Tuesday, November 20, 2018

KAATSU Beauty After 50




















































Most approaches to enjoying great skin are well-known: good sun protection combined with good nutrition and good overall health.

KAATSU Beauty adds another level of skin security.

KAATSU Beauty enables increased vascular elasticity - especially in the tiny capillaries of the skin.

KAATSU Beauty - Nighttime Protocol #1

1. Be well-hydrated.
2. Do 4-6 KAATSU Cycles one hour before going to bed.
3. Repeatedly pronounce vowels ("a - e - i - o - u") out loud while doing 2-3 KAATSU Cycles with the KAATSU Air Bands on the arms.
4. Slowly rotate the head left and right, forwards and backwards, and clockwise and counterclockwise while doing 1-2 KAATSU Cycles with the KAATSU Air Bands on the arms.
5. Gently stretch the upper body while doing 1-2 KAATSU Cycles with the KAATSU Air Bands on the arms.

KAATSU Beauty - Nighttime Protocol #2

1. Be well-hydrated.
2. Do 3-6 KAATSU Cycles one hour before going to bed.
3. Slowly and steadily stretch the legs and core (abdominal and lower back) while doing KAATSU Cycles with the KAATSU Air Bands on the legs.





















The more KAATSU, the better. That is, doing KAATSU sessions daily or twice daily produces better and more dramatic results than only doing KAATSU 2-3 times per week.

Data from research at the University of Tokyo Medical School Hospital’s 22nd Century Medical Center from the Ischemic Circulation Physiology Department found that KAATSU leads to the secretion of Vascular Endothelial Cell Growth Factor (VEGF). VEGF is known to enhance blood vessel neogenesis. The research found that various resistance exercises with KAATSU Air Bands lead to the secretion and activation of VEGF.

The research also confirmed that KAATSU increases vascular endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) using a strain gauge plethysmograph (EC 6 manufactured by Hokanson) that measured vascular endothelium.

The plethysmograph can conduct non-invasive evaluation of the elasticity of blood vessels and the endothelial function. Early detection of lifestyle-related diseases (e.g., arteriosclerosis) and the treatment evaluation of vascular endothelial function result by measuring parameters including arterial influx, venous volume, and venous outflow.

Using the vascular endothelium test measurement instrument, the researchers found that the more KAATSU is properly and safely performed following the standard KAATSU protocols, the more elastic your blood vessels can become. That is, the more often KAATSU was performed, the greater endothelium elasticity was achieved.



























Actual KAATSU Beauty users shown above are at least 50 years old.

Copyright © 2014 - 2018 by KAATSU Global

KAATSU Beauty While At Work





Many older Japanese women have great skin.

Most of their secrets are well-known: good sun protection throughout their lives combined with good nutrition.

But there is another secret: KAATSU Beauty, the Original BFR.

KAATSU Beauty has been called anti-aging in the popular Japanese media. In fact, the KAATSU Cycle modality is highly effective in maintaining and improving vein and capillary elasticity as you age. This is the essence of anti-aging description.

The blood circulation that is enhanced with KAATSU (see Effect of knee extension exercise with KAATSU on forehead cutaneous blood flow in healthy young and middle-aged women) stimulates the repeated constriction and dilation of the body's veins and capillaries, improving its overall vascular elasticity. As a result of repeated KAATSU Cycles on the KAATSU Master 2.0 and KAATSU Cycle 2.0, vascular endothelial cells and nitric oxide are produced that also helps.

When the small handheld KAATSU Cycle 2.0 is used at work in an office or cubicle, the blood vessels in your arms and legs are repeatedly dilated as the blood engorges the capillaries of your upper or lower limbs as the color of your arms or legs becomes pink, beefy red or even a shade of purple. As your limbs become dilated, more blood is pooled in your limbs - which is why the color of your arms and legs often starts off with a slight pinkness color and then gradually changes to a darker or redder color during KAATSU.

Meanwhile, the blood vessels in other parts of your body are also positively impacted. Due to the increased elasticity in your arms and legs, your blood circulation is improved throughout your body - including your face and neck.

During KAATSU, the enhanced blood flow in your arms and legs pools into your blood vessels where no blood has been previously supplied - or alternatively, new capillaries are formed. This is why older people or those with cold hands or cold feet feel a sense of warmth after doing KAATSU. These new capillaries help supply a limited amount of blood more efficiently and helps with the onslaught of aging.

With increased vascular elasticity - especially of the tiny amount of capillaries - skin elasticity is increased.

KAATSU Beauty - Home or Work Protocol #1
1. Be well-hydrated with your KAATSU Air Bands on your arms.
2. Do 1-3 KAATSU Cycles while sitting down and writing emails or doing office work.
3. Do 1-3 KAATSU Cycles while rotating your shoulders forwards and backwards and stretching your deltoids (shoulders) and triceps.

KAATSU Beauty - Home or Work Protocol #2
1. Be well-hydrated with your KAATSU Air Bands on your legs.
2. Do 1-3 KAATSU Cycles while standing up and stretching your legs.
3. Do 1-3 KAATSU Cycles while doing simple squats or heel raises.

KAATSU Beauty - Home or Work Protocol #3
1. Be well-hydrated with your KAATSU Air Bands on your legs.
2. Do 1-3 KAATSU Cycles while sitting up very straight with your arms outstretched above your head, as you stretch your core.
3. Do 1-3 KAATSU Cycles while standing up and twisting to one side and then the other.

KAATSU Beauty - Home or Work Protocol #3
1. Be well-hydrated with your KAATSU Air Bands on your arms.
2. Repeatedly (silently) say the vowels ("A-I-E-O-U") enunciating as slowly and steadily as possible.

Copyright © 2014 - 2018 by KAATSU Global

Sunday, November 18, 2018

Romy Camargo Making A Difference With Stay In Step

For who? veterans, soldiers
For what? Strength, stamina, functional movement, mobility, flexibility, recovery

Courtesy of Romulo 'Romy' Camargo, Stay In Step Spinal Cord Injury Recovery Center, Florida.

Romy Camargo enlisted in the United States Army in 1995 and retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 3.

His life took a turn during combat in Afghanistan on September 16th 2008 when his detachment was viciously ambushed. During the ambush, Romy sustained a gunshot wound to the back of the neck. The gunshot wound paralyzed him from the neck down.

Medic Steve Hill was able to stabilize him while his Team ODA 7115 prepped the battlefield to be medically airlifted out of the area.*

After Romy arrived at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, he was operated on to stabilize his neck as his C3 vertebra had been shattered and was extracted. His breathing was tied to a respirator and he was paralyzed from the shoulders down. He transferred to the James A. Haley VA hospital in Tampa, Florida where he was an inpatient for 18 months.

