Not Just For Athletes: How College Students Can Benefit From KAATSU

For who? Competitive and recreational athletes, students, young adults
For what? Strength, stamina, functional movement, stress relief, improved sleep


Life as a college student often revolves around going to classes, studying, extracurriculars, and maybe a few hours of sleep.

Proper exercise is often the first thing to go for these students when adjusting to hectic college life and is even harder to get it back on track. There is little debate regarding the importance of daily exercise and the benefits it has on one’s physical and mental health, so the bigger question is how to make it as effective and convenient for these students who have little time to spare.

KAATSU is the industry leader in Blood Flow Optimization with decades of research and experience. The KAATSU AirBands safely and gently modify venous blood flow which is the blood circulation from your limbs to your torso. The temporary and additional blood circulation in your limbs leads to subtle and profound changes in your homeostasis. Your vascular tissue increases its elasticity incrementally, leading to a secretion of a number of hormones and growth factors. KAATSU is used by professional athletes, aging adults, paraplegics, and everyone in between. KAATSU can be used from anywhere whether you are sitting at a desk, going for a walk, or watching television on the couch.

KAATSU seamlessly fits into the hustle and bustle of college life as it can largely be used during activities you would already be doing.

Studying in the library?

Throw on your arm bands for a few KAATSU Cycles.

Walking to class? Put your leg bands on for an even better workout.

Sore from sitting at a desk all day?

Do a few KAATSU Cycles before bed to help your body recover from the day with less soreness in the morning. You don’t have to be an elite athlete or aging adult to experience the benefits of Blood Flow Restriction with KAATSU.

Stressed out before a major paper is due or before an important examination? Ideally, use KAATSU within one hour of your bedtime. Gently stretch your upper body, do shoulder rolls both forwards and backwards, or do neck rotations as the KAATSU AirBands repeatedly inflate and deflate in the Low Pressure Cycle setting. This compression and decompression of the AirBands on your upper arms helps relax the vascular tissue in your neck and upper body.

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.

Similar to stessed-out student, experienced KAATSU users who travel abroad or travel frequently across time zones 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 Cycle sets 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 Cycle sets 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 Cycle sets, starting in the low pressure setting. 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 1-2 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 Cycle sets 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 AirBands on your upper arms.
2. Do 2-6 KAATSU Cycle sets, 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 AirBands are inflated in the KAATSU Cycle mode. Breathe deeply. Relax while your KAATSU AirBands are deflated. Repeat as desired.
5. Do 20-30 Backward Shoulder Rolls in a steady motion while your KAATSU AirBands are inflated in the KAATSU Cycle mode. Breathe deeply. Relax while your KAATSU AirBands 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 AirBands are inflated in the KAATSU Cycle mode. Breathe deeply. Relax while the KAATSU AirBands 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 AirBands are inflated in the KAATSU Cycle mode. Breathe deeply. Relax while the KAATSU AirBands are deflated in the KAATSU Cycle mode.
8. Stretch your deltoid muscles on left and right shoulders while your KAATSU AirBands are inflated in the KAATSU Cycle mode. Breathe deeply. Relax while the KAATSU AirBands 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 AirBands on your upper legs.
2. Do 2-6 KAATSU Cycle sets, 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 AirBands are inflated in the KAATSU Cycle mode. Breathe deeply. Relax while your KAATSU AirBands are deflated. Repeat as desired.
5. Slowly do 10-15 Leg Extensions in a steady motion while your KAATSU AirBands are inflated in the KAATSU Cycle mode. Breathe deeply. Relax while your KAATSU AirBands 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 AirBands are inflated in the KAATSU Cycle mode. Breathe deeply. Relax while the KAATSU AirBands 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 AirBands are inflated in the KAATSU Cycle mode. Breathe deeply. Relax while the KAATSU AirBands 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 AirBands 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 by KAATSU Global

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

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

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

Conservative, Gradual, Progressive KAATSU Cycles Are Key

For who? Baby Boomers, retirees, military veterans, de-conditioned individuals
For what? muscle tone, stamina, strength, mobility

When people first hear about BFR (Blood Flow Restriction), they often search on the Internet to learn more.

They usually and quickly find a plethora of photos and videos of fit, active handsome young men and attractive women who use a wide variety of modified blood pressure cuffs and occlusion bands. The websites and videos most likely tout effective muscle growth and a variety of healthful benefits, primarily based on the initial groundbreaking studies of Dr. Yoshiaki Sato of Japan.

