KAATSU blog posts testimonials, protocols, case studies, techniques and ideas about KAATSU the Original BFR for recovery, rehabilitation, functional mobility and athletic performance. Statements included in this blog have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
For who? Football, basketball, soccer players, student-athletes, competitive athletes For what? Muscle cramps, stiffness, lack of mobility
There are many athletes who get cramps during games whether they play football, basketball, soccer, or any other type of sport.
Muscle cramps are sudden, involuntary and painful contraction of muscles, particularly in the calf. Though cramps are not a medical emergency, cramps can make it temporarily extremely difficult or impossible to use the affected muscle.
Cramps can be caused by long or intense periods of exercise, particularly in warm weather, overuse of a particular muscle, dehydration, or muscle strain.
In addition to avoiding dehydration and stretching, athletes can - and should - do Progressive KAATSU Cycle sets before their warm-up and games. Even with adequate hydration by an experienced and well-trained athlete, they may still occasionally experience cramps.
In these cases, start Progressive Single-limb KAATSU Cycle sets on the affected limb can effectively and efficiently (quickly) resolve the problem. In games like football, basketball, and soccer, the athletes do not have to miss much of their game if they have KAATSU equipment on the sidelines or bench and are helped by an experienced trainer.
Essentially, the repeated, gradually, increasingly progressive engorgement of blood in the vascular system helps increase the elasticity of the vascular tissue.
Dr. Cory Keirn explains, "There are a few reasons why KAATSU Cycles helps. The easiest is that KAATSU Cycling helps push out lactate and brings in new blood with fresh ATP and energy. Of course, some scientists are now thinking that muscle cramping could be due to over neurological stimulation instead of metabolic waste build-up. Basically, the muscle is working so hard that the nerves can't stop firing. KAATSU Cycles helps lower muscle tension with the external pressure cycles. Simply put, it is like foam rolling, but on a much bigger level."
Protocol
*Hydrate.
*Place the KAATSU Air Band on the affected limb to begin Single-limb KAATSU Cycles.
*Start Progressive KAATSU Cycle sets on a low pressure setting. The athlete can do 2-4 sets as they wish.
*As the athlete starts to feel less pain and be more comfortable, gradually increase the pressure to medium (and high) settings (if they can tolerate higher pressures).
*Ideally, the Progressive KAATSU Cycle sets are also performed before warm-up or the game itself if weather conditions or game situations exist that may lead to cramps.
Photo above shows Danny Woodhead who used KAATSU Cycles to recover in unprecedented time from a torn ACL (read here).
Patent
Based on the original KAATSU know-how and US patent #9,775,619 (Compression and decompression control system and vascular strengthening method).
For who? Baby Boomers, white & blue collar employees, aestheticians, dentists, drivers, carpenters, athletes with tendinitis For what? Rehabilitation, recovery, relief, functional movement, mobility
To understand how KAATSU works for tendinitis, it is good to recall the anatomy of the body.
ANATOMY
1. Our body has a very extensive vascular system including arteries, veins and capillaries. If these arteries, veins and capillaries were stretched from end to end, one human's vascular system would wrap around the earth two times. Our capillaries are ubiquitous and very small, some of them so small that only one blood cell can pass through at a time.
2. Our body parts range from capillary-rich (abundant vascular tissue) to capillary-poor (less abundant vascular tissue). We have capillary-rich (abundant) organs (e.g., kidneys, brain), muscles, bones, ligaments and tendons. Ligaments and tendons are capillary-poor, but there is still blood supply.
3. Poor blood supply normally leads to slow healing time. The new blood vessels grow into the injured area to allow the healing process to speed up and bring vital nutrients into the area including with ligaments and tendons.
PHYSIOLOGY
Progressive KAATSU Cycles enables extremely efficient blood pooling in the limbs. Progressive KAATSU Cycles means users start off with low pressures and gradually build up to higher pressures. This allows the vascular tissue to slowly become more elastic. This increased elasticity enables the desired maximum blood pooling, not only while the bands are on, but also for hours afterwards. This is what you want.
