Friday, December 18, 2020

KAATSU Introduction Series by Dr. Cory

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:

* Dr. Cory On What Experienced Athletes Can Do With KAATSU
* Dr. Cory On Sharing A KAATSU Cycle 2.0 - Partner Workouts
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU For Pull-ups Or Vertical Pulling Motion
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU Cycles For Your Shoulders
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU Overhead Isometric Press
* Dr. Cory Explains The Physiological Effects Of KAATSU
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU Cycle 2.0 Exercises
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU, The Future of Exercise
* Dr. Cory On How KAATSU Works
* Dr. Cory On Shallow Water KAATSU Aqua
* Dr. Cory On Jumping Rope With KAATSU - Legs
* Dr. Cory on KAATSU Aqua Arms in Deep Water
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU Aqua Arms
* Dr. Cory on KAATSU Aqua Legs in Deep Water
* Dr. Cory on KAATSU Aqua with a Noodle
* Dr. Cory Using The KAATSU Cycle 2.0 For Lower Body Warm-up
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU Hip Flexor Dynamic Stretching
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU Basic Pushing And Pulling For The Upper Body
* Dr. Cory On Using KAATSU Cycle 2.0 + TRX Straps for Lower Body and Core
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU Spinal Rotational Mobility
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU Yoga Legs
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU Shoulder Mobility And Strengthening
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU Yoga Arms
* Dr. Cory On Doing KAATSU Anywhere Anytime
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU
* Dr. Cory On Why People From All Walks of Life Use KAATSU
* Dr. Cory On Using KAATSU Cycle 2 0 On Your Arms
* Dr. Cory On Using The KAATSU Cycle 2.0 On Your Legs
* Dr. Cory On Putting KAATSU Air Bands On Your Legs

Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global

Chilton Hawk: Exercising During A Pandemic With KAATSU

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:



Dr. Keirn addresses many different topics on the Dr. Cory KAATSU series: * Dr. Cory On What Experienced Athletes Can Do With KAATSU
* Dr. Cory On Sharing A KAATSU Cycle 2.0 - Partner Workouts
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU For Pull-ups Or Vertical Pulling Motion
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU Cycles For Your Shoulders
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU Overhead Isometric Press
* Dr. Cory Explains The Physiological Effects Of KAATSU
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU Cycle 2.0 Exercises
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU, The Future of Exercise
* Dr. Cory On How KAATSU Works
* Dr. Cory On Shallow Water KAATSU Aqua
* Dr. Cory On Jumping Rope With KAATSU - Legs
* Dr. Cory on KAATSU Aqua Arms in Deep Water
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU Aqua Arms
* Dr. Cory on KAATSU Aqua Legs in Deep Water
* Dr. Cory on KAATSU Aqua with a Noodle
* Dr. Cory Using The KAATSU Cycle 2.0 For Lower Body Warm-up
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU Hip Flexor Dynamic Stretching
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU Basic Pushing And Pulling For The Upper Body
* Dr. Cory On Using KAATSU Cycle 2.0 + TRX Straps for Lower Body and Core
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU Spinal Rotational Mobility
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU Yoga Legs
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU Shoulder Mobility And Strengthening
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU Yoga Arms
* Dr. Cory On Doing KAATSU Anywhere Anytime
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU
* Dr. Cory On Why People From All Walks of Life Use KAATSU
* Dr. Cory On Using KAATSU Cycle 2 0 On Your Arms
* Dr. Cory On Using The KAATSU Cycle 2.0 On Your Legs
* Dr. Cory On Putting KAATSU Air Bands On Your Legs

Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global

Thursday, December 17, 2020

When Snow Falls, KAATSU To Stay Warm

For who? Working adults
For what? Strength, exercise





























KAATSU Master Specialist Chris Morgan has been using his KAATSU equipment for his rehabilitation of his broken ribs and broken heel as well as training his competitive swimmers and adult swimmers - both in their daily workouts and during competitions.

Over the years, Coach Morgan has really appreciated the effects of KAATSU, the original BFR. But this winter, especially after heavy snowfalls, he has appreciated his KAATSU equipment even more.

The Boston area experienced a heavy snowfall last night and this morning.

Before KAATSU, Morgan used to shovel snow in the mornings and his hands would get cold. No more.

At first, he used to shovel snow and then do a KAATSU Fitness session when he came into his home. "With more than a foot of snow on the ground, I always had a lot of snow to shovel. My hands would get borderline frostbite. I would do about 6 sets on the Pro Low pressure setting and my hands were as warm as ever.

But nowadays, I just wear the KAATSU Cycle 2.0 while I shovel. It is a tremendous workout that solves the immediate problem of removing snow from my driveway and porch and around the house, but my hands always stay warm. At first, I started wearing the KAATSU Air Bands over my jacket, but then I realized that the effects and warmth were so much better when the bands were over my shirt, but underneath my jacket. For someone with cold feet, putting bands on their legs would be great
."

Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global

Thursday, December 10, 2020

Dr. Cory On What Experienced Athletes Can Do With KAATSU

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.

Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global

Monday, November 30, 2020

Robert Heiduk Shares Perspectives In Sport, Therapy, Health Promotion

For who? KAATSU users, BFR users
For what? Fitness, wellness, strength, stamina, functional movement, mobility, flexibility, balance

Robert Heiduk is a German sports scientist and product scout for cutting-edge sports technologies. For over a decade, he educated coaches and consulted for companies from Google to PPG Industries, and has lectured both domestically and internationally.

He lived up to his personal motto, "Whoever wants to go to the source, must swim against the current", when he went to great lengths to learn about KAATSU and visit Tokyo to meet the inventor of KAATSU, Dr. Yoshiaki Sato.

