe Lowrey and Navy SEAL John Doolittle on National Defense Radio with Randy Miller

For who? Baby Boomers, retirees, military veterans, competitive athletes
For what? rehabilitation, quality sleep, insomnia, jet lag, recovery



Last week, Randy Miller of National Defense Radio interviewed Green Beret and Purple Heart recipient Joe Lowrey and Navy SEAL and Air Force Academy graduate John Doolittle on the National Defense Show.

Joe Lowrey was an ice hockey goalie who graduated from Long Beach Wilson High School in Southern California. An extraordinarily fit and driven individual, Lowrey enlisted in the U.S. Army as an infantryman during his senior year in high school as his immediate response to the 9-11 attacks.

Lowrey attended basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia and spent six years serving in various locations until he became a Staff Sergeant and qualified for the Special Forces assessment and selection process. He completed Basic Airborne Training at Fort Benning and Special Forces training at Fort Bragg, North Carolina where he earned his green beret and was assigned to the 7th Special Forces Group.

Lowrey was deployed twice to Colombia and Afghanistan where he was wounded by a PKM machine gun round during an intense firefight against Taliban insurgents on July 7th 2014. A bullet pierced his Kevlar helmet, entered his skull and exited his brain on the other side. His fellow Green Berets rescued him from the firefight and were told that Joe would not live long as part of his brain was removed.

Lowrey remained in a coma for a month and then began his recovery initially at Walter Reed Hospital, and then at the Palo Alto Polytrauma Rehabilitation Unit, California Casa Colina, and Centre For Neuro Skills in California. Ultimately, he was medically retired from active duty, but his injuries left him without movement on the left side of his body and limited movement on his right side.

This Purple Heart recipient and retired U.S. Army Green Beret Sergeant 1st Class joined Navy SEAL captain John Doolittle on the radio show. In the first photo shown on the left, Doolittle is positioned on the far left without a helmet.

In the second photo shown on the left, Doolittle is with his graduating Navy SEALs class standing on far right in first row.

The third photo is an x-ray of his spine that has been badly injured after 13 orthopedic surgeries over his 25-year military career.

Doolittle served in the Navy after graduating from the Air Force Academy and culminated his career as a decorated captain in the Navy SEALs with numerous overseas deployments and 13 orthopedic surgeries during this 25-year career.

Both Doolittle and Lowrey use the KAATSU C3 to improve their blood circulation and improve muscle tone. Lowrey religiously does two KAATSU sessions per day, every day: a KAATSU Walking session in the morning and a KAATSU Nighttime Protocol in the evening before bed.

Doolittle and Lowrey both use the KAATSU C3, the third generation KAATSU Cycle device. KAATSU is the Original BFR (Blood Flow Restriction).

Invented in Japan, with products engineered and designed in Southern California, KAATSU Global is the pioneer in the emerging BFR market. The carefully controlled, easy-to-use pneumatic KAATSU bands automatically and safely optimizes blood circulation for muscle tone, strength, mobility, rehabilitation, and recovery.

Smaller KAATSU devices (e.g., KAATSU Master 2.0, KAATSU Cycle 2.0, KAATSU C3, KAATSU B1, KAATSU AI) included a handheld automated compressor and universal pneumatic, stretchable bands which are placed around the arms or legs.

The KAATSU Air Bands inflate and deflate in a patented sequence based on algorithms that are optimal for each user, no matter their age or physical abilities.

KAATSU protocols are convenient, easy-to-do, and time-effective. KAATSU equipment offer unparalleled performance, precision, and safety for users of all ages, fitness levels, and walks of life - and can be used anywhere anytime to help you...Recover Faster, Rehab Stronger and Perform Better.

For more information, visit www.kaatsu.com to learn how KAATSU differs from B Strong, Delfi Portable Tourniquet System for Blood Flow Restriction, Smart Cuffs, and other BFR brands and low-cost occlusion bands.