Romy still lives in Tampa where he not only continues to rehabilitate with the latest equipment and protocols, including KAATSU to help restore his muscle tone and improve his vascular elasticity, but also serve as the Administrative Director at the Stay In Step Spinal Cord Injury Recovery Center.

The KAATSU Air Bands are placed on his arms while he uses the physical therapy equipment at Stay In Step. His skin color turns pink with solid red tones due to an engorgement of blood in his forearms and upper arm - and his muscle tone improves.

A hero for sure; Romy’s major awards and decorations include:
* Legion of Merit
* Bronze Star Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters
* Purple Heart
* Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster
* Army Commendation Medal
* Joint Service Achievement Medal
* Army Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters
* Afghanistan Campaign Medal
* Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab
* Combat Infantry Badge
* Master Parachutist Badge
* Special Operations Combat Divers Badge
* Special Operations Combat Divers Supervisors Badge



* Hill is the Lead Trainer at Stay In Step Spinal Cord Injury Recovery Center.

Copyright © 2014-2018 by KAATSU Global

Saturday, November 17, 2018

I Want To Complete A Marathon






























"It is such a joy, honor, and inspiration to work with wounded warriors like Joe," said KAATSU Master Specialist David Tawil.

Joe Lowrey retired as a U.S. Army Green Beret Sergeant 1st Class Joseph Lowrey. The Long Beach, California native is an avid KAATSU user after improbably surviving a horrific gunshot wound to his head during a combat tour in Afghanistan.

While serving with the 7th Special Forces Group on July 7th 2014, Lowrey and his fellow soldiers were tasked to enter an area known to be a Taliban stronghold.

The injury occurred during Lowrey’s third deployment while manning the gun turret on top of a truck during an intense firefight against Taliban insurgents.

Immediately after Lowrey was hit when PKM machine gun fire (the round pierced his Kevlar helmet and caused a massive traumatic brain injury to his right hemisphere), the medic onboard heroically saved his life by conducting an emergency tracheotomy on the battlefield. Even so, after surgery, his colleagues were told that Lowrey would not survive.

Inexplicably, Lowrey survived the next day as well as the next week and next month. Just after he and his wife Jennifer welcomed their fourth child, Lowrey was airlifted from Afghanistan to Germany's Landstuhl Hospital where he remained in a coma. Despite being given a small chance of survival by doctors, Lowrey was airlifted to the United States where he continued his battle through stays at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, in Palo Alto, California at a polytrauma rehabilitation hospital, and then at Casa Colina and Centre for Neuro Skills in Southern California.

After years of believing in himself and his caregivers through an excruciatingly painful recovery and rehabilitation, Lowrey emerged well enough to move back in with his family albeit without use of his left side and with some short-term memory losses due to his traumatic brain injury.

"My brothers rescued me from the fight," he recalled from his home in Ontario, California. "It has been a very long road to recovery, but I want to run again. That is one of my goals."

The Purple Heart recipient then met KAATSU Master Specialist David Tawil. Together they delved into every KAATSU protocol covering muscle development, rehabilitation enhancement and basic recovery.

But they also concurrently took a deep dive into nutrition, specifically ketogenic diets, and all kinds of healthy biohacks.

Because Joe, a former highly competitive ice hockey goalie and self-defined fitness fanatic, was completely paralyzed on his left side from 2014. "Due to being sedentary for the first time in my life, I gained a lot of weight and was just eating everything including too many hamburgers," recalled Lowrey.

"But then I lost the added weight when I began eating a low-carb diet and sleeping right."

But he also experienced significant muscle mass loss while undergoing physical therapy in several Veterans Administration hospitals and medical clinics for four years.

Lowrey started KAATSU in June 2018 and, together with Tawil, have established a smooth-running protocol where Lowrey does KAATSU twice daily in the convenience of his home. He does a morning exercise protocol where he focuses on muscle toning, balance and gait fluidity as well as an evening sleep protocol where he focuses on relaxation and vascular elasticity that enables him to get a solid 8 hours of deep sleep.

"I loved how my legs felt the very first time that I tried KAATSU," recalled Lowrey who first did KAATSU in the comfort of his living room.

"I didn't know how to use the KAATSU equipment at first; it was all new to me, but David was patient and taught me and my caregiver how to apply it during my morning and evening sessions. Now it is just part of my daily routine."

Tawil reiterated, "It is important to teach KAATSU users like Joe to understand how to do KAATSU by himself. Because of Joe's limited strength, uncertain balance and lack of complete mobility, we spend all the time necessary for Joe to feel comfortable and gain the maximum benefits from KAATSU.

Joe first started with very low-pressure KAATSU Cycles on both his arms and legs. He learned what the appropriate Base and Optimal pressures are for him - both in the morning where Joe does more vigorous workouts and in the evening where it is all about relaxation and getting ready to reap all the benefits of a good night's sleep
."

Over the next 8 weeks, Lowrey started to stand, balance and walk with KAATSU the Original BFR.

"We walk around the house and in his backyard," explains Tawil. "But we also go outside in his complex and tackle walking on grass. All of the different textures and slightly different elevations on the grass and a nearby hill are great challenges and objectives for Joe to achieve during his walking sessions. This sort of KAATSU Walking on a grassy hill - so simple for able-bodies people - are extremely helpful for Joe's improvement.

Joe does KAATSU 2 times per day: the first time at 10 am and then again at 7 pm before going to bed. At night, Joe just does simple KAATSU Cycles at a relatively low pressure. This double daily session has been essential for his rapid improvement. He is up to 2,000 steps a day, but his long-term goal is running a marathon
."

Lowrey is taking his progress step-by-step.

But it is never easy. Friend John Doolittle said, "Joe recently had a fall and is having resulting issues with his arm and shoulder on his left side. But Joe continues to consistently take 1,500 - 2,000 steps daily and has started to attack stairs and inclines, or mountains as he refers to them. He is making steady progress."







Copyright © 2014 - 2018 by KAATSU Global

Thursday, September 6, 2018

KAATSU On Medical Frontiers

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























NHK World in Japan broadcasts an English-language television program called Medical Frontiers.

One segment was on stiff shoulders and how contemporary sedentary lifestyles can lead to chronic pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders and back. Medical Frontiers described surprising causes of stiff shoulders and innovative treatment options to ease shoulder aches and pains. This includes the KAATSU protocol for stiff shoulders and insomnia.