While young fit users are often shown on the Internet using weights and doing strenous exercises and completing intense workouts with these modified blood pressure cuffs, KAATSU equipment and KAATSU protocols are significantly different.

One of the most beneficial and profoundly useful modes with the KAATSU the Original BFR is the KAATSU Cycle application among busy executives, retirees and older individuals.

In fact, KAATSU equipment and protocols were primarily designed and engineered to be used by older individuals and those who may be sedentary and de-conditioned as well as those who are young, fit and active.

For those who are new to KAATSU or who lead sedenary lives or who are older or de-conditioned, the introduction and utilization of KAATSU should be conservative, gradual, and progressive.

Even in the KAATSU Cycle mode (i.e., 30-second bouts of incrementally higher compression followed by 5 seconds of a total decompression), there is a minimal level of compression on the vascular system while the KAATSU Air Bands are on. So, metabolically speaking, the body is under a healthful impact. Ideally, the KAATSU equipment is used once per week during Week One, utilizing only 1-2 KAATSU Cycle sets (about 5-10 minutes maximum using the lowest KAATSU Cycle pressure). The first application with the KAATSU equipment should feel easy and comfortable. That is, there is no need to push oneself and go beyond what your body can handle.

If your body tolerates the initial session, then KAATSU can be used twice per week during Week Two. If your body can handle the two times per week routine, then you can increase to three times per week during Week Three, and four times per week in Week Four, and five times per week in Week Five.

This requires patience and discipline, but the conservative, gradual, and progressive application of KAATSU will pay off large dividends as your vascular elasticity will gradually adapt very well to the healthful stress of KAATSU Cycles.

Copyright © 2014 - 2021 by KAATSU Global

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

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

B Strong with KAATSU

For who? Students, competitive athletes, Baby Boomers, retirees
For what? Functional movement, strength, muscle tone, mobility, balance

One of the world's most popular actors and highly diversified entrepreneurs, Mark Wahlberg leads a remarkable life. Even his fitness regime is unusual and specialized. Wahlberg explains about BFR training on Instagram, "B Strong training bands restricts the blood flow."

Wahlberg is fit, rich and successful as a producer, business leader and father. He works out intensely between 3:40 - 5:15 am with heavy weights and B Strong training bands that he shows off on his new HBO Max special Wahl Street.

But is everyone that motivated, driven, and focused?

"I wish I could get up at 2:30 am like Mark and hit it hard all day long," says Steven Munatones. "He is so focused and achieves what he sets his mind to. He is a great actor and is so successful in everything he touches. But for more common people, fathers and mothers across America who do not have staff and have to report to others - not give orders and set their own schedules, there is KAATSU."

Most people would prefer not to lift heavy weights and be so intense in the weight room on a daily basis. But in a heartbeat, many men would gladly switch their dad bod to Wahlberg's physique.

That is where KAATSU comes into play. If a working middle manager wants to gain some muscle tone with a minimum of effort and a maximum of safety, KAATSU is it. If a middle-age man wants to see a little more definition in their upper body and a little less softness in their torso, KAATSU is the ideal. If people are too exhausted after work - or too sleepy before work - then doing KAATSU at their desk or on their sofa is the answer.

The KAATSU Cycle presents a new paradigm for the overstressed and overly busy employees and for people with hectic, chaotic lives sandwiched between their children and parents. The same goes for people who are recovering from surgery or limited mobility in their limbs.

While Wahlberg pushes himself to the max with heavy weights and B Strong bands, KAATSU, the original BFR and inspiration for B Strong, can be done anywhere anytime by anyone. That is a seismic difference. The choice for individuals from the U.S. military and those going to the Paralympics or Warrior Games, KAATSU is safe and effective, but more importantly, KAATSU is extremely convenient and easy to use.

"Your legs are stronger than life..." said New York Mets star outfielder Yoenis Cespedes about his use of KAATSU on an ESPN special. Cespedes explained his condition after a tough KAATSU leg workout with sports broadcaster Jessica Mendoza in an ESPN interview.

Mendoza tried KAATSU with Cespedes and Mike Barwis, an early adopter of KAATSU, at the Barwis Methods Training Center in Port St Lucie, Florida.

Personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, and exercise physiologists believe that optimal muscle building requires lifting of weights or doing resistance exercises. This leads to DOMS (Delayed-onset muscle soreness) that is felt after a hard workout and acute muscle soreness that is felt during or immediately after a workout. Conventional wisdom is that the heavier the weight and/or the more repetitions or time in the gym, the larger and faster muscles will develop.