Dr. Cory Keirn says, "-itis...is just angry tissue from being used too much. It is inflamed and if continued use, it will turn into tendonosis, which complicates things. KAATSU can do many things, but there are two specific benefits that can help this type of injury: 1. KAATSU can help flush out the inflammation and speed up the inflammatory process. It is kind of like heat/ice or contrast baths, KAATSU can remove the pooling of cytokines and keep the process going quickly.
2. We develop epicondylitis in our elbows and knees because we use too much of our distal extremities to initiate power movements. As we fatigue, we rely heavily on just 'muscling through it' and we don’t properly engage our trunk prior to moving. In essence, we are firing a cannon out of a canoe. You need a solid base to create explosions.
With KAATSU, you can improve your trunk muscle (glutes, abs, chest) control and response by engaging the fast twitch fibers. While swimming, once you initiate the stroke and pull with a properly engaged core, less strain will be applied to the elbows."
Similar to the protocols used by individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome, individuals with tendinitis can follow standard KAATSU protocols that can be done at home and with either the KAATSU Master 2.0, KAATSU Cycle 2.0, KAATSU Nano, KAATSU C3 or KAATSU B1 models.
Frequency
KAATSU Cycles can be done up to 3 sessions per day. An ideal schedule would be to do in the morning before going to work and while you prepare for work as you get ready, drink coffee, eat breakfast or catch up on the daily news. Then, later in the afternoon, and most importantly, in the evening before you go to bed.
Progressive KAATSU Cycles
Start with the lowest possible SKU pressure in the KAATSU Cycle mode (the only mode that you should use). Do a full KAATSU Cycle on the lowest pressure. You can continue with the lowest pressure - or you can slightly increase the pressure to the Medium pressure setting. Continue with the Medium setting unless you want to go higher to the High pressure setting or the Custom pressure setting.
KAATSU Color
As you continue with the Progressive KAATSU Cycles, the color of your skin on your palm and hands should go from your normal skin color to slightly pink to rosy pink to red. As the highest levels while the maximum amount of blood engorges in your arms, the color of your skin can even go to a slight purplish color. Your veins will become more visible at the blood pools in your arms.
Duration
During each of your KAATSU sessions, you can do up to 6 KAATSU Cycles on your arms - and a similar number of KAATSU Cycles on your legs as you wish.
Intensity
There is no need to do vigorous exercises or work intensely with KAATSU Air Bands on in order to help alleviate the discomfort. Simple or minimal movement are actually preferred.
Movement
Movement and specific exercises are optional. However, wearing KAATSU Air Bands while doing KAATSU Cycles and moving gently is optimal - including going for a simple walk or doing stretches. Movements that your physical therapist recommends, while using the KAATSU Air Bands, are best.
Recommendations
* Be well hydrated before and during KAATSU.
* Start off with very low (conservative) SKU pressures and, very gradually, increase pressures (SKU) to higher levels.
* There is no need to push yourself too hard or use too high pressure in the beginning. Take it easy and take it slowly.
* Always have a pinker or redder tone to your skin than normal - this indicates blood pooling in your limbs during KAATSU which is one of the key goals.
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.
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 who? Swimmers, water polo players, triathletes For what? Strength, stamina, functional movement, mobility, recovery, KAATSU Aqua
Experienced KAATSU Master Specialists and coaches from California (Dave Carlson) to Massachusetts (Chris Morgan) have long incorporated KAATSU Aqua in the training of their athletes for speed, strength and stamina. They also use KAATSU and KAATSU Aqua for rehabilitation of muscles, bones, ligaments and tendons when required. It is used often for recovery, especially after intense workouts and in post-competition situations.