The primary differences between KAATSU and other BFR bands and equipment include the following:

* KAATSU utilizes the patented Cycle function
* different pressures can be simultaneously used on different limbs
* KAATSU equipment and protocols were proven safe and effective after a decade of clinical use and research on over 7,000 cardiac rehab patients at the University of Tokyo Hospital (2004 - 2014)
* KAATSU is used by cardiologists, orthopedic surgeons, podiatrists, and physicians in various specialties
* KAATSU Air Bands do not occlude arterial flow
* KAATSU is meant to be gentle and convenient in order to do anywhere anytime
* KAATSU is sold worldwide to people up to the age of 104
* more research has been conducted in more countries on KAATSU than any other BFR device
* the seminal, groundbreaking research on BFR was conducted and published by KAATSU inventor Dr. Yoshiaki Sato in the 1990s
* KAATSU Air Bands are waterproof and the KAATSU C3 is ruggedized for military applications

Copyright © 2014 - 2021 by KAATSU Global

Saturday, April 17, 2021

Antonio Argüelles' Sleep Quality Improvements With KAATSU Cycles

For who? Baby Boomers, retirees, student-athletes, competitive athletes
For what? quality sleep, insomnia, jet lag, recovery

Antonio Argüelles is a two-time Guinness World Record holder and the oldest man to achieve the Oceans Seven.

Oceans Seven is the swimming world's equivalent of the Seven Summits or the solo crossing of seven major iconic channels around the world: English Channel between England and France, Spain and Morocco, North Channel between Scotland and Northern Ireland, Molokai Channel between Molokai and Oahu in Hawaii, Catalina Channel between Catalina Island and Los Angeles in California, Cook Strait between North Island and South Island in New Zealand, and Tsugaru Channel between Hokkaido and Honshu in Japan.

Argüelles, a 62-year-old entrepreneur, author and speaker from Mexico City, not only uses KAATSU Cycles to help him recover from his intense and lengthy workouts, but also to enhance his sleep. He explains his data generated by his WHOOP device. "Over the last four days, I have slept almost the same amount of time between 4.5 hours and 5 hours. But I lent my KAATSU [to a friend] for three days - that correlate to the red above, but I received my KAATSU unit back yesterday. You can see my usual outstanding results in yellow."

KAATSU users like Argüelles and those who travel frequently use their KAATSU equipment with the following standard KAATSU protocols to reduce the effects of jet lag, battle insomnia, and improve their quality of sleep. These are the important points regarding KAATSU use before, during and after airplane travel - or before going to bed:

›› Be very well-hydrated before doing KAATSU Cycles in the airplane or before takeoff at the airport or within an hour of going to bed in order to help reduce your jet lag.
›› Do KAATSU Cycles in your hotel room (or home) before going to bed on your first few evenings in your new location or on your return back home.
›› Always focus on doing KAATSU Cycles, starting in the lowest pressures. You may gradually increase if you wish, but it is not necessary.

›› You can be conservative with your pressure. The effects will still be evident despite a lower-than-normal pressure.
›› There is no need to go to failure with these Sleep Quality protocols; the goal is to become relaxed and get your parasympathetic nervous system activated.
›› Always follow the standard KAATSU safety protocols (e.g., always have Capillary Refill Time faster than 2- 3 seconds with no occlusion and no numbness in your feet or legs, and a deeper/pinker/redder skin color than normal in your limbs).
›› Ideally, do your KAATSU Cycles before you board the airplane or before going to bed when you return home.
›› Never do the KAATSU Constant mode while flying.