A second segment was KAATSU applications with patients whose muscles have significantly atrophied.



Copyright © 2014 - 2018 by KAATSU Global

Monday, September 3, 2018

KAATSU Core & Lower Back Exercises

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



It is not intuitive, but KAATSU Air Bands can be placed on your upper arms and upper legs for systemic effects that are felt and seen throughout your body, including your core and lower back.

Many individuals are not motivated to do planks, crunches and other forms of abdominal work. Instead, KAATSU users can do a number of simple KAATSU exercises to strengthen their lower back and tighten their core.

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 Base SKU.
2. Inflate your KAATSU Air Bands on your legs to your Optimal SKU.
3. Sit straight up in a chair or couch with your hips near the edge.
4. Slowly exhale and slowly lean forward, tightening your abdominal muscles as strongly as possible until your stomach is close to your legs.
5. Hold and then slowly inhale air on your return to a sitting position with good posture.
6. Repeat as desired.

Core & Lower Back #2 Exercise
1. Manually tighten your KAATSU Air Bands on your legs at your appropriate SKU.
2. Inflate your KAATSU Air Bands on your legs to your Optimal SKU.
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 #3 Exercise
1. Manually tighten your KAATSU Air Bands on your legs at your appropriate Base SKU.
2. Inflate your KAATSU Air Bands on your legs to the Optimal SKU.
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 #4 Exercise
1. Manually tighten your KAATSU Air Bands on your legs at your appropriate SKU.
2. Inflate your KAATSU Air Bands on your legs to your Optimal SKU.
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 #5 Exercise
1. Manually tighten your KAATSU Air Bands on your legs at your appropriate Base SKU.
2. Inflate your KAATSU Air Bands on your legs at your Optimal SKU.
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 #6 Exercise
1. Tighten your KAATSU Air Bands on your legs at your appropriate Base SKU.
2. Inflate your KAATSU Air Bands on your legs at your Optimal SKU.
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 #7 Exercise
1. Tighten your KAATSU Air Bands on your legs at your appropriate Base SKU.
2. Inflate your KAATSU Air Bands on your legs at your Optimal SKU.
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 #8 Exercise
1. Tighten your KAATSU Air Bands on your legs at your appropriate Base SKU.
2. Inflate your KAATSU Air Bands on your legs at your Optimal SKU.
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 #9 Exercise
1. Tighten your KAATSU Air Bands on your legs at your appropriate Base SKU.
2. Inflate your KAATSU Air Bands on your legs at your Optimal SKU.
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 #10 Exercise
1. KAATSU Aqua Sit-ups are used by competitive aquatic athletes with a Bosu Ball. 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.



Copyright © 2014-2018 by KAATSU Global

Sunday, August 12, 2018

KAATSU Cycling At The 2018 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships

For who? swimmers, athletes
For what? Strength, stamina, functional movement, mobility, flexibility, recovery





Michael Andrew won his first individual gold medal in a major international meet. After the race, he described his use of KAATSU Cycle between the preliminary heats and the finals at the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in Tokyo, Japan on 12 August 2018 in the video above. He described his use of KAATSU in the buildup to the championships in the video below.



Copyright © 2016-2018 by KAATSU Global

Tuesday, July 31, 2018

KAATSU Aqua For Breaststrokers & Water Polo Players



























After the recent successes of Michael Andrew at the 2018 USA Swimming Phillips 66 National Championships in Irvine, California, there are various creative exercises that swimmers and water polo players can do to increase their strength, speed and racing stamina with KAATSU Aqua Bands, a KAATSU Nano, and a Bosu Ball while having fun.



KAATSU Aqua Bosu Ball Sprint Kicking:
* Set the KAATSU Aqua Leg Bands to your appropriate Base SKU pressure
* Inflate to your Optimal SKU pressure with the KAATSU Nano
* Do 1-2 KAATSU Cycles on the pool deck
* Jump in the water and do 2-4 x 25-meter sprint breaststroke kicking (or eggbeater kick) with a Bosu Ball
* Rest 20-30 seconds between each set



KAATSU Aqua Core Work with Bosu Ball:
* Set the KAATSU Aqua Leg (or Arm) Bands to your appropriate Base SKU pressure
* Inflate to your Optimal SKU pressure with the KAATSU Nano
* Do 1-2 KAATSU Cycles on the pool deck
* Jump in the water and do 10+ Bosu Ball Pull-ups with the KAATSU Aqua Bands on your legs (alternate the following day with the KAATSU Aqua Bands on your arms)
* Rest 20-30 seconds between each set. The number of repetitions should decrease on each set.



KAATSU Aqua Vertical Kicking:
* Set the KAATSU Aqua Leg Bands to your appropriate Base SKU pressure
* Inflate to your Optimal SKU pressure with the KAATSU Nano
* Do 1-2 KAATSU Cycles on the pool deck
* Jump in the water and do 3-5 sets of fast butterfly and breaststroke kicking (or eggbeater kick for water polo players) while in the vertical position with hands, elbows or arms out of the water
* Rest 20-30 seconds between each set



KAATSU Aqua Racing Starts:
* Set the KAATSU Aqua Leg Bands to your appropriate Base SKU pressure
* Inflate to your Optimal SKU pressure with the KAATSU Nano
* Do 1-2 KAATSU Cycles on the pool deck
* Get on the racing block and do 5 race starts with good breakouts and the inflated KAATSU Aqua Bands. Your legs will feel fatigued.
* Rest and swim down a bit
* Then get back up on the starting blocks and do 3-5 good racing starts without the KAATSU Aqua Bands on - the improvement will be remarkable.



KAATSU Aqua Vertical Leaps:
* Set the KAATSU Aqua Leg Bands to your appropriate Base SKU pressure
* Inflate to your Optimal SKU pressure with the KAATSU Nano
* Do 1-2 KAATSU Cycles on the pool deck
* Climb on the starting blocks and do 5 jumps off the racing blocks trying to touch the backstroke flags






























KAATSU Aqua Stretching:
* With KAATSU Aqua Bands on the KAATSU Cycle mode, swimmers and water polo players can also stretch before or after a workout.



























KAATSU Aqua Cycling:
* Of course, KAATSU Cycles should be done before and after every intense workout for optimal warming up and warming down to flush out lactic acid.