After his mentorship under Dr. Sato, Heiduk returned to Germany and founded KAATSU Germany. As he gained more experience with a wide variety of competitive athletes and people from all walks of life, he wrote the authoritative book, KAATSU - The Pressure Training From Japan: New Perspectives in sport, therapy and health promotion.

Heiduk wrote the book in both German and English to teach coaches, athletes, physiotherapists, doctors, scientists and students who would like to gain a deep insight into the original KAATSU protocols directly from the KAATSU inventor.

Heiduk addresses the principles and potential of KAATSU for use not only in athletics and physical therapy, but also for older individuals and corporate health management.

For more information, contact robert@eisenklinik.de.



Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global

Sunday, November 29, 2020

Steve Stavs and KAATSU on The Made To Thrive Show

For who? Biohackers, Baby Boomers, retirees, competitive athletes
For what? Strength, fitness, functional movement



Steve Stavs, a biohacker from South Africa and the host of The Made To Thrive Show, interviewed Navy SEAL captain John Doolittle and Steven Munatones of KAATSU Global. They discussed KAATSU the original BFR with emphasis on the following:

* the most efficient and effective training tool to biohack the prevention of injury and maximize performance from age 14 to 101 years old
* the science of Blood Flow Modulation and occlusion kits
* the systemic effects of KAATSU- psychological, mental and emotional benefits
* how Steve Munatones is swimming less and performing better at the age of 58 than at the age of 28
* the powerful impact KAATSU has on rehabilitation
* how people can work whilst working out
* how KAATSU mimics intense exercise pressure resulting in the same hormonal response
* the training secret of professional athletes that gives the competitive edge – enabling Olympic athletes to peak in the stadium
* the possibility of the Arnold Schwarzenegger look with KAATSU- from muscle hypertrophy to muscle strengthening

Watch Steve Stavs on his Made To Thrive Show here.

Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global

Saturday, November 28, 2020

George Bovell Describes How Health Is Wealth With Brett Hawke

For who? Competitive athletes, swimmers
For what? Health, wellness, motivation



Courtesy of Brett Hawke of Inside With Brett Hawke.

Brett Hawke interviewed Trinidad & Tobago Olympian George Bovell is one of the deepest thinkers among top competitive swimmers.

The bronze medalist has studied Amazonian medicine and Ayurveda in India. He speaks profoundly and eloquently about the health and competitive mindset of athletes with fellow Olympian Brett Hawke on the #111 episode of Inside with Brett Hawke.

"George discusses health in a remarkably similar manner and perspective of Dr. Sato, the inventor of KAATSU, especially during the second half of his interview on Inside with Brett Hawke," observed Steven Munatones. "George's observations on human physiology, a competitive athlete's mindset, and overall wellness are quite profound and based on millennia of time-tested ancestral wisdom."

Bovell is a five-time Olympic swimmer from Trinidad & Tobago, and is the Caribbean region's most successful international competitive swimmer.

He won a bronze medal at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games in the 200m individual medley and had a lengthy career among the top swimmers of the world, qualifying for 10 FINA World Championship finals since his first appearance in 2001.

To watch Bovell's entire interview with Brett Hawke, visit here. For the entire gallery of Inside with Brett Hawke podcasts, listen here and watch here. For more information on Hawke, visit @hawkebr.

Bovell swam in lane 2 to a bronze medal in the 200m individual medley at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.



Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global

David Tawil and Lexie Kelly Doing KAATSU on Newport Beach

For who? Competitive athletes, masters athletes, mothers
For what? Strength, muscle tone, stamina



KAATSU Master Specialist David Tawil has been doing KAATSU the original BFR since 2014. He recently worked with professional marathon swimmer Lexie Kelly doing a tough KAATSU leg workout on the shores of Newport Beach, California.

They warmed up with a few KAATSU Cycles in the KAATSU Cycle Mode on the KAATSU Cycle 2.0 and then transitioned to the KAATSU Constant Mode for a series of leg lunges and squats.

Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global

Naked Warrior Recovery - Black Friday Sale

For who? Tactical athletes, Navy SEALs
For what? KAATSU At Home

William Branum, a 26-year veteran of the Navy SEALs and founder of Naked Warrior Recovery, is up to 50% discounts on all Naked Warrior Recovery supplements and products on a Black Friday sale.

For more information, visit nw-recovery.com.

At an early age in his home state of Mississippi, Branum knew he wanted to be part of a team that would push him beyond whatever limits he thought he had and still enjoy the outdoors and all it had to offer. He charged forward and became an Eagle Scout and joined the Navy immediately after high school graduation.

After graduating from the famed Navy SEAL Training (BUD/S Class 208), he was stationed in Virginia Beach, then in San Diego, and finally on Oahu where he served on multiple SEAL Teams, taught SEAL Sniper School, and was deployed around the globe.

As with too many veterans, Branum suffered from numerous physical injuries and psychological symptoms that negatively impacted his well-being and quality of life.

He talked about his use of KAATSU at home and in the Pacific Ocean, Naked Warrior Recovery, and THC-free CBD in the KAATSU At Home interview series with retired Navy SEAL captain John Doolittle and Steven Munatones.



Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global

Saturday, November 14, 2020

The Legendary Willie Banks On The Comeback With KAATSU, The Original BFR

For who? Competitive athletes, Olympic athletes, runners, jumpers
For what? Rehabilitation, recovery, functional movement



William "Willie" Banks, III is a 64-year-old former world record holder and 3-time Olympian from Carlsbad, California.

Banks will always be remembered as one of the most charismatic athletes to compete in track and field. He pioneered the hand clapping that takes place during many track and field events (read here). His exuberant personality remains an inspiration to many and was always present in his athletic performances that ranged from NCAA Championships to the World Championships.