Upper Body Jet Lag Exercises:
1. Place the KAATSU Air Bands on your upper arms.
2. Do 2-4 KAATSU Cycles, ideally within 30-60 minutes of boarding the airplane.
3. You can do all or any the following KAATSU exercises while sitting in your seat during flight:
* Forward Shoulder Rolls
* Backward Shoulder Rolls
* Head Rotations
* Tricep Muscle Stretches
* Deltoid Muscle Stretches
* Arm Rest Press Downs
* Isometric Contractions
4. Do 20-30 Forward Shoulder Rolls in a steady motion while your KAATSU Air Bands are inflated in the KAATSU Cycle mode. Breathe deeply. Relax while your KAATSU Air Bands are deflated. Repeat as desired.
5. Do 20-30 Backward Shoulder Rolls in a steady motion while your KAATSU Air Bands are inflated in the KAATSU Cycle mode. Breathe deeply. Relax while your KAATSU Air Bands are deflated. Repeat as desired.
6. Slowly roll the head forwards and backwards. Then slowly roll your head to the left and then to the right. Then slowly roll your head in a clockwise direction and then in a counterclockwise direction while your KAATSU Air Bands are inflated in the KAATSU Cycle mode. Breathe deeply. Relax while the KAATSU Air Bands are deflated in the KAATSU Cycle mode.
Note: Skip this exercise if rolling your head forwards, backwards, left, right, clockwise or counterclockwise causes dizziness.
7. Stretch your triceps muscles on your left and right arms while your KAATSU Air Bands are inflated in the KAATSU Cycle mode. Breathe deeply. Relax while the KAATSU Air Bands are deflated in the KAATSU Cycle mode.
8. Stretch your deltoid muscles on left and right shoulders while your KAATSU Air Bands are inflated in the KAATSU Cycle mode. Breathe deeply. Relax while the KAATSU Air Bands are deflated in the KAATSU Cycle mode.
9. Do isometric exercises like placing both hands on your arm rests and press down for a few seconds while contracting your muscles. Rest and relax, then repeat.
10. Place the palms of your hands together and push your hands together for a few seconds. Then, rest, relax and repeat.
11. Grasp the fingers of your hands and pull your hands apart for a few seconds. Then rest, relax and repeat.
12. Stretch your upper body or torso as you desire and are able.

Lower Body Jet Lag Exercises:
Note: Doing KAATSU on your legs is much easier in a business or first class seat and most difficult - or frankly impossible - while in the middle seat in economy class.
1. Place the KAATSU Air Bands on your upper legs.
2. Do 2-4 KAATSU Cycles, ideally within 30-60 minutes of boarding the airplane.
3. You can do all or any the following KAATSU exercises while sitting in your seat during flight:
* Heel Raises
* Leg Extensions
* Inward Leg Squeezes
* Outward Leg Squeezes
* Isometric Contractions
4. Slowly do 10-20 Heel Raises in a steady motion while your KAATSU Air Bands are inflated in the KAATSU Cycle mode. Breathe deeply. Relax while your KAATSU Air Bands are deflated. Repeat as desired.
5. Slowly do 10-15 Leg Extensions in a steady motion while your KAATSU Air Bands are inflated in the KAATSU Cycle mode. Breathe deeply. Relax while your KAATSU Air Bands are deflated. Repeat as desired.
6. Place your hands on your inner thighs and slowly push outwards as you push your legs inwards against the force of your hands while the KAATSU Air Bands are inflated in the KAATSU Cycle mode. Breathe deeply. Relax while the KAATSU Air Bands are deflated. Repeat the Inward Leg Squeezes as desired.
7. Place your hands on your outer thighs and slowly push inwards as you push your legs outwards against the force of your hands while the KAATSU Air Bands are inflated in the KAATSU Cycle mode. Breathe deeply. Relax while the KAATSU Air Bands are deflated. Repeat the Outward Leg Squeezes as desired.
8. Repeatedly contract and then relax your upper leg muscles (quadriceps and hamstrings) while the KAATSU Air Bands are inflated in the KAATSU Cycle mode.

A few of these exercises are demonstrated below. These same exercises - while the KAATSU Cycle is running - can be done in the airport, airport lounge or at your office or home. They work to relieve stress, improve sleep, and get some exercise during the day when you are sitting and being sedentary all day long.