On a practical level at the highest echelon of the sport, world-class swimmer Michael Andrew shares how he uses his KAATSU Aqua Bands at a USA Swimming national team training camp in Soka University in Aliso Viejo, California:



Copyright © 2016 - 2018 by KAATSU Global

Sunday, July 29, 2018

KAATSU Aqua Applications For Aquatic Athletes

For who? swimmers, athletes
For what? Strength, stamina, functional movement, mobility, flexibility, recovery

KAATSU users focus on three primary areas.

KAATSU protocols differ slightly for each of these 3 areas:

1. Athletic Performance: to improve speed, stamina, strength, muscle size or change BMI.
2. Rehabilitation: use together with physical therapy for people with broken bones, torn ligaments, tendons, or muscles.
3. Recovery: used for jet lag, insomnia and recovery from vigorous workouts or intense competitions.

KAATSU Aqua can be used in multiple ways before, during and after a competitive aquatic competition (swim meet or water polo tournament):

Before the Competition

KAATSU Aqua and KAATSU Cycles are used in the off-season, pre-season, mid-season and championship season throughout the year. Prior to a championship competition, KAATSU Aqua and KAATSU Cycles are continued to be used during the taper phase in the days leading up to the competition and even during the actual competition.

While the total distance and cumulative intensity of hard pool and dryland training tapers off in the weeks and days before the competition, there are distinct benefits and advantages in continuing to use the KAATSU Aqua Bands.

Before and after each training session, KAATSU Aqua Bands can be used during stretching and to help prepare physiologically for their shortened taper workouts. 2-5 KAATSU Cycles before and after the workouts are recommended.

In the water, the KAATSU Aqua Bands are recommended for use while practicing starts, turns + breakouts as well as a few strong sprints.

En route to the Competition

KAATSU Cycles can be used on the (long) drive or flight to the competition. KAATSU Cycles on the arms - and especially on the legs - will help athletes (and coaches) relax on the night before the competition and during the morning of their races. The KAATSU Cycles can be done while simply sitting and relaxing or while doing easy stretching.

Preliminary Heats / Finals Usage

2-5 KAATSU Cycles on both the arms and the legs (done separately of course) can be done before getting in for warm-up or, preferably after the pool warm-up but before the first race.

In the case of 15-year-old competitive swimmer, Sean Doolittle, he performed the following KAATSU protocols during his championship meet in Florida:

* Traditional pool warm-up of 1500-2000 meters before each session

* 20 minutes before each race during the morning preliminary heats, he did 2 x KAATSU Cycles on his arms to warm-up using a Base SKU of 15 and an Optimal SKU of 150 (over a 7-minute period). He followed his KAATSU Arm Cycles with 2 x KAATSU Leg Cycles with a Base SKU of 20 and an Optimal SKU of 200 (over a 7-minute period) on the pool deck during his wait.

* After each preliminary race, he did a traditional easy swimming warm-down of ~600 meters.

* 15 minutes after his first race and warm-down and approximately 15 minutes before his second race of the day, he repeated the same KAATSU Cycle warm-up which also served as a warm-down from the previous race: 2 x KAATSU Arm Cycles with a Base SKU of 15 and an Optimal SKU of 150, followed by 2 x leg KAATSU Cycles with a Base SKU of 20 and an Optimal SKU of 200.

* He returned home and rested before the final events in the evening.

* For finals, he repeated the same KAATSU Cycle warm-up and warm-down protocols.

* Throughout the 4-day meet, he did several lifetime bests, dropping time in each of his races. His most significant performance was in the 200-meter butterfly which he swam his best time of 2:14.48, a decrease of almost 8 seconds from his previous lifetime best of 2:22.30.

Evening Usage

Even with a long warm-down after finals, he did 2-5 KAATSU Cycles on his arms and his legs (done separately) in the evening upon returning home. This use of evening KAATSU usage at one's home or in the hotel will help the athlete recover physiologically during a multi-day competition.

In the case of Sean, he came home at night and performed 3 x KAATSU Arm Cycles and 3 x KAATSU Leg Cycles while eating and watching TV.

Like many other athletes, his KAATSU Cycle pressures were higher in the evening session compared with his in-competition warm-up / warm-down KAATSU pressures: 3 x KAATSU Arm Cycles with a Base SKU of 18 and an Optimal SKU of 200 (over a 10-minute duration) followed by 3 x KAATSU L Cycles with a Base SKU of 25 and an Optimal SKU of 300 (over a 10-minute duration for 20 minutes total).

Similar Applications in Other Sports

These same protocols can be used before, during and after volleyball tournaments, tennis tournaments, basketball tournaments, football games, ice hockey games, water polo tournaments, ski competitions, track & fields meets, baseball games and workouts.

Copyright © 2016-2018 by KAATSU Global

Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Andre Metzger On KAATSU Magazine Cover

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

Andre Metzger is on the cover of the fifth issue of the monthly KAATSU Magazine.

Andre Metzger was inducted in the Class of 2017 as a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Metzger has been a KAATSU Master Specialist for nearly four years and has seen great results on himself and his wrestling athletes who he coaches at the University of North Texas.

He is a legendary high school wrestler from Michigan who won two NCAA titles for the University of Oklahoma and was a freestyle World medalist winning numerous international events over the course of his career.

His Hall of Fame induction reads as follows, "Andre Metzger is one of the greatest technicians in amateur wrestling history, and he wrestled and won more matches than anyone, competing in over 2,000 matches and winning 1,870 for an estimated winning percentage of 93.5%. He was a state champion at Cedar Springs High School in Michigan and was the first wrestler to win five junior national titles, capturing three freestyle and two Greco-Roman championships.





























Before beginning his career at the University of Oklahoma, he wrestled in the 1979 World Championships and won a bronze medal to become the youngest American to medal in the World Championships at 19 years old.

He was a two-time NCAA champion and a four-time All-American for Oklahoma, winning titles in 1981 and 1982 after finishing second in 1980 and fifth in 1979.

Metzger was the United States Senior Greco-Roman champion in 1980 and a five-time U.S. Freestyle Champion, winning titles in 1979, 1982, 1984, 1986 and 1987. Metzger won gold medals at the Pan American Games in 1979 and 1987 while capturing silver medals at the World Cup in 1980, 1986 and 1988 and at the World Games in 1986. He was an alternate to Distinguished Member Nate Carr on the 1988 Olympic Freestyle team and defeated at least six Olympic gold medalists during his career.

He returned to the mat in 2012 at the age of 52 and competed for a spot on the U.S. Greco-Roman team.

Metzger was an assistant coach at Indiana University, University of North Carolina and Villanova University from 1983-88 and currently is the head coach at the University of North Texas as well as a member of the coaching staff for the Bombers of Frisco Wrestling Club
."