Like KAATSU, KAATSU Aqua is the original BFR for use by aquatherapists, trainers and physical therapists with aquatherapy pools, and competitive aquatic athletes and older people who do aquarobics and aquawalking in shallow pools.
Standard protocols for KAATSU Aqua is the same as KAATSU regarding the Base SKU Pressure and Optimal SKU Pressure.
But it is important for the KAATSU Aqua pressure to be lower on both the arms and the legs than what is normally used on dryland with standard KAATSU. The other protocols such as proper CRT (Capillary Refill Time) and restricting use no longer than 15 minutes are strictly adhered to by these coaches and their athletes that range from high school students to people in their mid-80's.
The abstract reads, "Strength training performed while restricting blood flow is believed to cause the secretion of growth hormones under low load intensities and allow for muscle hypertrophy and increased muscle strength. This has potential clinical applications for elderly individuals and people with existing conditions. However, previous research has been performed on land, with hemodynamics and growth hormone secretion trends for training performed underwater unclear. Against this background, we investigated the effects of blood flow restriction training underwater on hemodynamics and plasma growth hormone (GH) levels. Twelve healthy university students were divided into two groups a localized immersion group where only the upper limb of the dominant hand was submerged, and a whole-body immersion group where participants were submerged to the xiphoid process. Immersed according to respective group protocols, both groups performed flexion and extension of the shoulder joint for 10 minutes with a pressurized cuff at the base of the upper arm under both 0 mmHg and 50 mmHg cuff pressures. Measured hemodynamics were heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure. Plasma GH levels were measured from blood samples. This study revealed that underwater blood flow restriction strength training induced plasma GH level secretion under 50 mmHg conditions. In addition, high levels of GH secretion were shown in the localized immersion group for strength training even when the cuff was not pressurized. Conversely, no significant differences were evident in any measured hemodynamic categories. Results suggest that, in addition to cuff pressure, blood flow restriction training is affected by the body part immersed in water."
High school, club and national level water polo coach Dave Carlson from Los Alamitos, California and 2008 Olympic swim coach Chris Morgan of Danvers, Massachusetts discussed different way to recover from competitions and games with the KAATSU Aqua Bands and the KAATSU Cycle 2.0 device in this podcast:
KAATSU Master Specialists like Dr. Cory Keirn have long talked about KAATSU Aqua:
For who? Competitive athletes, Baby Boomers For what? Strength, functional movement, mobility, flexibility
Cory Keirn, DPT, OCS, CSCS, TSAC-F, XPS is a Doctor of Physical Therapy located in Tampa, Florida. He is a former Strength & Conditioning Coach with the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) and the Philadelphia Phillies, a Major League Baseball professional team. He did his residency in orthopaedics with a focus on complex orthopaedic cases and advanced physical therapy integration for tactical athletes.
KAATSU Master Specialist Keirn explains how to use the KAATSU Cycle 2.0 from many perspectives and for various applications. These videos summarize the information that he shares with his patients who regularly use KAATSU, the original BFR for their rehabilitation and recovery.
For who? KAATSU Cycle 2.0 users For what? KAATSU Cycle 2.0 usage
Cory Keirn, DPT, OCS, CSCS, TSAC-F, XPS is a Doctor of Physical Therapy located in Tampa, Florida. He is a former Strength & Conditioning Coach with the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) and the Philadelphia Phillies, a Major League Baseball professional team. He did his residency in orthopaedics with a focus on complex orthopaedic cases and advanced physical therapy integration for tactical athletes.
Dr. Cory Keirn talks about KAATSU, the Original BFR.
KAATSU pioneered the emerging Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) global market. KAATSU equipment and protocols offer unparalleled performance, precision, and safety for users of all ages and walks of life. KAATSU is a Japanese word that means "additional pressure" that utilizes a state-of-the-art automated pressure system and pneumatic bands that safely optimizes blood circulation, and can enhance recovery, rehabilitation and performance. KAATSU features patented customizable cyclical and sustained pressure settings that allow for a wide variety of athletic, wellness, and therapeutic benefits.