Copyright © 2014 - 2021 by KAATSU Global

Thursday, April 15, 2021

Paul Grzymkowski, A Giant In The Fitness Industry, Leaves A Legacy

For who? Baby Boomers, retirees
For what? Strength, stamina, functional movement, mobility, flexibility, recovery

Paul Grzymkowski, a renowned fitness industry expert and a key partner who developed the Gold's Gym franchise, suddenly and unexpectedly passed away on April 1st 2021 in Woodland Hills, California at the age of 72.

In 1980, Grzymkowski moved to Southern California as the request of his brother who had acquired ownership of the first Gold's Gym in Santa Monica. As the president and international director, he quickly established Gold’s Gym Franchising in order to get out of a financial bind and unbolt the padlocks that were placed on the front doors by the local bank.

In order to buy some time before the banks acquired the property, Grzymkowski wrote the original business plan that redefined the business of the emerging fitness industry. He developed a profitable, comprehensive franchising system for Gold''s Gym that would be the model for the fitness industry. His vision ultimately led to over 2 million members joining 535 franchised Gold’s Gym fitness centers in 47 states and 24 countries.

Grzymkowski always had vision and an eye for the new and innovative. He eventually became a KAATSU user in 2014 and understood KAATSU presented a revolutionary means for people of all ages and from all walks of life to become and remain fit.

While Grzymkowski knew that BFR (Blood Flow Restriction) and Occlusion Training were used by young men, bodybuilders or individuals who are focused on muscle building, he saw the ease-of-use and portability of KAATSU, as the original BFR, beneficial for everyone including - and especially for - those who are deconditioned (out-of-shape), lazy, older, or injured.

BFR and Occlusion Training often use inexpensive products, produced inexpensively, with inexact means to measure or understand precise or specific pressures, Grzymkowski appreciated precise, safe, proven equipment for aging Baby Boomers or those between the ages of 50 - 80.

"Paul and I talked at length about how Baby Boomers are not focused on building biceps or broad shoulders, but more specifically on maintaining pain-free overall wellness or doing effective, efficient rehabilitation from injuries and surgeries," recalled Steven Munatones. "He explained how older people's interest in KAATSU and other exercise modalities is more functional and less cosmetic, more focused on generating a healthful hormonal response rather than getting bigger muscles."

As 75.8 million American Baby Boomers either transition from the end of their careers or are in full or partial retirement, many of them have spent their most recent years raising children, financing college educations, paying for weddings, and helping out with grandchildren. These pressures play havoc with their fitness levels, especially in the confines of an over-stressed, overworked, and under-exercised lifestyle.

"KAATSU presents an easy-to-implement catalyst for individuals over the age of 50 to return to their former selves," said Grzymkowski. "10,000 Baby Boomers in America will celebrate their 65th birthday every day for the next 2 decades (3,650,000 new Baby Boomers per year). This is a huge market for every fitness professional to consider."

Munatones added, "Paul understood that a 65-year-old man or women sees the rest of their life much differently than they did at the age of 25 or 35. The quality of life is their focus, but they also face higher body fat percentages, lowered muscle mass, lessened aerobic capacities, and various ailments are regular experiences. He spent so much time with me educating me on how to live well, eat well, and everything from the best waters to use for hydration and the joy of being creative and a great friend, co-worker and neighbor."

"We must recondition the 26% of the total U.S. population in innovative ways, using modalities that are self-sustaining and much more low-impact than what we used to do in our youth or even mid-age," Grzymkowski once said. "Heavy barbells and dumbbells are not ideal equipment to serve as a catalyst to whipping Baby Boomers into shape. Aerobics, spinning, and elliptical machines are also not for everyone. We have to look for something even more revolutionary."