Metzger describes below how KAATSU helps his collegiate wrestlers at the University of North Texas and the Bombers of Frisco Wrestling Club make weight before their bouts.

Metzger uses a KAATSU Nano and KAATSU Air Bands on his wrestlers' arms and legs (separately) with the appropriate Base SKU (compression) and Optimal SKU (compression) - while taking care to monitor their fluid intake.





Copyright © 2016 - 2018 by KAATSU Global

Monday, July 9, 2018

KAATSU In Offices And Cubicles

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



Workplace wellness programs very often involve employees going to corporate gyms or visiting offsite fitness centers or doing runs, walks or other preferred physical activities outside the office. These corporate wellness programs are widely accepted health promotion activities and organizational policies designed to support healthy behavior among employees in companies and organizations.

Instead of going outside the office or outdoors, instead of changing out of your work attire, instead of messing up your make-up or hair, instead of wrinkling or perspiring in your work clothes, KAATSU technology presents the ultimate in convenience and effectiveness.

KAATSU enables workplace wellness to take place in work cubicles, offices and on business trips anywhere from hotels or airport lounges with its myriad portable products from the KAATSU Nano to the PERL Wearables.

Similar to standard corporate wellness programs that support healthy or motivated employees to exercise or conduct stress-reducing behavior that is considered a risk factor for poor health, either at on- or off-campus locations, KAATSU offers a unique, innovative means to obtain the benefits of everything from easy stretching to vigorous exercises within work cubicles and at the employee's desks as shown below:



Simple KAATSU exercises for the upper body in the office.



Simple KAATSU exercises for stress relief in the office.



Simple KAATSU exercises for the lower body in the office.



Simple KAATSU exercises to get pumped up in the office.

Simple KAATSU exercises using KAATSU devices can be performed by anyone anywhere anytime, including in offices and work cubicles in addition to in hotels and airports during business trips.

Copyright © 2014-2018 by KAATSU Global

Tuesday, June 26, 2018

KAATSU Users Among The World's Most Extreme Athletes

For who? athletes
For what? Strength, stamina, functional movement, mobility, flexibility, recovery






















































Photos courtesy of Kelvin Trautman, English Channel, UK.

KAATSU users come from all walks of life from youth to people as old as 104. But KAATSU users also include plenty of outliers from big-wave tow-in surfers and mountaineers to channel swimmers and Olympians. These extreme athletes use KAATSU for athletic performance, rehabilitation from injury, and recovery from intense workouts.

One KAATSU user - a famed British ice swimmer who lives in South Africa - lives a life on the extremes.

In 2017, Lewis Pugh was named SAB Environmentalist of the Year, included in The Sunday Times Alternative Rich List for people who represent the most inspiring side of humanity, and appointed as an Adjunct Professor of International Law at the University of Cape Town.

In 2015, he received a Doctor of Science (honoris causa) from Plymouth University, was selected by Men's Journal as one of 50 Most Adventurous Men in the World, was named as one of the Greatest Watermen in Open Water Swimming History by the World Open Water Swimming Association and National Geographic Adventurer of the Year.

In 2013, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, was appointed as the United Nations Patron of the Oceans, was inducted in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame, and became an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society.

In 2011, he became a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society in London and received the President's Award from the International Swimming Hall of Fame.

Previously, he was appointed as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, awarded the highest honor in South Africa – the Order of Ikhamanga (Gold Class) for his exceptional sporting triumphs, humanitarian feats and creating consciousness about the negative effects of global warming, received the Best Project for the Environment by Beyond Sport Awards, named the Out There Adventurer of the Year, became a Fellow of The Explorers Club in New York, received Sports Adventurer of the Year Award by the French Sports Academy.

In the ocean, he swam 1 km without a wetsuit across the North Pole to highlight the melting of the Arctic sea ice. Up on Mount Everest at 5,300 meter altitude in 2°C water, he swam 1 km across a glacial lake without a wetsuit to draw attention to the melting of the glaciers in the Himalayas. He swam a number of unprecedented swim in the Ross Sea off Antarctica and helped establish the largest marine reserve in the world by melding consensus among 24 nations and the European Union. He has also swum from Robben Island in South Africa, across the English Channel, around Cape Agulhas (the southernmost point in Africa), the Cape of Good Hope, the Cape Peninsula (a 100 km swim from Cape Town to Muizenberg), Lake Malawi in Africa, North Cape (the northernmost point in Europe), 204 km down Norway's Sognefjord, a 1 km at 80° North around Verlegenhuken, a 1 km swim at 65° South at Petermann Island off the Antarctic Peninsula, 325 km down the length of the River Thames, 140 km across the width of the Maldives, and won the 500m race at the 2006 World Winter Swimming Championships in Finland.

After graduating at the top of his Masters class at the University of Cape Town, he read International Law at Jesus College in Cambridge and worked as a maritime lawyer in the City of London while serving in the British Special Air Service. He later spoke twice at the TED Global Conference as a master storyteller and addressed the World Economic Forum in Davos and wrote two books: 'Achieving the Impossible' and '21 Yaks and a Speedo'.

In 2003, Pugh left his maritime law practice to campaign full-time for the protection of the oceans. He often addresses Heads of State and business leaders on the topics of climate change, overfishing and pollution and the need for Marine Protected Areas and low carbon economies. Pugh is currently considered one of the world's most influential individuals tackling plastic pollution - and his influence may increase with his latest exploit - an unprecedented 560 km swim along the length of the English Channel.

Pugh's stage swim is scheduled to start in July and may take up to 50 days to complete.

"We’re drowning in commitments; it is high-time for action,” said Pugh. “I am embarking on this swim to highlight importance of proper marine protected areas – areas where human activity such as fishing, drilling, shipping, gunnery practice and disputing marine life is restricted and/or prohibited.

The totality of UK waters include 750,000 square kilometers, but only 7 square kilometers are fully protected marine reserve. It within the southernmost coastline where Pugh will conduct his stage swim as a plea to create additional marine protected areas that offer one of the best options to maintain ocean health and avoid further degradation, especially when developed as part of a wider management solution.

Pugh is swimsourcing his Channel swim. “I want politicians, mums, children, businessmen, anyone to join me for any section of the swim. There is nothing better than seeing the impact of our wrongdoing with your own two eyes."

He plans on 10+ km swims per day, but that distance will be dependent upon the conditions that will range from enjoyably tranquil to turbulent.

Surfers Against Sewage, a grass-roots organization engaged in cleaning up beaches in the UK with 75,000 volunteers will support Pugh’s effort.