"After careful review, it is clear to me that the KAATSU equipment is the best BFR equipment on the market, as it is the only one that allows you to automatically cycle pressure on for 30 seconds and off for five seconds," says Dr. Joseph Mercola, osteopathic physician.
The KAATSU Cycle Mode is an automated, repeated pressure sequence that allows users to customize both the duration and precise amount of pressure. In this mode, the pneumatic bands apply repeated and progressive periods of compression and decompression on the limbs. This distinct, patented feature of KAATSU maximizes safety and effectiveness for all users and purposes, even during passive use.
The KAATSU Cycle Mode can be used during exercise, household activities, or at rest anywhere, anytime. The Cycle Mode is beneficial during warm-ups, exercise recovery, injury rehabilitation, and for all aspects of athletic performance.
For who? Athletes, stay-at-home employees, mothers, Baby Boomers, retirees For what? Fitness, wellness, strength, functional movement, mobility, flexibility, balance
Dr. Cory Keirn discusses KAATSU the original BFR and its impact on the future of exercise with the KAATSU Cycle 2.0:
Dr. Keirn addresses many different topics on the Dr. Cory KAATSU series (see links below). The Doctor Of Physical Therapy at the Veterans Administation was previously a strength and conditioning coach with the World Wrestling Entertainment and the Philadelphia Phillies, a Major League Baseball team.
Introducing KAATSU
How Does KAATSU Work?
Unboxing the KAATSU Cycle 2.0
KAATSU Full-Body Warm-up, Part 1
KAATSU Full-Body Warm-up, Part 2
KAATSU Published Research [shown with KAATSU inventor Dr. Yoshiaki Sato]
KAATSU Cycle and Warm-up
Doing KAATSU on Your Arms
Putting KAATSU Air Bands On Your Legs
Using The KAATSU Cycle 2.0 On Your Legs
Other links to the KAATSU Introduction Series by Dr. Cory are below:
For who? Blue collar employees, white collar employees, stay-at-home employees, students For what? Fitness, wellness, strength, functional movement, mobility, flexibility, balance
Chilton Hawk is an Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician at the University of Utah. He wrote a review (Exercising during a Pandemic) of the KAATSU Cycle 2.0 for his fellow employees of the Mountain West branch of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS).
The AALAS is a membership association of professionals employed around the world in academia, government, and private industry who are dedicated to the humane care and treatment of laboratory animals, as well as the quality research that leads to scientific gains that benefit people and animals.
Exercising during a Pandemic - A Review Submitted by Chilton Hawk
For many folks, trying to get good quality exercise has been challenging in the current pandemic. People who like to use gyms have found that many of them are closed. Gyms do have a variety of equipment that most of us cannot afford nor have space for at home. Doing exercise outside is generally weather dependent. One possible solution is blood flow resistance (BFR) exercises. It is effective at building muscle mass and improving blood circulation in a short amount of time.
Back in the 60s, Yoshiaki Sato was sitting on the floor in Buddha style. When he tried to get up, he experienced severe cramping in his leg. This is an experience that most of us have had at one time or another. As he rubbed his leg, he was wondering how to improve the blood flow. One of the problems that humans have with circulation is the heart pumps blood out, but the blood to return to the heart is working against gravity. Sato spent years of research trying to figure out a solution.
The result of his research was the development of blood flow resistance (BFR) exercises and equipment. He created stretchable, narrow pneumatic armbands KAATSU and leg bands that inflate like blood pressure cuffs. The arm bands are placed just below the deltoid muscle and above the biceps. The leg bands are placed as close to the groin as possible. The bands automatically and repeatedly inflate and deflate in 8 steps. Each step increases slightly in pressure.