The muscle-building process leads to DMOS where the muscle fibers are damaged while weight lifting, and leads to the secretion of HGH (Human Growth Hormone) that results in muscle recovery, growth and size.

But not everyone has the luxury of time and opportunity to workout like Wahlberg and Cespedes.

In that case, KAATSU is the answer.

The preciseness and specificity, convenience and ease-of-use that are enabled by KAATSU equipment is an unparalleled opportunity for the average non-actor and non-professional athlete.

Performed regularly for less than 20 minutes per day while sitting down or simply walking, incremental increases in performance and in the Quality of Life can make significant changes in the lifestyles of anyone looking for an edge - or a reduction in pain levels due to injuries.

Copyright © 2014 - 2021 by KAATSU Global

Demographic Shifts Lead To Implementation Of KAATSU

For who? Baby Boomers, older individuals, retirees, older athletes, runners, walkers, stay-at-home employees
For what? Strength, stamina, functional movement, mobility, flexibility, warm-up, recovery













































































Never before in the history of mankind has the world had to deal with the current phenomenon of prolonged and continuous aging of the human species. Smaller families with fewer children and an increasing number of older people are causing massive demographic shifts around the world.

While governments and society have been dealing with an aging population in countries like Japan and South Korea, even the fertility rates in Muslim countries and Sub-Saharan Africa are decreasing faster than ever before.

Countries are looking for solutions to these major demographic shifts — including technological alternatives like automation or telemedicine — in order to ease this unprecedented transition. But KAATSU presents a simple, easy-to-implement BFR solution now.

Models like the KAATSU C3 can be used anywhere anytime by anyone.

The benefits and outcomes include muscle toning, strength building, improved balance and increased stamina. Older people do not need to go to the fitness club or a gym to workout; they can achieve all these goals by simply working around the house or their yard or garden and reap the benefits.

Copyright © 2014 - 2021 by KAATSU Global

Robert Griswold Recovers From High Lactate Levels With KAATSU

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 in various events. 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.

Copyright © 2014 - 2021 by KAATSU Global

Progressive KAATSU Cycles In The Air

For who? Road warriors, executives, competitive athletes, professional athletes
For what? Recovery, jet lag, insomnia, travel



























































Over the decades of intercontinental travel between Japan, Europe and the USA, KAATSU Global has developed ways to use the KAATSU Cycle mode in order to avoid or mitigate jet lag when crossing many time zones.

Travelers can follow these basic protocols:

1. Do Progressive KAATSU Cycle sets before boarding the airplane at the departing airport.
2. Remain well hydrated during the flight.
3. Do a series of KAATSU Cycle sets before or after the in-flight meal.
4. Do a series of KAATSU Cycle sets before landing.
5. Do a series of very gentle or passive KAATSU Cycle sets in the hotel before bedtime in the new location.
6. Use conservative (low) pressures; avoid medium and higher pressures unless you are a very experienced user.

The KAATSU protocols are separated into 3 different recommendations based on our intercontinental travel experiences over the last 20 years.

Assumption: KAATSU Cycle sets are done in the economy-class section. In cases where the KAATSU user is in business class or first class, there is much more space and comfort to do KAATSU, especially on one's legs.

Short-haul Flights (under 3 hours)
Examples: Heathrow to Amsterdam, Heathrow to Madrid, Los Angeles to San Francisco, New York to Washington DC, Tokyo to Fukuoka
Note: generally, the short-haul flights are not exceeding 2 time zones.
Recommendations:
1. Do 2-4 KAATSU Cycle sets in morning and/or at the airport. It can be done on your legs and/or arms as you prefer.
2. For economy-class short-haul flights, the seats tend to be the most narrow and the flights tend to be the most crowded. Under these conditions, the KAATSU Air Bands are more difficult to put on your legs. Focus on doing KAATSU Cycle sets on your arms in this case.
3. If a morning flight, do 2-6 KAATSU Cycle sets on your arms shortly after leveling off.
4. Stay well hydrated.
5. After KAATSU Cycle sets are completed, you can rest, work, listen to music, or watch movies for the rest of the flight.
6. Do 2-6 KAATSU Cycle sets on way to hotel or once in hotel. If at the hotel, doing KAATSU Cycles on the legs feels good while unpacking and getting ready to go out.