We must stop the plastic from entering our rivers and seas. And we must create a series of marine reserves around the UK,” says Pugh who plans to take his swimsourcing campaigns to other shores around the world in the future. "Anyone is welcome to join me for any section of this swim."




























The Channel Swimming Association will observe and officially ratify the unprecedented swim.

For more information, follow Pugh here.

Copyright © 2014-2018 by KAATSU Global

Friday, June 22, 2018

David Weinstein And His LifeForce Approach

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

Courtesy of CEOCFO Magazine.

Our goal is to awaken human potential by sharing precise effective tools and methods to maximize the health, happiness and performance of people who want to realize their potential," explains David Weinstein of LifeForceIQ.

Weinstein is a successful investment banker with an entrepreneurial DNA in the fields of medicine and biotechnology from Boca Raton, Florida. He had pushed himself hard in business, experiencing its negative effects after he turned 50. He knew he had to transform himself in order to enjoy the fruits of his labor.

"There are extraordinary technologies and concepts most people don't know about that don't just keep you healthy and out of the hospital, but also actually reverse aging," he explained to CEOCFO Magazine.

So Weinstein and his wife Leidy, a competitive body sculptor, founded LifeForceIQ to take these ideas and the technologies they found to others who founded themselves in the same position in life. "The LifeForce approach has four dimensions," Weinstein says. "We can improve your physique and vitality, increase your mental clarity, help you achieve better sleep and recovery, and reduce your stress while boosting your tranquility.

We continuously monitor scientific advances and are quick to adjust products and protocols to assist our clients in optimizing their lifestyles
."

We offer LiveO2, a method of breathing higher levels of oxygen during exercise, KAATSU, and Juvent that delivers a low frequency vibration to generate bone growth.

Together with LifeForceIQ, the husband-and-wife team created the Oasis retreat in Boca Raton where visitors can experience the benefits of exercise and nutrition according to the LifeForce approach and receive personalized Life Coaching services.



For more information about LifeforceIQ, visit here.

Copyright © 2014-2018 by KAATSU Global

Saturday, June 16, 2018

KAATSU Aqua Strength & Speed Drills



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



KAATSU Aqua Eggbeater while holding a weight.



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



KAATSU Aqua Parachuting.



KAATSU Aqua Stationary Sculling: with or without hand paddles.



KAATSU Aqua Sculling: with or without hand paddles.

Copyright © 2014 - 2018 by KAATSU Global

Thursday, June 7, 2018

KAATSU Is The Original BFR






















There are two major players in the market created by KAATSU inventor Dr. Yoshiaki Sato in Tokyo: the devices designed and manufactured by KAATSU Global, Inc. (e.g., KAATSU Nano, KAATSU Master 2.0, KAATSU Air Bands, KAATSU B1, KAATSU C3, KAATSU Cycle 2.0) and the Delfi Portable Tourniquet System for Blood Flow Restriction.

There is much confusion and misunderstandings in the marketplace about these two products and approaches. The Delfi product identifies total occlusion pressure and then applies a specific percentage of that pressure during its applications. In contrast, the KAATSU products are not designed to even remotely approach occlusion pressure or do Blood Flow Restriction. This fact was identified by Professor Alyssa Weatherholt of the University of Southern Indiana, Professor William VanWye of Western Kentucky University, and Johnny Owens of Owens Recovery Science (the exclusive distributor of the Delfi Portable Tourniquet System for Blood Flow Restriction equipment) who recently presented a study called Pressure Needed to Achieve Complete Arterial Occlusion: A Comparison of Two Devices Used for Blood Flow Restriction Training [see above].

The researchers concluded a wider cuff of the Delfi Portable Tourniquet System for Blood Flow Restriction is able to restrict arterial blood flow at significantly lower pressures compared to the narrow cuff [KAATSU Air Bands] using the KAATSU Master. The key finding of this study is as follows:

We were unable to achieve complete arterial occlusion in any participant with the KAATSU cuff.”

The KAATSU equipment was designed and is specifically manufactured to avoid arterial occlusion in the limbs. This fact is precisely why KAATSU was originally defined by Dr. Yoshiaki Sato, the KAATSU inventor, and leading Japanese cardiologists at the University of Tokyo Hospital as a Blood Flow Moderation (BFM) device.

While the vernacular nuance between BFM and BFR may be overlooked by many (venous flow modification versus arterial flow restriction), the modification of venous flow is critical to understanding the safety and goal of KAATSU as certified KAATSU Specialists understand.

"There is no part of the KAATSU protocols that includes as part of its protocols - or tries to achieve - arterial occlusion. This is why KAATSU is definitely not occlusion training, tourniquet training, O-training, or any kind of blood flow restriction modality," explains Steven Munatones. "This is why KAATSU equipment does not use cuffs or bands that are specifically designed to occlude or manufactured to restrict arterial flow. KAATSU Air Bands are not tourniquets or blood pressure cuffs. Rather, the stretchable bands are designed with flexible, elastic air bladders that inflate inwards towards the limb at very moderate pressures to minimally modify venous flow.

This pressure is gentle on the body and uniform because the limb is evenly and safely compressed by a bed of air. This principle and practical engineered solution leads to blood pooling in the limb - not arterial occlusion. This fact was independently determined by researchers and the leading Delfi proponent of BFR
.

Furthermore, the patented KAATSU Cycle allows normal arterial and venous flow every 20 seconds which means it is safe, effective and gentle for people of all ages (including up to 104 years - see here).

In summary:

1. The purpose of KAATSU equipment and its protocols is a reduction in venous flow via blood flow moderation, a term first coined in the 1990s by Dr. Sato and Doctors Nakajima and Morita, cardiologists at the University of Tokyo Hospital.

2. The pneumatically controlled KAATSU Air Bands is designed to achieve a reduction in venous flow is a very different approach from BFR and its widely-promoted use of blood pressure cuffs that are specifically designed to achieve limb occlusion.

3. When the KAATSU equipment is used, its users agree to follow the specific protocols as defined by its inventor, Dr. Sato. Specifically, KAATSU protocols and equipment are designed not to occlude.

4. The stretchable, pneumatically controlled KAATSU Air Bands are not (blood pressure) cuffs. A cuff is a term that refers to devices specifically engineered for limb occlusion.

5. KAATSU Specialists understand the importance of users to know both their Base SKU pressure and their Optimal SKU pressure while using in the KAATSU Cycle and KAATSU Training modes. To refer to KAATSU pressure without reference to both Base SKU and Optimal SKU pressures is misleading.