This compression and decompression help push the blood to the distal ends of the limbs while the venous blood slows its return to the torso and pools in the limb. During the exercise session, skin color changes to a pinkish or reddish color. This indicates improved circulation and increased vascular tissue elasticity while serving as the catalyst for hormone production. Blood circulation is important to deliver nutrients
to the cells and remove the toxins.
There are some videos on YouTube that give some idea of how to safely and properly use the BFR equipment. From personal experience, I would recommend the Dr. Cory KAATSU series (see below*). The exercise program is fairly simple. It is important to start with the armbands allowing the circulatory system to warm up for the next round of exercises. The reason I brought the KAATSU was for neuropathy. My neuropathy is caused by reduced blood flow to the legs and feet that create mobility and balance issues. It surprised me that the therapy results were immediately noticeable. I felt greater mobility, speed, and balance, and also noticed much better sleep at night, which allows greater cognitive ability. An
added benefit is that I am building muscle mass with very few exercises.
KAATSU can be performed in a small area, with or without any special exercise equipment. This convenience and portability enable exercise or rehabilitation to be done anywhere anytime.
Today millions of people worldwide are enjoying the benefits of KAATSU which include quick recovery from injuries, building lean muscle, increased production of nitric acid for improved cardiovascular health, improved metabolism, increased energy, and endurance, according to
the KAATSU website. Other benefits will be made known as further research is done.
The product being reviewed here is the KAATSU Cycle 2.0 which includes the control unit (that adjusts the pressure and timing of the compression and decompression) a pair of armbands and a pair of leg bands. The bands come in small, medium, large, and extra-large. Instructions for choosing the right size are on the website at Kaatsu.com. The price of the unit is $899.95 with a one-year warranty. Customer service is excellent. I have sent several emails with questions and the company answered in a very timely manner.
Cory Keirn DPT discusses KAATSU the original BFR and its impact on the future of exercise with the KAATSU Cycle 2.0:
For who? Competitive athletes, student-athletes, masters athletes For what? Strength, functional movement, mobility, flexibility, warm-up, balance, wellness
Cory Keirn DPT, a veteran trainer and physical therapist from the World Wrestling Entertainment and Philadelphia Phillies, demonstrates different exercises that can be done with the KAATSU Cycle 2.0 and KAATSU Air Bands as part of any athletic performance regimen with KAATSU Fitness, the original BFR.
For who? Work-at-home employees, student-athletes, competitive athletes For what? Functional movement, strength, flexibility, mobility, KAATSU At Home
Cory Keirn DPT, a veteran trainer and physical therapist from the World Wrestling Entertainment and Philadelphia Phillies, explains the benefits of KAATSU the original BFR within one minute.
Dr. Keirn shows what experienced athletes can do with their KAATSU equipment below:
For who? Work-at-home employees, student-athletes, competitive athletes For what? Functional movement, strength, flexibility, mobility, KAATSU At Home
Cory Keirn DPT and his wife Shelby do partner workouts in their home gym with KAATSU the original BFR. They use 2 separate sets of KAATSU Air Bands (a medium set for her and a large set for him) while sharing 1 KAATSU Cycle 2.0 unit. They demonstrate how to share the KAATSU Cycle 2.0 unit while working out together with a spinning bike, TRX straps, dumbbells, kettlebells, resistance bands, and a variety of body weight exercises.
For who? Student-athletes, competitive athletes For what? Functional movement, strength, flexibility, mobility, KAATSU At Home
Cory Keirn DPT explains and demonstrates various exercises on your legs and arms while using the KAATSU Cycle 2.0 with KAATSU Air Bands and TRX Straps for doing pull-ups or any vertical pulling motion adhering to the principles and protocols of KAATSU the original BFR.
For who? Student-athletes, competitive athletes For what? Functional movement, strength, flexibility, mobility, KAATSU At Home, recovery
Cory Keirn DPT explains and demonstrates various exercises for your shoulders using the KAATSU Cycle 2.0 and KAATSU Air Bands on your arms and legs while using resistance bands, TRX bands, kettlebells, and a pipe with fishing weights and sand following the principles of KAATSU the original BFR.