Medium-haul Flights (3-6 hours)
Examples: London to Moscow, London to Athens, Los Angeles to New York, New York to Washington DC, Tokyo to Seoul
Note: generally, the medium-haul flights are exceeding 3-4 time zones.
Recommendations:
1. Do 2-6 KAATSU Cycles in morning and/or at the airport. It is best to do KAATSU Cycles first on the arms and then on the legs.
2. For economy-class medium-haul flights, the seats tend to be the more narrow than longer flights. The flights tend to be the crowded. Under these conditions, the KAATSU Air Bands are more difficult to put on your legs. Focus on doing KAATSU Cycle sets on your arms only.
3. If a morning flight, do 2-6 KAATSU Cycle sets on your arms shortly after leveling off.
4. Always stay well hydrated while staying away from alcohol.
5. After initial set of KAATSU Cycle sets are completed, you can rest, work, listen to music, or watch movies for the rest of the flight.
6. You can also do KAATSU Cycle sets again at your hotel before going to bed. At the hotel, doing KAATSU Cycle sets on the legs feels good while unpacking and getting ready to go out or to bed.
Note: avoid doing vigorous exercises with the KAATSU equipment before bedtime - this will stimulate adrenalin, not your parasympathetic system.

Long-haul Flight (over 6 hours)
Examples: London to Washington DC, London to Dubai, Los Angeles to Tokyo, New York to Rio de Janeiro, Tokyo to Singapore
Note: generally, the long-haul flights are exceeding 5-6 time zones​and many times, many more time zones
Recommendations:
1. Do 2-6 KAATSU Cycles in morning and/or at the airport. It is best to do KAATSU Cycle sets first on your arms and then on your legs.
2. For economy-class long-haul flights, the seats can have enough room to do KAATSU Cycle sets on your legs. If possible and if comfortable do KAATSU Cycle sets on your arms first and then your legs.
3. If a morning flight, do 2-6 KAATSU Cycle sets on your arms shortly after leveling off. Follow up with 2-6 KAATSU Cycles on your legs.
4. Always stay well hydrated preferably with water (no alcohol).
5. After initial set of KAATSU Cycle sets are completed, you can rest, work, listen to music, or watch movies for the rest of the flight.
6. It is also best to do KAATSU Cycle sets again towards the end of the flight with the same protocol. If not possible, do once in hotel before going to bed. At the hotel, doing KAATSU Cycle sets on the legs feels good while unpacking and getting ready to go out.
Note: avoid doing vigorous exercises with the KAATSU equipment before bedtime - this will stimulate adrenalin, not your parasympathetic system.

Additionally, a few other posts on this subject here, here, and here.

Copyright © 2014 - 2021 by KAATSU Global

Post-Natal KAATSU

For who? Mothers
For what? Pregnancy, childbirth, functional movement, mobility, flexibility, balance, varicose veins

A full postpartum recovery from pregnancy and childbirth is transformative and takes months. While time and patience are required, KAATSU can play an extremely convenient and effective role in post-natal recovery.

A lack of time and a lack of sleep are just two major obstacles to returning back to normal, both physiologically and emotionally.

KAATSU equipment can be used anytime and anywhere - and presents an entirely new paradigm for young mothers. KAATSU Air Bands can - and should - be used exclusively in the KAATSU Cycle mode while mothers are:

* regularly breastfeeding
* gently rocking their baby to sleep
* pushing their child in a stroller
* doing housework from folding clothes to tidying up
* preparing meals
* typing emails or text
* or simply playing with and watching the baby

The KAATSU Cycle mode's gentle, rhythmic, automated pressure on-pressure off on the arms or legs, even without movement, is exercise that specifically results in improved vascular tissue elasticity, underlying muscle tone, and skin tightness. Post-natal KAATSU does not have to be - and should not be - vigorous, difficult or time-consuming for the mother. No specific workout exercises need to be done to see results. Simple movement with KAATSU Air Bands on that mothers normally do with their child are sufficient.

The compression and decompression of the KAATSU Air Bands can be integrated into mother's normal lifestyle and schedule that effectively and efficiently produces results. KAATSU should not be seen as a workout, but simply a part of one's schedule, conveniently done 1-2 times per day.

The KAATSU Air Bands can be used as stand-alone tools to achieve the results that mothers want, but the KAATSU Cycle 2.0 can also be used in combination with other fitness equipment (e.g., treadmills) or movements, from ab vacuum repetitions to Pilates and different kinds of isometic exercises.

KAATSU can be used to relieve such hard-to-fix issues as diastasis recti that can lead to unstable anterior support that, in turn, creates back problems and sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

KAATSU even has a role in postpartum depression where insomnia and stress are encountered because KAATSU can help balance hormones and improve sleep.