There is another paper written by Jeremy P. Loenneke, Christopher Fahs, Lindy Rossow, Robert Thiebaud, Kevin T. Mattocks, Takashi Abe, and Michael G. Bemben (Blood flow restriction pressure recommendations: a tale of two cuffs) that addresses this subject from another perspective.

Copyright © 2014 - 2018 by KAATSU Global

Crossover Effects Of KAATSU After Accidents

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





At the Indiana University School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Center for Translational Musculoskeletal Research and the University of Indianapolis Department of Kinesiology, Dr. Alan Mikesky and his research team researched the crossover effects of KAATSU [see Modified KAATSU Training: Adaptations and Subject Perceptions here]. Dr. Mikesky was looking to confirm the systemic effects of KAATSU.

The researchers applied KAATSU Air Bands on only one arm of subjects and tested the strength, girth, tomography scans along with RPE (Rated Perceived Exertion scale) of both arms of the subjects.

The research team correctly did KAATSU and measured both the Base SKU (which they called “Cuff Tightness Pressure in mm Hg"and Optimal SKU (which they called “Cuff Inflation Pressure in mm Hg”) levels.

It should be noted that the SKU levels were conservative for relatively young subjects. The subjects started at 10 Base SKU in Week 1 and increased to 30 Base SKU by Week 8; they started at 90 Base SKU in Week 1 and increased to 180 Base SKU by Week 8. Both the KAATSU arm and the non-KAATSU arm girth increased (measured in cm between Week 0 and Week 8):

Non-KAATSU Arm (cm) girth:
Week 0: 22.7 cm
Week 2: 24.3 cm
Week 4: 24.9 cm
Week 6: 25.7 cm
Week 8: 26.1 cm

KAATSU Arm (cm) girth:
Week 0: 23.0 cm
Week 2: 23.2 cm
Week 4: 24.5 cm
Week 6: 25.4 cm
Week 8: 26.1 cm

The research showed how doing KAATSU on one limb can have crossover (systemic) effects on the other limb - a very important goal for individuals with one injured limb who is trying to recover.

In the United States, a well-known case where this effect was practically demonstrated was with 2010 Olympic silver medalist Todd Lodwick who broke his left arm and torn his ligaments 28 days before the 2014 Winter Olympics. With KAATSU done on his non-injured limbs, he was able to compete admirably well in both the ski jumping and the Nordic combined events after only 5 weeks of KAATSU. His coaching staff noted that Lodwick was getting too muscular after a few weeks of KAATSU - despite his broken bone and torn ligaments. In response, his SKU levels was reduced and he stretched more and did low-pressure, post-workout KAATSU Cycle sets so his muscle hypertrophy was not accelerated (see above). Personally, Lodwick liked the effects and ultimately was able to compete.

In summary, doing KAATSU on healthy limbs can have direct crossover benefits to the strength and girth of an injured limb or core.

Another previous study conducted in Japan is entitled Cross-Transfer Effects of Resistance Training with Blood Flow Restriction (see here).

Silver medalist Todd Lodwick is shown above doing similar KAATSU Cycle sets after his skiing accident and was able to rehabilitate and recover quickly enough to compete in the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi.

Copyright © 2014 - 2018 by KAATSU Global

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

Day 17 With Traumatic Brain Injury Survivor

For who? brain injury survivors, Baby Boomers, retirees, student-athletes
For what? functional movement, mobility, flexibility, recovery



After a steady recovery over a 3-week period where she is enjoying improved sleep patterns, improved muscle tone, more relaxation, significantly greater movement and mobility, and improved wound recovery, Tina did 5 KAATSU Cycles on her arms (with an Optimal SKU of 100 + 120 + 140 + 160 + 180) on Day 17.

After her upper body workout, Tina did 5 KAATSU Cycles on her legs (with an Optimal SKU of 150 + 170 + 190 + 200 + 201) while her caregiver Yuri helped her do a variety of exercises:

1. Yuri lifts her knee while Tina pushes forward against resistance to work on her quadricep and hamstring.
2. Yuri grabs against Tina's back while Tina pushes back to work on her back and neck muscles. It is important to help Tina gain more muscle and control her neck when she is moved.
3. Yuri rotates her ankles that helps her feet and calves feel better.

By Day 26, she was doing the following exercises:





Copyright © 2014 - 2018 by KAATSU Global

Sunday, June 3, 2018

Recovery From A Torn ACL With KAATSU

For who? Baby Boomers, retirees, student-athletes
For what? mobility, flexibility, recovery

Danny Woodhead is one tough athlete. Small in stature for an NFL fullback, but huge in heart, the 33-year-old NFL running back has had his share of injuries including two separate torn ACLs experienced many years apart.

His first ACL surgery was in the early part of his professional career and he rehabilitated in the traditional manner. His latest ACL surgery occurred during early part of the 2016 season, but he returned to the field in unprecedented time. Steven Munatones recalls, "Danny started doing Progressive KAATSU Cycle sets on the KAATSU Master at his home, every day. This was in early October. I told him that by Thanksgiving in late November, he would be back. Both he and his wife didn't believe me at first, but when he sent a text with photos of his rehabbed leg before Thanksgiving, I could not help but smile."

His return was indeed quick - much quicker than expected under standard orthopedic protocols. He combined his physical therapy regimen with the standard KAATSU Cycle sets including doing a variety of isometic exercises during his rehabilitation from surgery. He sat on his couch at home watching NFL games during his recovery, simply and repeatedly contracting his thighs and hamstrings as the KAATSU Cycle mode was on. Three times per day: morning, afternoon and evening. The result was no muscle atrophy, a key benefit for a veteran player whose leg strength is off the charts.

Woodhead adhered to standard physical therapy, but also enhanced his recovery with the standard KAATSU rehabilitation:

* focusing on the KAATSU Cycle mode
* starting with low pressures and gradually building up to higher pressures
* combined physical therapy movements with the KAATSU Air Bands on
* doing conservative KAATSU Cycles within an hour of going to bed
* also combining isometric exercises while at home in the KAATSU Cycle mode
* gradually increasing the intensity and range of motion
* start with KAATSU Cycles on your arms, and then move to your legs
* you can also do KAATSU Cycles only on your injured leg (i.e., Single-limb KAATSU)

Fundamentally, KAATSU is separated into different protocols in each of the following 3 areas:

1. Athletic Performance
2. Rehabilitation
3. Recovery and Wellness

Athletic Performance: KAATSU is used in slightly different ways to improve speed, stamina, strength, muscle size or BMI.