He held the triple jump world record for over ten years while qualifying for the 1980, 1984 and 1988 Olympic Games and the 1983 and 1987 IAAF World Championships. He was awarded the Track & Field News and United States Olympic Committee Athlete of the Year in 1985 and won the Jesse Owens Award as the Outstanding Athlete in Track and Field. Over the span of 18 years from 1975 to 1992, he was ranked among the world's best.

But his career as a triple jumper took a heavy toll on his body, particularly his joints. Lifelong injuries to long jumpers and triple jumpers are common due to the increased pressure on their joints during their athletic career. But there is hope and a form of relief.

The USA National Track & Field Hall of Famer and former President of the U.S. Olympians Association dealt with pain for the last three decades. The athlete who leaped as nearly far and high as anyone in human history had to face pain while walking and moving. Banks could not even touch his toes.

Banks began KAATSU during the COVID-19 lockdown period. After many years and all kinds of interventions and physical therapy, he began to feel relief with KAATSU, the original BFR.

He tells of his recovery with KAATSU while enjoying a renewed ability to walk long distances and a life without pain.

Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global

Marshall A Lochridge Will Be Dearly Missed

For who? Wrestlers
For what? KAATSU At Home

Marshall A Lochridge, November 11th 1928 - November 8th 2020.

Marshall A. Lochridge, Jr. of Clearwater Beach, Florida, passed away on November 8th at the age of 91.

The KAATSU user attended the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta where he obtained BS and MS degrees in Industrial Engineering. He was a member of Chi Phi Fraternity, the Georgia Tech wrestling team, American Institute of Industrial Engineers, a Charter Member of the Alpha Phi Mu Honorary Industrial Engineering Society and the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps.

Marshall served in the United States Navy in the Korean Theater on the USS Fort Marion as a Communications Officer and as a Beach Master, Naval Beach Group One.

He was honorably discharged and began his career as a Sales Engineer with the Westinghouse Electric Corporation until 1961.

Between 1962 and 1992, Marshall was President of the Marshall A. Lochridge Agency, Inc., manufacturers’ representatives for electrical products specializing in commercial lighting with offices in Florida while concurrently serving as CEO of Plus Graphics, Inc. and architectural signing and design group with offices in Tampa and Orlando.

Marshall, a KAATSU user, helped re-organize the West Coast Georgia Tech Alumni Association as secretary and president and enjoyed golf and sailing.

Thank you very much for your service.

Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global

Thursday, October 1, 2020

Marin Lazic Podcast On KAATSU, The Original BFR

For who? Competitive athletes, water polo players, Navy SEALs, tactical athletes
For what? Strength, functional movement, recovery, longevity



A recent Marin Lazic Podcast featured Navy SEAL Captain John Doolittle talking about KAATSU the original BFR. Lazic and Doolittle discussed the benefits Of KAATSU including quick recovery, lean muscle, longevity, and increased endurance.

Listen to the Marin Lazic Podcast with Doolittle here.















Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global

Friday, September 25, 2020

Dr. Joseph Mercola On KAATSU, The Original BFR

For who? Biohackers, retirees, Baby Boomers
For what? Strength, functional movement, wellness, fitness, longevity



Dr. Joseph Mercola explains KAATSU the original BFR, "KAATSU involves performing strength training exercises while restricting blood flow to the extremity being worked on. This method is beneficial as it allows you to perform strength exercises using 30% to 50% of weight you'd normally use, while still reaping maximum benefits.

In a way, you're trading weight for repetitions, in that you're using less weight but doing more reps — up to 20 or 30 repetitions — as opposed to the 10 or 12 you might normally do.

This training method uses cuffs or bands, like elastic knee wraps, that are just tight enough to allow arterial blood flow, but not venous flow. This restriction causes lactic acid and other waste products to build up, giving you the same benefit as heavy lifting without the dangers associated with heavy weights.

Forcing blood to remain inside your muscles longer than normal by restricting venous flow also promotes more rapid muscle fatigue and muscle failure that prompts subsequent repair and regeneration processes.

A typical training session involves three sets, with repetitions ranging from 20 to 30 reps per set, while using half or less of the weight you'd normally use. Rest periods between sets are typically short, possibly lasting 30 seconds.

As a result, you end up doing upward of 90 repetitions of any given exercise. You would want to perform that many reps because you need to work the muscle long enough to create the "metabolic crisis" conditions described earlier. It is this metabolic stimulus that drives muscle adaptation and rapid growth.

When performing blood flow restriction exercises, avoid excessive restriction as this may lead to severe bruising and dizziness. If you band your arm or leg to the point that all blood flow is completely cut off while leaving it there for too long, it may lead to nerve and muscle damage. While such risks are said to be relatively low and simply uncomfortable, keep them in mind because they could lead to events that are the opposite of what you’re aiming for.

If your limb starts tingling or turns red, blue or purple, or you notice you're losing feeling in it or cannot detect your pulse, this means that your band is too tight, so loosen it up — or simply remove it and stop the exercise. Other side effects that may arise from wrongfully doing blood flow restriction training exercises, although rare, include rhabdomyolysis, a condition that can trigger kidney failure or cardiac arrhythmia due to the release of intercellular contents from damaged muscle
."

For more information, visit here.

Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global

Thursday, September 17, 2020

Berra On The Background And Benefits Of KAATSU, The Original BFR

For who? Competitive athletes
For what? Strength, functional movement, mobility

Yoga Berra is one of the greatest catchers in American baseball history and a popular Hall of Famer. He once said, "Baseball is 90% mental. The other half is physical."