For who? Student-athletes, competitive athletes For what? Functional movement, strength, flexibility, mobility, KAATSU At Home
Cory Keirn DPT demonstrates and explains overhead isometric press and other exercises with KAATSU Air Bands on his legs adhering to the principles and protocols of KAATSU the original BFR.
For who? Work-at-home employees, student-athletes, competitive athletes For what? Functional movement, strength, flexibility, mobility, KAATSU At Home, recovery
Cory Keirn DPT discusses KAATSU the original BFR and its impact on the future of exercise with the KAATSU Cycle 2.0 above.
In times of stress and self-isolation in quarantines and under shelter-in-place ordinances, KAATSU can be thoroughly and effectively integrated into your home life - so you can stay fit and maintain your healthy weight.
You can do the standard KAATSU 3-Point Exercises on your arms and legs - see above.
But you can also use KAATSU for exercise or rehabilitation while...
* typing an email in your office
* waiting for an airplane or the train
* sitting in the passenger seat on a long drive
* washing the dishes
* washing the windows or your car
* folding clothes
* watching TV
* doing homework or reading a book
* walking your dog
* stretching
* vacuuming the carpet
* packing and unpacking your bags
* tidying up your room
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.
Retired Navy SEAL captain John Doolittle will lead 2 KAATSU At Home workouts on Friday, April 10th.
The first workout is geared for aging Baby Boomers (i.e., those over 50 years old). This Zoom meeting will be at 10 am California time / 1 pm New York time / 6 pm GMT.
The second workout is geared for younger competitive athletes. This Zoom meeting will be at 3 pm California time / 6 pm New York time / 11 pm GMT.
• Mondays: KAATSU At Home Zoom Workouts - Focus on Strength
• Tuesdays: KAATSU At Home Zoom Workouts - Focus on Speed
• Wednesdays: KAATSU At Home Zoom Workouts - Focus on Stamina
• Thursdays: KAATSU At Home Zoom Workouts - Focus on Flexibility
• Friday: KAATSU At Home Zoom Workouts - Focus on Core Strength & Balance
KAATSU At Home Workout #5 - Focus on Core Strength & Balance
Warm-up:
• Stretch and drink an entire water bottle before the workout begins.
• Put on KAATSU Arm Bands snugly. Be able to put one finger between your arms and the bands, but not two fingers between your arms and the bands (this would be too loose).
* Grab big beach towels and a bedsheet or heavy blanket
Exercise #1:
• 3 sets of Hand Clenches + Biceps Curls + Triceps Extensions
Set 1: 20 slow Hand Clenches + 10 very fast Hand Clenches. Rest 20 seconds.
Set 2: 20 slow Biceps Curls + 10 very fast Biceps Curls. Rest 20 seconds.
Set 3: 20 slow Triceps Extensions + 10 very fast Triceps Extensions. Rest 20 seconds.
Exercise #2:
• Folding towels
Set 1: Fold and refold a towel for 60 seconds. Rest 20 seconds.
Set 2: Very quickly fold and refold a towel for 60 seconds. Rest 20 seconds.
Set 3: Very quickly fold and refold a towel for 60 seconds. Rest 20 seconds.
Exercise #3:
• Rolling towels
Set 1: Lay a towel down flat on a table or bed. Roll and unroll the towel using your forearms for 60 seconds. Rest 20 seconds.
Set 2: Very quickly roll and unroll the towel using your forearms for 60 seconds. Rest 20 seconds.
Set 3: Very quickly fold and refold a towel for 30 seconds. Rest 20 seconds.
Exercise #4:
• Making a bed
Set 1: Fold and refold a bedsheet or heavy blanket for 60 seconds. Rest 20 seconds.