Grzymkowski spent his lifetime around barbells, dumbbells, and spinning bikes - but with an eye towards the future and for the benefit of all. "I have not changed - I love feeling pumped when I exercise. When I feel my biceps bulge or my quads burn, it recalls my strength of former years. But I do KAATSU and can change my body shape without heavy weights. I am doing it with the KAATSU pneumatic bands. The KAATSU equipment that are used so effectively by senior citizens in Japan and elite athletes around the world. When I do use weights during my KAATSU workout, I tend to use light dumbbells or weight plates of no more than 5-pounds."

Grzymkowski left a legacy - with Gold's Gym and everything else he touched and envisioned.

Grzymkowski, a twin to his sister Christine, is survived by his wife Joanna Gunst Grzymkowski, brother Peter Grzymkowski, and sisters Margaret Halstead, Christine Grzymkowski and Karen Grzymkowski.

He was a former wrestler and football player who grew Gold's Gym from 1980 to 1999 with his brother Peter and two partners. Club Insider reported, "Paul made a positive difference in the lives of almost everyone he touched, and in return, his time with Gold’s Gym and all the business colleagues and franchisees he worked with meant the world to him. He really loved and lived Gold’s Gym and was largely responsible for the domestic and international growth of the well-known fitness franchise.

Over the last several years, he sat on the board of three corporations and was involved with Health Engineering Group, GetCyced, KAATSU Japan, Nutrimost, Quicksilver Scientific, Original Quinton, Water & Wellness. He was head usher at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Pacific Palisades, a 4th degree Knight of Columbus, and sat on the board of directors of the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum (a non-profit repertory theatre and academy) for 12 years.

He worked with many charitable organizations such as H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Eat), CERT (Community Emergency Response Team), Arson Watch, T-CEP (Topanga Coalition for Emergency Preparedness), The Topanga Trash Warriors, The Nature of Wildworks (animal rescue which was especially close to his heart) and cooked monthly for the ‘Topanga Sages’ dinner.

Paul’s warmth, spirit and generous nature were evident in each and every aspect of his life, and he will be profoundly missed by the many people who were lucky enough to know him
."

Copyright © 2014 - 2021 by KAATSU Global

Friday, April 2, 2021

KAATSUfit App - Learn More, Do More, Experience More

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

PEAR Sports and KAATSU Global partnered to develop KAATSUfit, the first smartphone app for KAATSU the Original BFR.

Developed by PEAR, the new app provides short videos that explain KAATSU and demonstrate effective multi-function movements and exercises for users of all ages and abilities.

PEAR Sports, the leader in smart digital coaching technology, will continue to develop instructional content for KAATSU users that is of interest to those undergoing physical therapy in the clinic or at home. The same is true for those who are uninjured, healthy and are on the go. KAATSUfit is available for download on both iOS and Android from their respective app stores.

Steven Munatones of KAATSU Global, explains, “PEAR has created a best-in-class coaching app to make KAATSU’s patented products more understandable for everyone seeking improvements in their fitness and performance as well as those who wish to reduce the time to recover from injuries.

The app will make it more convenient and easier to effectively use KAATSU products and to incorporate the unique benefits of the KAATSU Cycle and KAATSU Constant modes.

Over the course of many years, we have worked with Olympic and professional athletes, paraplegics, and the U.S. military - all have benefited from the original BFR system. Now anyone can easily understand what to do with KAATSUfit
.”

KAATSUfit focuses on getting users properly set up and safely and effectively using KAATSU equipment like the KAATSU C3 and KAATSU Cycle 2.0. The app includes demonstrations and exercises featuring Cory Keirn, Doctor of Physical Therapy and a former trainer with Major League Baseball, and Tina Newman, a KAATSU Ambassador and aesthetician, who used the program to reduce the pain of arthritis, tighten loose skin, and become exceptionally fit at 56 years of age. The demonstrations incorporate a variety of fitness equipment, like TRX® straps. The modalities range from easy to difficult, including movements for those with limited mobility and strength, to exercises used by Olympic, professional and tactical athletes.