Something similar can be said of KAATSU because KAATSU is a catalyst for many beneficial biochemical reactions that occur in the brain while enabling the physicality of the body (muscle, bones, ligaments, tendons) to improve.

Berra's granddaughter is Lindsay Berra, a former Major League Baseball reporter and ESPN Magazine writer who specializes in fitness.

She wrote about the background and benefits of KAATSU Fitness in the October 2020 issue of Men's Health Magazine (US edition see Blood Rush article here).

In her article, Berra writes about the origins of KAATSU the original BFR. "Yoshiaki Sato, Ph.D., M.D., a Japanese bodybuilder, sat in an hours-long Buddhist ceremony in the Seiza posture, thighs folded onto his calves. When he stood, he felt his calves throbbing. He theorized that this was due to restricted blood flow and spent the next 20 years working to re-create the feeling by wrapping his muscles with bike-tire tubes, ropes and judo belts (with uneven success)."

To be precise, Dr. Sato worked relentlessly and experimented constantly between 1966 and 1995, developing the KAATSU protocols Then in the mid-1990's, he began collaborating with Professor Ishii at the University of Tokyo, and then later with cardiologists Dr. Nakajima and Dr. Morita at the University of Tokyo Hospital.

Ultimately, Dr. Sato and his collaborators tested KAATSU on over 7,000 cardiac rehab patients, developing the safe protocols that are used today.

Berra continued, "Only when Dr. Sato attached pneumatic bands to a digital control system did he find he could consistently and safely restrict blood flow. He dubbed his machine the Kaatsu (Japanese for “additional pressure”), and it remains one of a handful of tools that deliver proper and precise pressure to restrict blood flow. These tools cost serious coin. (The Kaatsu runs $900, and the units used by NFL teams are as much as $5,000.) But that hasn’t stopped Mark Wahlberg, Lakes center Dwight Howard, and many others from turning to BFR for an edge."

The KAATSU equipment that she refers to is the KAATSU Cycle 2.0 device [shown above with 72-year-old Dr. Sato]. The device that costs more is the Delfi Portable Tournique System for Blood Flow Restriction.

"KAATSU and Delfi are very different systems," explains Steven Munatones, CEO of KAATSU Global. "When the wide bands of the Delfi unit are used, you can see how the device is a modified tourniquet that is designed to occlude blood flow.

In contrast, nothing about KAATSU is about restricting blood flow, especially arterial flow into your arms or legs. The narrow elastic, stretchable bands of the KAATSU equipment allows freedom of movement so athletes can throw balls, musicians can play instruments, businesspeople can type emails, and others can easily do everything from household chores to physical therapy.

With the wider tourniquet bands, the increased girth of the arms pushes hard against the unforgiving cuffs that serve to occlude arterial flow which is why a Doppler device is required. You do not want to occlude too much which is why the occlusion rate is always monitored. In contrast, when occlusion is not a part of the equation, like with KAATSU, this risk is eliminated. This was one of the outcomes of the decade-long study of KAATSU at the University of Tokyo Hospital by cardiologists
."

Berra described the benefits in her article, "The promise is enticing, and BFR’s mechanism is based in sound physiology.

Lifting heavy weights forces your muscles to contract so tightly that they briefly trap blood, causing the sought-after pump.

That natural blood flow restriction also causes lactic-acid build-up, triggering the release of muscle-building proteins and hormones, like HGH and insulin-like growth factor. BFR mimics the effect of heavy weights, causing the body to release the same proteins and hormones. When done properly, with a device that monitors the pressure in your arteries, it can increase muscular strength and growth, according to 2019 research published in Frontiers in Physiology.


Berra understands the need to be safe. She writes, "Message boards claim you can DIY bands and skip precise tracking, but experts disagree. At worst, you’ll tighten the bands too much, risking nerve and vascular damage. Leave them too loose and BFR won’t work, says Adam Anz, M.D. of the Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine in Gulf Breeze, Florida. To achieve the effects of BFR, you must completely compress your surface veins, he says, trapping that blood in your muscles. That’s difficult to do without equipment and constant monitoring."

"With KAATSU Fitness or KAATSU Therapy, however, you do not have to completely compress your surface veins - not even close," explains Munatones. "The arterial blood flow continues uninterrupted and the venous return is only slightly modified [see image below]."

"While occlusion training advocates recommend fully occluding blood flow, KAATSU Specialists would never do that.

And we work with people with all kinds of stages of health in several dozens of countries up to the age of 104
," says Munatones.

As Berra explains about antiaging, "BFR may help combat sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass.

According to a 2019 Sports Medicine review, older adults utilizing BFR achieved more muscle hypertrophy than those doing classic resistance training
."

That is certainly true, as described is this post about the oldest client of KAATSU Fitness, doing the original BFR:



Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global

Sunday, September 13, 2020

A Transformation With KAATSU, The Original BFR, From The Loss Of A Father And Husband

For who? Widows, widowers
For what? Parasympathetic nervous system, stress relief

"

"I am trying to remain steady in a world with so much chaos," said Tina Newman after one of her recent KAATSU sessions.


The 56-year-old Southern California native has been a popular aesthetician for nearly 30 years. Her studio is warm and inviting and she has worked very hard to establish her reputation.

For years, she juggled raising two children with her clinic and it was never easy.

But then she was hit with a double loss, made even more traumatic because they were unexpected. The two men in her life, her tennis-loving, retired orthodontist and father Dr. Ernie Follico, and her stoic, gentle musician husband who long served as a captain in the police force in the City of Newport Beach, both passed away.