Set 2: Very quickly fold and refold the bedsheet or heavy blanket for 60 seconds. Rest 20 seconds.
Set 3: Grab the end of the the bedsheet or heavy blanket and shake it out for 60 seconds. Rest 20 seconds.
Exercise #5:
• Wax on, wax off
Set 1: Take a small towel and lay it on a table. Move it around in the clockwise direction with one hand in little circles for 60 seconds. Rest 20 seconds.
Set 2: Move the towel around in the clockwise direction with one hand in big circles for 60 seconds. Rest 20 seconds.
Set 3: Quickly move the towel around in the clockwise direction with one hand in either little or big circles for 20 seconds (your choice). Rest 20 seconds.
Set 4: Move the towel around in the counterclockwise direction with the other hand in little circles for 60 seconds. Rest 20 seconds.
Set 2: Move the towel around in the counterclockwise direction with the other hand in big circles for 60 seconds. Rest 20 seconds.
Set 3: Quickly move the towel around in the counterclockwise direction with the other hand in either little or big circles for 20 seconds (your choice). Rest 20 seconds.
Exercise #6: • Take off KAATSU Arm Bands and hydrate during 3-minute rest.
• Then, put on KAATSU Leg Bands snugly. Be able to put one finger between your legs and the bands, but not two fingers between your legs and the bands (this would be too loose).
Exercise #7:
• Balancing
Set 1: Put the towel on your head and balance on one leg for 30-60 seconds. If this is too easy, grab 2 full water bottles in both hands and move your hands around to purposefully create instability in your core. Rest 20 seconds.
Set 2: Repeat. Rest 20 seconds.
Set 3: Put the towel on your head and balance on the other leg for 30-60 seconds. Rest 20 seconds.
Set 4: Repeat. Rest 20 seconds.
Exercise #8:
• KAATSU Walking
Set 1: Put a small book on your head and walk around the room for 30-60 seconds. If this is too easy, do leg lunges with the book on your head. Rest 20 seconds.
Set 2: Repeat two times. Rest 20 seconds between each set.
Exercise #9:
• Jumping Jacks Set 1: Put the towel on the floor. Quickly jump over it 20 times forwards and backwards. Rest 20 seconds.
Set 2: Put the towel on the floor. Quickly jump over it 20 times left and right. Rest 20 seconds.
Exercise #10:
• Stretching
Set 1: Stand up straight and try to touch your toes for 10 seconds. Relax and repeat 3 times.
Set 2: Sit on floor with your legs in front of you. Try to touch your toes for 10 seconds. Relax and repeat 3 times.
Set 3: Sit on floor with your legs apart. Try to touch your toes for 10 seconds. Relax and repeat 3 times.
For who? Work-at-home employees, student-athletes, competitive athletes For what? Functional movement, strength, flexibility, mobility, KAATSU At Home, recovery
Cory Keirn DPT, a Doctor of Physical Therapy in Florida, demonstrates various exercises using the KAATSU Cycle 2.0.
Dr. Cory is a former Strength & Conditioning Coach with the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) and the Philadelphia Phillies. He did his residency in orthopaedics with a focus on complex orthopaedic cases and advanced physical therapy integration for tactical athletes and is now focused on doing KAATSU the original BFR.
For who? Work-at-home employees, retirees, competitive athletes For what? Functional movement, strength, flexibility, mobility, balance, KAATSU At Home
Cory Keirn DPT discusses KAATSU the original BFR and its impact on the future of exercise with the KAATSU Cycle 2.0.
For who? Work-at-home employees, retirees, competitive athletes For what? Functional movement, strength, flexibility, mobility, KAATSU At Home
Cory Keirn DPT introduces KAATSU the original BFR and explains how it works with the KAATSU Cycle 2.0. As he says, "The explanation will start to get a bit nerdy."
There are many athletes who get cramps during games whether they play football, basketball, soccer, or any other type of sport.