Newman explained what has happened to her, "Simply said, KAATSU has healed and helped my body. The ways in which its healed by forearms, wrists, and hands has truly been miraculous and life-changing. At 56, I'm able to continue waxing and doing facial treatments with ease, comfort, and no pain. I used to lay in bed at night with throbbing forearms asking my husband Tim to please rub with strong pressure for any kind of relief.

Separately from the pain relief, there has been the increased in muscular strength and tone as well as enjoying my skin tightening all over my body. This was most surprising to me, especially being an aesthetician in the skin care business for over 30 years. I experienced weight loss after losing my father and husband - a good 15-20 pounds. In our 50's, it is very difficult to firm and tighten our skin back up due to the lack of collagen, and lack of female hormones.

Lastly, but still so very important to me, is the emotional experience of calmness that has from all the anxiety that I suffered from while Tim was dying and after he passed. I was diagnosed with PTSD and it was terrible. KAATSU has calmed my racing heart and brain and I believe has helped my sleep patterns as well
."

Waynne Dartnall, President of PEAR Sports, added, “We are thrilled to continue work with the KAATSU team to develop future innovative digital solutions, including AI guided programming that will direct users to the personalized content they specifically need. We’re also looking to jointly develop new content and add even more use cases, especially for chronic care conditions.”

For more information, visit here.

KAATSUfit is available for download on both iOS and Android app stores.

Copyright © 2014 - 2021 by KAATSU Global

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Waist Workouts With KAATSU

For who? Work-at-home employees, student-athletes, retirees, Baby Boomers
For what? Functional movement, strength, flexibility, mobility, KAATSU At Home

As we age, fat especially around the waistline seems to be more easily and quickly accumulated. It also becomes increasingly difficult to lose this fat.

But KAATSU the Original BFR can be effectively and efficiently used to tone your waist in your 40's, 50's, 60's, and beyond.

Some typical waist-slimming and waist-toning exercises are ideally performed after a KAATSU warm-up. A warm-up consists of the KAATSU 3-Point Exercises performed in the KAATSU Cycle mode.

The KAATSU 3-Point Exercises with the KAATSU Air Bands on your legs includes Toe Curls + Toe Raises + Heel Raises while sitting for weaker users or Toe Curls + Toe Raises + Standing Leg Curls + Quarter Squats for stronger users.
Waist-slimming exercises include the following:

1. Sit-ups

* Snugly place the KAATSU Air Bands on your arms.
* Lie on your back on the floor with your knees bent and your toes flat on the ground.


* Concentrate on your abdominal muscle and slowly raise your body while exhaling.
* Lift your body as high as possible 5 - 20 times using only your abdominal muscle while your arms are relaxed.

2. Side Bends

* Snugly place the KAATSU Air Bands on your arms.
* Stand with your legs slightly wider than your shoulders.
* Hold a plastic water bottle or light dumbbell in one hand.
* Relax your shoulders and place your other hand on your hip.
* Slowly lean toward the side with your hand on your hip and then return to the standing position.
* Repeat 5 - 20 times on one side.
* Then repeat the same exercise on the other side after you switch the water bottle to your other hand.
* Repeat this exercise daily or, optimally, twice per day (both in the morning and afternoon or evening).

3. Trunk Twists

* Snugly place the KAATSU Air Bands on your arms.
* Stand with your legs slightly wider than your shoulders.
* Relax your shoulders and place both hands on your hips.
* Slowly twist your body to one side, return to the original position, and then slowly twist to the other side.
* Repeat 5 - 20 times on both sides.
* Then repeat the same exercise on the other side after you switch the water bottle to your other hand.
* Repeat this exercise daily or, optimally, twice per day (both in the morning and afternoon or evening).

Key Point

* The KAATSU Air Bands should be place snugly on your arms. Snugly means that you can put one finger between the KAATSU Air Bands and your skin - but not two or three fingers. If you can put two or three fingers between the bands and your skin, the bands should be manually tightened a bit more.








































































































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Copyright © 2014 - 2021 by KAATSU Global