She took it hard as they were both larger-than-life personalities with charisma that filled every room they entered. They took care of Tina and made her feel like a princess. She explains, "After the loss of my father and my husband, I had a tough time. I still am, but am getting better at dealing with the pain. , "When people see me at the store or around the neighborhood, they think that I lift weights and spend hours in the gym. But I just use my KAATSU bands with simple movements - sometimes without anything while I just move - or with balls and resistance bands.

The emotional pain was one thing to deal with, but I also faced excruitiating physical pain in my forearms. The pain nagged me constantly and the only thing that doctors recommended was to work less. But with the loss of my father and husband, I dove into my work even more.

But with KAATSU the original BFR, I do not feel the pain anymore. I don't know how to explain it, but the pain just went away
."


She does KAATSU twice per day.

Sometimes, all she does is relax after work and let her KAATSU Cycle 2.0 do all the mechanical work while lying or sitting down. "It is so relaxing," she says.

Other times, she will ride her bicycle with the KAATSU Cycle 2.0 unit rhythmically inflating and deflating her KAATSU Air Bands at gentle pressures. Other times, she will get on a bench in her garage and simply go through the motions of doing butterfly or backstroke. "I never expected to get these muscles in my back. I used to be self-conscious of my musculature. But now as I approach my 60's, I know it is healthy.

And what is best is that my skin is tightening up. I could not even imagine that benefit - but I will take it
," she laughed with a twinkle in her eye.

As a result of her new body and gradually brighter outlook on life, she described her new path going forward. "I am learning to love myself again, regain self confidence, and have a sense of calm. It has proven to be one of the hardest comebacks after the death of Ernie and Tim. I owe so much of this to KAATSU. I am able to deal with my PTSD (post traumatic stress syndrome)."

Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global

Thursday, September 10, 2020

KAATSU At Home With Laurel Kuzins

For who? Work-at-home employees, student-athletes, competitive athletes
For what? Functional movement, strength, flexibility, mobility

KAATSU At Home Workout on August 28th


Laurel Kuzins is a KAATSU Functional Mobility Specialist from Santa Monica, California who established KAATSU At Home workouts, aimed at Competitive Athletes (high school + collegiate + Olympian + professional + fitness + masters). She used the KAATSU Cycle 2.0 during the KAATSU At Home workouts.

KAATSU At Home Workout on August 31st


KAATSU At Home Workout on September 1st


KAATSU At Home Workout on September 2nd


KAATSU At Home Workout on September 3rd


KAATSU At Home Workout on September 4th


Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU, the Original BFR

KAATSU Fitness On The Go With David Tawil

For who? Road warriors, competitive athletes, executives, travelers
For what? Travel, jet lag, insomnia



KAATSU Master Specialist David Tawil travels frequently between Tokyo and Tel Aviv, teaching KAATSU to individuals, professional athletes and military personnel in Europe, North America, Israel and Japan.

Tawil demonstrates a few of the various ways how he integrates KAATSU the original BFR into his travel - for business or pleasure - by getting a full workout in his hotel room without any special equipment.

Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global

Sunday, August 30, 2020

KAATSU Isometrics: Benefits In Strength, Speed, Stamina

For who? Work-at-home employees, student-athletes, competitive athletes
For what? Speed, strength, stamina, isometric exercises



One of the most surprising places to realize the benefits of KAATSU is an economy-class seat in an airplane.

Similarly, the benefits of KAATSU the original BFR can be realized while you are sitting down to watch a movie.

In both cases, you can do isometric exercises by repeatedly pushing your arms against an immobile armrest or placing the palms of your hands and pushg against one other. These isometric exercises engage your muscles without movement and nearly eliminate any wear and tear on your joints.

There are many kinds of isometric exercises that you can do with KAATSU Air Bands on either your arms or your legs:

* sit down and extend your legs out and hold while contracting your muscle
* wall squats
* do a heel raise and hold
* stand up and lift one leg and hold
* do biceps curls and hold while contracting your muscle
* do triceps extension and hold while contracting your muscle
* grasping your hands together and pulling apart
* hold yoga poses
* planks
* chest press against a wall
* holding a push-up position
* lying down with your legs straight and your arms at your side while holding your head off the ground

Isometrics engages more muscle fibers than the movements with normal movement - and like KAATSU, can be done anywhere anytime while pushing or pulling against an immobile object or another body part. KAATSU augments the benefits while presenting fewer risks than traditional exercises with movement.

You can also work on a muscle from different angles and with different pressures or different degrees of tension. During isotonic and isokinetic movements, peak tension is only reached during a very small portion of the movement. But by holding a specific position under maximum tension, especially with KAATSU Air Bands on, the tension - and benefits - increase.

Additionally, and contrary to common thinking, isometrics can recruit the most fast-twitch muscle fibers during training. That is, you can get faster by not moving if your time under tension is maximized.

Additionally, isometric exercises can be effective at improving your cardiovascular fitness. During isometric exercises, the capillaries and veins (which hold 70% of your total blood volume in your body) are squeezed by the muscle fibers. This temporary and moderate stress forces your body to adapt and it responds by building more blood vessels and improving the elasticity in your blood vessels.

If you are waiting in a car and have your KAATSU equipment with you, throw on your KAATSU Air Bands on your arms or legs, and do some creative isometric exercises while just sitting. Build strength, speed and stamina with KAATSU isometrics.

Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global

Wednesday, August 26, 2020

KAATSU At Home With Laurel Kuzins

For who? Work-at-home employees, student-athletes, competitive athletes
For what? Functional movement, strength, flexibility, mobility

KAATSU At Home Workout on August 27th


Laurel Kuzins is a KAATSU Functional Mobility Specialist from Santa Monica, California who leads the daily KAATSU At Home workouts starting at 3 pm California time / 6 pm New York time Mondays through Fridays on Zoom or Instagram Live. These KAATSU workouts are aimed at Competitive Athletes (high school + collegiate + Olympian + professional + fitness + masters). She uses the KAATSU Cycle 2.0 during the KAATSU At Home workouts.