Rehabilitation: KAATSU is used to enhance traditional physical therapy for people with broken bones, or torn ligaments, tendons, and muscles. These protocols are specific with different applications of pressure.

Recovery: KAATSU is also used for recovery from injuries and the effects of sedentary living.

KAATSU Arm Protocols
›› Even for post-ACL surgery recovery, start KAATSU Cycles on your arms first.
›› Do KAATSU Cycles starting at lower pressures and building up to higher pressures.
•• Your Base SKU can vary between 10 - 30 SKU depending on your age and physical condition (i.e., placing 1-2 fingers between your limb and the KAATSU Air Bands). In general, the younger and more fit you are, the higher your pressures. But everyone differs.

›› Stretch your arms or upper body, do isometric exercises, and/or do 3 sets of the KAATSU 3-Point Arm Exercises (i.e., 3 sets of Hand Clenches + 3 sets of Biceps Curls + 3 sets of Triceps Extensions) during the KAATSU Cycle mode.
•• Rest while there is the KAATSU Air Bands are deflated.
•• Move while the KAATSU Air Bands are inflated.

Specific Post-ACL Surgery Protocols
›› Do muscle contractions of your quadriceps and calves, stretch, and/or perform simple physical therapy movements (in combination with resistance bands or other equipment that is requested by therapist during the KAATSU Cycle.
•• Higher SKU levels are usually tolerable on your legs compared to your arms in most cases.

›› Do specific physical therapy movements, stretch, and/or the KAATSU 3-Point Leg Exercises:

Simple: 3 sets each of Toe Curls + Toe Raises + Sitting Heel Raises
Moderate (after the body begins to heal and such movements become possible): 3 sets each of Balancing on one leg + casual walking
Advanced (after the body begins to heal and such movements become possible): 3 sets each of Standing Heel Raises + Standing Leg Curls + Non-lock (partial extension) Quarter Squats
** Note: KAATSU Air Bands are waterproof and any kind of aqua-therapy movements can also be done in the water or on an AlterG treadmill. However, do not take the KAATSU Cycle 2.0 or KAATSU C3 or KAATSU B1 devices in the water.

How to Wear
›› Place the KAATSU Air Bands on your upper arms, above your biceps, and below your deltoids near your armpits. Your KAATSU Air Bands should be placed snugly so your finger cannot be easily slipped under the bands when it is against your skin.
›› The palms of your hands should start turning pink or even a redness right away. Your KAATSU Air Bands are on too tightly if the hands turn white, gray and blue or you feel numbness.
›› If the KAATSU Air Bands are on too tightly, your Capillary Refill Time (CRT) will be longer than 3 seconds. In this case, loosen the KAATSU Air Bands on your arms.
›› To check your CRT, firmly press your thumb into the palms of both hands and release. The temporary white spot on your palms should quickly fill back with blood and turn pink (or red). You can do this anywhere on your legs, but preferably on your quadriceps above your knee on your legs, when you are checking your CRT on your legs.
›› Place the deflated KAATSU Air Bands around the upper legs, right by your groin (i.e., under mens's briefs or a woman's swimsuit are worn).
›› Start with the appropriate KAATSU Cycle level depending on your age and physical condition (10 - 30 SKU).

General Guidelines
›› Do 3-4 sets of each exercise, stretch, and/or physical therapy exercises. Then, continue with the next 3 sets with a different exercise, stretche, or movement.
›› For rehabilitation and recovery, movements should be performed slowly, steadily and non-stop (e.g., do not lock knees on squats).
›› For athletic performance, movements should be performed at desired pace or speed in a game, set or match. This is called KAATSU Performance Training.
›› After 3-4 sets of a specific exercise, stretch or movement, then move onto another type of exercise, stretch or movement. Note: If you are working on your legs, do 3-4 sets on one leg and then 3-4 sets on the other leg.
›› Keep rest short between sets and between exercises. That is, rest 20 seconds maximum between sets of 3 or 60 seconds maximum between different exercises. Modify as necessary.
›› Select exercises, therapeutic movements or resistance loads that allow performance of a good number of repetitions (e.g., 30- 40 in the first set, 20-30 in the second set, fewer than 15 in the third set, fewer than 10 in the fourth set).
›› Reach maximum effort (or go to muscular failure or technical failure) within each set.
›› Always remain well hydrated before and during the entire KAATSU session.
›› Always start with standard KAATSU Cycel (i.e., 8 cycles of 30 seconds of pressure followed by 5 seconds of pressure off with sequentially increasing pressure).
›› Always conduct movements with a good range of motion. However, if you feel any pain or uncomfortable sensation, restrict your range of motion so there is no pain or uncomfortableness. That is, never push your joints or limbs to the point of pain.
›› Always follow KAATSU protocols (i.e., have Capillary Refill Time within 3 seconds with no occlusion or lightheadedness, and no paleness or no numbness in limbs).
›› Immediately release and remove KAATSU Air Bands if there is any numbness or lightheadedness, or the skin color becomes pale or white. Lie down with the legs elevated if necessary.
›› First start KAATSU on your arms and then proceed to do KAATSU on your legs.
›› Never simultaneously put on or use the KAATSU Air Bands on your arms and legs.
›› Limit KAATSU to 15 minutes on your arms and 20 minutes on your legs.
›› Frequently check your CRT (i.e., Capillary Refill Time). Confirm that the color of your limbs remains either pink or beefy red.
›› Your veins may become distended (i.e., popping out) during KAATSU.
›› You may feel a slight tingling in your fingers or toes during KAATSU.
›› KAATSU should be implemented with the understanding of your physician.

Copyright © 2014 - 2018 by KAATSU Global

Saturday, May 26, 2018

Alex Roelse Tries KAATSU For Four

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





Former UCLA Bruin, two-time NCAA champion (2014 and 2017), and 2016 Olympian Alex Roelse is a veteran with a huge (6'-8" or 2.03m) presence in the game of water polo.

He did his first KAATSU session at the UCLA campus with KAATSU Master Specialist David Tawil who put him with 2 short (3 minute 20 second) KAATSU Cycles (at 300 Optimal SKU on the first Cycle and 400 Optimal SKU on the second Cycle) and then 4 minutes of KAATSU Training squats at 330 Optimal SKU.

He felt it.

Previously, Roelse did 2 short (3 minute 20 second) KAATSU Cycles on his arms (at 175 Optimal SKU on the first Cycle and 250 Optimal SKU on the second Cycle) and then 4 minutes of KAATSU Training curls at 190 Optimal SKU.

Copyright © 2014-2018 by KAATSU Global