And, of course, with mother and father trying to find a balance with their various responsibilities, spouses can workout very effectively with a minimum of time.






































While the KAATSU Cycle 2.0 with four KAATSU Air Bands and an online education program is US$899 + shipping costs, KAATSU Global offers a monthly payment plan (see here) that makes a purchase more affordable for many.

Some questions that mothers may ask include:

Q1. Does use of KAATSU make a difference between a vaginal birth versus a Cesarean delivery (C-section)?
A1. Mothers who have had either type can benefit from KAATSU Cycles. The systemic effect of KAATSU is incredibly powerful for healing for recovery from stitches or small connective tissue tears. The hormonal response is also extremely valuable on many levels.

Q2. How does use of KAATSU impact the mother's milk supply?
A2. Very well.

Q3. How does use of KAATSU affect new varicose veins? Will KAATSU make it worse?
A3. With an increased vascular elasticity, KAATSU will help improve the appearance of the vascular veins.

Q4. How often should or can KAATSU be used?
A4. At least daily is good. Twice per day, using arms first and legs second during each daily KAATSU session, is optimal for most mothers if time is available.

Q5. How intense does KAATSU have to be to get results?
A5. KAATSU Cycles should be done comfortably and easily. There is no need to workout intensely or move vigorously while doing KAATSU Cycles during this post-natal period. Intensity and complexity of movement can increased over time (e.g., post 6-8 weeks of birth).

Q6. Will KAATSU lead to immediate results? How long can visible result take?
A6. KAATSU starts to immediately impact the vascular elasticity of your capillaries, veins and arteries. The frequency of usage will impact how soon results will start to be experienced and seen. But generally within a few weeks (e.g., 14-28 KAATSU sessions), aesthetic results will be visible.

Copyright © 2014 - 2021 by KAATSU Global

KAATSU Beauty - KAATSU Cycling During Facials

For who? Aesthetician, women, mothers
For what? KAATSU Beauty, skin care, skin beauty



KAATSU Beauty, the original BFR, has been used by skin care professionals, aestheticians, and make-up artists for decades in Japan.

And the specialty application of KAATSU Beauty is now catching on in Southern California.

These KAATSU Beauty specialists - from Tokyo to Newport Beach - cater to both young women and older women and understand how increased blood flow in their clients' skin and face helps them on a number of wellness and cosmetic perspectives.

In 2006, researchers from the University of Tokyo and the Tokyo Metropolitan University studied what was anecdotally known by the KAATSU Beauty market. They published a formal study project titled, Effect of knee extension exercise with KAATSU on forehead cutaneous blood flow in healthy young and middle-aged women.

In this study of women (average age 34.5 years), they concluded that the cutaneous blood circulation (circulation and blood supply of the skin) in the foreheads of test subjects were improved with unloaded unilateral knee extension exercises (i.e., 3 sets of 15 repetitions taking less than 75 seconds per set with a single KAATSU Air Band on their left upper leg without weights or resistance).

The women performed the three-set series of exercises twice - for the first time, they did it without KAATSU, and for the second time with KAATSU with the KAATSU Air Band inflated initially to 140 SKU and ending eventually at 200 SKU.

The blood flow in the foreheads of women was calculated from the blood velocity and red blood cell mass that was determined by laser blood flowmetry.

This conclusion of how blood circulation in a KAATSU user's forehead is improved with relatively easy leg exercises that focus on the quadriceps and hamstrings seems either impossible or illogical.

While the KAATSU users experienced no changes in blood lactate and hematocrit (i.e., volume percentage of red blood cells in blood), their norepinephrine levels increased. Norepinephrine is a naturally occurring chemical that acts as a stress hormone because the brain perceives that a stressful event has occurred.

This natural biohack created by the KAATSU leg exercises helps improve the subjects' forehead cutaneous blood flow. The beauty care experts and aestheticians in Japan and Southern California know that if KAATSU lower body exercises helps improve circulation and blood supply of the skin of the face, then KAATSU upper body exercises also do the same.

In the video above, the aesthetician was simultaneously doing the KAATSU Cycle mode while treating her client who was also using the KAATSU Cycle mode. Both were using the KAATSU 2.0 device and the KAATSU AirBands on their arms.

The closer that you can do the KAATSU Cycle mode to your bedtime, the better. It is ideal to generate a robust hormonal response right before getting a good night's sleep.

You can read the full study shown below or click through here.

Copyright © 2014 - 2021 by KAATSU Global