KAATSU At Home Workout on August 26th


KAATSU At Home Workout on August 25th


KAATSU At Home Workout on August 24th


Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU the Original BFR

Saturday, August 22, 2020

KAATSU At Home With Laurel Kuzins

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

KAATSU At Home Workout on August 20th


Laurel Kuzins is a KAATSU Functional Mobility Specialist from Santa Monica, California who leads the daily KAATSU At Home workouts starting at 3 pm California time / 6 pm New York time Mondays through Fridays on Zoom or Instagram Live. These KAATSU workouts are aimed at Competitive Athletes (high school + collegiate + Olympian + professional + fitness + masters). She uses the KAATSU Cycle 2.0 during the KAATSU At Home workouts.

KAATSU At Home Workout on August 19th


KAATSU At Home Workout on August 18th


KAATSU At Home Workout on August 17th


Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU the Original BFR

Tuesday, August 11, 2020

KAATSU At Home With Laurel Kuzins

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

KAATSU At Home Workout on August 14th


Laurel Kuzins is a KAATSU Functional Mobility Specialist from Santa Monica, California who leads the daily KAATSU At Home workouts starting at 3 pm California time / 6 pm New York time Mondays through Fridays on Zoom or Instagram Live. These KAATSU workouts are aimed at Competitive Athletes (high school + collegiate + Olympian + professional + fitness + masters). She uses the KAATSU Cycle 2.0 during the KAATSU At Home workouts.

KAATSU At Home Workout on August 13th


KAATSU At Home Workout on August 10th


Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU the Original BFR

Thursday, August 6, 2020

KAATSU At Home With Laurel Kuzins

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

KAATSU At Home Workout on August 3rd


Laurel Kuzins is a KAATSU Functional Mobility Specialist from Santa Monica, California who leads the daily KAATSU At Home workouts starting at 3 pm California time / 6 pm New York time Mondays through Fridays on Zoom or Instagram Live. These KAATSU workouts are aimed at Competitive Athletes (high school + collegiate + Olympian + professional + fitness + masters). She uses the KAATSU Cycle 2.0 during the KAATSU At Home workouts.

KAATSU At Home Workout on August 4th


Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global

Wednesday, July 29, 2020

KAATSU At Home With Laurel Kuzins

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

KAATSU At Home Workout on July 30th


Laurel Kuzins is a KAATSU Functional Mobility Specialist from Santa Monica, California who leads the daily KAATSU At Home workouts starting at 3 pm California time / 6 pm New York time Mondays through Fridays on Zoom or Instagram Live. These KAATSU workouts are aimed at Competitive Athletes (high school + collegiate + Olympian + professional + fitness + masters). She uses the KAATSU Cycle 2.0 during the KAATSU At Home workouts.

KAATSU At Home Workout on July 27th


KAATSU At Home Workout on July 28th


KAATSU At Home Workout on July 31st


Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU the Original BFR

Sunday, July 26, 2020

Great Leg Workout With KAATSU, The Original BFR

For who? Work-at-home employees, student-athletes, competitive athletes, ice hockey players, speed skaters
For what? Functional movement, strength, stamina, speed



For athletes who play football or fútbol, speed skate or row or cycle, generating powerful leg power and drive are common among elite athletes.

One example of how to do so is using KAATSU the original BFR with KAATSU Air Bands on the upper legs on a slide board. After a few or several sets of KAATSU Cycles, the KAATSU Cycle 2.0 can be detached from the bands and then used in various sets on the slide board - see above.

Another intense KAATSU program that Japanese Olympic speed skaters developed for speed and power was used by Hiroyasu Shimizu, a 1998 500m speed skating Olympic champion and 5-time world record holder from Japan. While only 162 cm in height (5'-3"), the power and size of his thighs are renowned.

He used the following 5 basic exercises with KAATSU Air Bands:


6 Types of Exercises:
1. Squats
2. Leg Curls
3. Leg Lunges
4. Calf Raises
5. Slide Board

Key Points:
* Focus on doing "non-lock exercises" where the knees are never fully extended and the muscles are constantly engaged with the KAATSU Air Bands on.
* Keep the rest period between sets and between exercises to 20 seconds maximum.
* Build the lactate levels to the highest levels possible.
* Do 3-4 sets of each exercise to failure (maximum effort).
* Failure on each set should be reached earlier and earlier (i.e., 24-40 repetitions on the first set in each exercise; >20 reps on second set; >10 reps in his third set; 1-2 reps on fourth set.

Details:
1. SQUATS
Do deep, quick non-lock squats until failure where the knees are kept at less than 90° throughout the 4 sets.

2. LEG CURLS
Do quickly paced leg curls until failure where the legs were kept at less than 90° throughout the 4 sets.

3. LEG LUNGES
Do deep walking leg lunges where athlete "walks" forward with (or without) a bar bell resting on the shoulders (or dumb bells in his hands).

4. CALF RAISES
Do 4 sets of calf raises with weights on the shoulders and toes in a starting position elevated above the heels (i.e., while standing on a small step or a step board) so the calves are worked.

5. SLIDE BOARD
Skate back and forth on a slide board in a deep squat, occasionally with weights resting on his shoulders.

Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Clinical Safety Of KAATSU, The Original BFR

For who? Cardiac rehabilitation patients, Baby Boomers, retirees
For what? Vascular elasticity, cardiac rehabilitation, recovery























Steven Munatones of KAATSU Global reported, "After reading the published paper, Clinical safety of blood flow-restricted training? A comprehensive review of altered muscle metaboreflex in cardiovascular disease during ischemic, I recall the decade-long research on KAATSU that a team of experienced cardiologists at the University of Tokyo Hospital conducted on over 7,000 cardiac rehab patients between 2004 and 2014.

If this decade-long study had not been successful, KAATSU the original BFR would have never been introduced outside of Japan. If the KAATSU protocols had caused any untoward issues with these older cardiac rehab patients, KAATSU Global would have never been established in the United States - or anywhere.

After 10 years of studying, testing and researching the passive use of KAATSU Cycles and documenting the applications and limitations of KAATSU equipment, it is very clear that BFR equipment and BFR protocols noted in the published literature are different
."

In the aforementioned paper, the authors note that "blood flow restriction training (BFRT) requires the inflation of a pneumatic pressure cuff or a tourniquet positioned proximal to the exercising muscle before, and during, the bout of exercise."

KAATSU Difference: KAATSU flexible, narrow pneumatic bands is neither a blood pressure cuff or tourniquet and were never designed or engineered to occlude blood flow. In fact, with the help of a Masimo MightySat Finger Pulse Oximeter, one can easily see how blood flow is never occluded with the KAATSU Air Bands.

"Low-intensity BFRT with resistance training promotes comparable increases in muscle mass and strength observed during high-intensity exercise without blood flow restriction. BFRT has expanded into the clinical research setting as a potential therapeutic approach to treat functionally impaired individuals, such as the elderly, and patients with orthopedic and cardiovascular disease/conditions."

KAATSU Difference: For cardiac rehab patients, only KAATSU Cycles are performed. While BFR refers to sustained constant pressure while trying to build muscle mass, KAATSU Cycles are repeated intermittent inflation and deflation of the bands without a focus on building muscle mass.

"BFRT is a method of exercise training that involves execution of low-intensity resistance exercise combined with blood flow restriction (LIBFR) provided by an inflatable cuff or a tourniquet placed proximal to the exercising muscle."

KAATSU Difference: With the KAATSU Cycle, the limbs do not have to move and exercise is not a requirement or even an expectation for cardiac rehab patients doing KAATSU.

"In general, the external cuff pressure applied is set relative to the arterial occlusion pressure (AOP; i.e., the pressure required to cease blood flow to a limb), which is sufficient to produce partial restriction of arterial inflow and full occlusion of venous outflow."

KAATSU Difference: The pressure of the KAATSU Air Bands are not related to or dependent upon the arterial occlusion pressure. Most definitely, the full occlusion of venous outflow and the partial restriction of arterial information are not neither the goals of KAATSU nor part of its applications and protocols.

"A large survey in Japan with BFRT [note: authors refer to KAATSU Specialists] instructors from 232 facilities did not verify any major event, such as cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infarct, or thrombosis in 120,000 subjects with a large variability of demographical and clinical characteristics (e.g., older adults and people with obesity, diabetes, cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases). Reported side effects were generally minor, including transient numbness or dizziness, subcutaneous hemorrhage, and itchiness."

KAATSU Difference: This survey of Japanese KAATSU Specialists is accurate ("Use and safety of KAATSU training: Results of a national survey"); however, none of the Japanese instructors had access to the currently available automated KAATSU Cycle function of the KAATSU Master 2.0, KAATSU Nano and KAATSU Cycle 2.0 units. The survey was conducted in Japan over 15 years ago before the current-generation equipment was developed. In 2014 as a result of the decade-long study, KAATSU Global only sells equipment with the automated KAATSU Cycle function.

In the case of transient numbness or dizziness, the KAATSU Air Bands should be immediately removed and the patients should be well hydrated before and only do the automated KAATSU Cycles. In the case of subcutaneous hemorrhage and itchiness, the KAATSU Air Bands should be removed and reapplied at a lower pressure. For these reasons and others, KAATSU tightness (pressure) is never a function of AOP.

"However, care should be taken with general assumptions about BFRT safety given the paucity of long-term prospective trials with clinical populations, and the possibility of some remaining adverse effects that are still largely overlooked in the literature."

KAATSU Difference: An important result of the 10-year study of 7,000 cardiac rehab patients in Japan was that KAATSU is not used on patients who have experienced acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, ventricular tachycardia or severe arrhythmia, serious case of cardiac insufficiency (NYHA class IV), serious aortic stenosis, acute pulmonary embolism or lung infarction, and acute myocarditis or pericarditis.

Questions? Contact KAATSU Global at info@kaatsu.com.

Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global

Tuesday, July 21, 2020

KAATSU The Original BFR At The 2020 Digital Running Show

For who? Runners, triathletes, competitive athletes
For what? Recovery, rehabilitation, strength, flexibility



KAATSU Global CEO & Co-founder Steven Munatones presented the KAATSU the original BFR and various KAATSU running applications at the 2020 Digital Running Show, an entirely virtual running convention (previously called the National Running Show).

Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global

KAATSU At Home With Laurel Kuzins Using The KAATSU Cycle 2.0

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

KAATSU At Home Workout on July 24th


Laurel Kuzins is a KAATSU Functional Mobility Specialist from Santa Monica, California who leads the daily KAATSU At Home workouts starting at 3 pm California time / 6 pm New York time Mondays through Fridays on Zoom or Instagram Live. These KAATSU workouts are aimed at Competitive Athletes (high school + collegiate + Olympian + professional + fitness + masters). She uses the KAATSU Cycle 2.0 during the KAATSU At Home workouts.

KAATSU At Home Workout on July 23rd


KAATSU At Home Workout on July 22nd


KAATSU At Home Workout on July 21st


KAATSU At Home Workout on July 20th


Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU the Original BFR

Tuesday, July 14, 2020

Jonty Skinner Talks About Skill Acquisition With KAATSU, The Original BFR

For who? Student-athletes, competitive athletes, Olympic athletes
For what? Functional movement, technique, KAATSU At Home



Jonty Skinner was inducted as a coach in the American Swimming Coaches Association Hall of Fame Class of 2017.

But the South African first made his name in the international sports world as the fastest sprinter in the world [see below].

He would have been one of the gold medal favorites in the 100m freestyle at the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games if his home country of South Africa were not banned due to its apartheid. Ineligible to compete in the Olympics, he had to showcase his speed in a shallow pool in Philadelphia.

He broke the world record - and was joyfully congratulated by his rivals, a tribute to his journey and obstacles that he overcame to become the fastest man in the water.

At the 1976 Olympics, his American rival Jim Montgomery won the 100m gold medal en route to becoming the first swimmer in history to break the 50-second barrier in the 100m freestyle with a 49.99. Twenty days later, Skinner set a new standard in 49.44 to set the world record.

Upon his retirement as the world's fastest sprinter, Skinner has long established another great legacy, this time in coaching.

He is a scientifically-minded, analytically-oriented coach whose career included an 8-year reign as USA Swimming’s Director of National Team Technical Support covering the 2000 Sydney, 2004 Athens, and 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. In this position, Skinner was charged with organizing all of the testing, monitoring, and analysis of national team swimmers.

He also coached three separate times in Tuscaloosa at the University of Alabama (1978-1981; 1988-1994, 2012-2019) in one of the swimming world's most prestigious swimming programs.

As Skinner is described by Floswimming, "He continues to apply his analytical mind towards using cutting-edge scientific methods on his swimmers. In a sport where races are won and lost by hundredths of seconds, Skinner is always searching for new and creative ways to get his swimmers to move faster through the water."

Watch his use of KAATSU, the original BFR, here, produced by Floswimming. Skinner also shared his more recent thoughts about KAATSU the original BFR and how athletes can accelerate their skill acquisition in the video above.



Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global

KAATSU At Home With Laurel Kuzins Using The KAATSU Cycle 2.0

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

KAATSU At Home Workout on July 17th


Laurel Kuzins is a KAATSU Functional Mobility Specialist from Santa Monica, California who leads the daily KAATSU At Home workouts starting at 3 pm California time / 6 pm New York time Mondays through Fridays on Zoom or Instagram Live. These KAATSU workouts are aimed at Competitive Athletes (high school + collegiate + Olympian + professional + fitness + masters). She uses the KAATSU Cycle 2.0 during the KAATSU At Home workouts.

KAATSU At Home Workout on July 15th


KAATSU At Home Workout on July 14th


KAATSU At Home Workout on July 13th


Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU the Original BFR

Wednesday, July 8, 2020

KAATSU Cycling To Help Recover From High Lactate Levels

For who? Swimmers, student-athletes, competitive athletes, triathletes
For what? Recovery, stength, coordination, strength, flexibility, mobility, KAATSU Aqua







































Robert Griswold is an American Paralympic swimmer (a medalist) who has cerebral palsy. He is an experienced KAATSU user and does KAATSU Cycles before and after his races as part of his pre-race warm-up and post-race cool-down. He also uses KAATSU Aqua in his workouts.

Griswold’s Anaerobic output (pain tolerance) is extremely high; he averages 16.4 mmol/L after his 100-meter backstroke races and 17.9 mmol/L after his 200-meter individual medley. Those are his two signature races that he should win in next year’s Paralympic Games.

Those lactate levels are rarely reached even by other world-class athletes.

Griswold’s highest recorded post-race lactate level is 21.9 mmol/L, measured after his 200-meter individual medley race in Mexico City performed at high altitude. He had to be carried off the pool deck by the medical staff. They told Griswold that if anyone else on the American team reached those levels that they would have to take them to the hospital.

After Griswold’s races, he swims about 1500 meters in the warm down pool (taking over 24 minutes to cool down to a 2.0 mmol/L level which is deemed to be normal.

But by doing KAATSU Cycles (repeated and intermittent pressure on and pressure off of the KAATSU Air Bands, Griswold only swims 400 meters and saves significant time to get his lactate level down to 2.0 mmol/L.

He reports about the original form of BFR, “KAATSU saves me 20 minutes per race warm down and I felt a lot better. This is important because I had the 100m backstroke and the 200m individual medley A finals only 10 minutes apart in Berlin earlier this year. I did KAATSU Cycles between the races and this was the only reason that I was able to get on the starting blocks for the second race. I was at 18.8 mmol/L after the 200m individual medley.”

Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global

KAATSU At Home With Laurel Kuzins Using The KAATSU Cycle 2.0

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

KAATSU At Home Workout on July 7th


Laurel Kuzins is a KAATSU Functional Mobility Specialist from Santa Monica, California who leads the daily KAATSU At Home workouts starting at 3 pm California time / 6 pm New York time Mondays through Fridays on Zoom or Instagram Live. These KAATSU workouts are aimed at Competitive Athletes (high school + collegiate + Olympian + professional + fitness + masters). She uses the KAATSU Cycle 2.0 during the KAATSU At Home workouts.

KAATSU At Home Workout on July 10th


KAATSU At Home Workout on July 9th, part 1


KAATSU At Home Workout on July 9th, part 2


KAATSU At Home Workout on July 8th


KAATSU At Home Workout on July 6th


KAATSU At Home Workout on July 1st


KAATSU At Home Workout on June 30th


Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU the Original BFR