Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Rocking And Recovery With Robert, Heading To The Tokyo Paralympics

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

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

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

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







































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

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

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

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

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

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

Copyright © 2014 - 2021 by KAATSU Global

Monday, May 17, 2021

Improving Sleep Quality With The KAATSU Cycle

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



Copyright © 2014 - 2021 by KAATSU Global

Sunday, May 9, 2021

Conservative, Gradual, Progressive KAATSU Cycles Are Key

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Copyright © 2014 - 2021 by KAATSU Global

Laura Wilkinson Flying Gracefully Through The Air

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Copyright © 2014 - 2021 by KAATSU Global

KAATSU While Quarantined In A Hotel Room

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



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

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









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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Core & Lower Back #9 Exercise
1. KAATSU Aqua Sit-ups are used by competitive aquatic athletes with a Bosu Ball in a pool.
2. Start horizontal in the water while grabbing onto a Bosu Ball; then climb on top of the Bosu Ball. Do 3 sets to failure.

KAATSU Master Specialist Cory Keirn DPT explains how and where KAATSU can be used...anywhere anytime, including in your car while waiting for your children. You can do the same while quarantined in your hotel room or other location:



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

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

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



Copyright © 2014 - 2021 by KAATSU Global

Thursday, May 6, 2021

KAATSU Recommendations for an Olympic Athlete

For who? Competitive (collegiate, professional, Olympic) athletes
For what? rehabilitation, quality sleep, recovery, jet lag

KAATSU Global often provides customized guidance to people, biohackers, and athletes of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. But what if an individual is an extraordinary athlete of uncommon abilities?

Ryan Lochte is one such individual. A 12-time Olympic medalist, multiple world record holder, 7-time NCAA champion, and history's most competitive rival to the Olympic's most decorated athlete (Michael Phelps), Lochte is renowned for his conditioning workouts in the water and strength training on dryland.

At the age of 36, his body needs more recovery than ever before if he will make his fifth consecutive United States Olympic team. The lactate build-up that he creates in the water and in the gym is off the charts. His strength coach and his swim coach push him like they can with few others. As Sports Illustrated Magazine reported, "Lochte's legendary tolerance for physical pain has reached its limit."

Given his innate physiology and inner drive, Chris Morgan would recommend the following:

1. Use the KAATSU C3 device with KAATSU Air Bands for his arms and legs.
2. Do at least 3 KAATSU sessions per day, spaced appropriately:

* in the morning between the time he wakes up and the time he leaves for morning practice
* after his morning swim workouts or dryland workouts
* within 60 minutes of his planned bedtime.
3. Each KAATSU session should begin with his arms and then end with his legs.
4. Each KAATSU session should incorporate at least 3 KAATSU Cycle sets on his arms and legs, but ideally up to 6 sets if he has time.
5. Each KAATSU Cycle should be progressive, starting at the lowest settings and moving gradually to the higher pressure settings.

"The advice is proven and is remarkably simple," explains Morgan, a 2008 Olympic swim coach whose team of accomplished high school swimmers uses KAATSU daily. "Ryan needs to augment his recovery regimen as much as he is focused on his work output, whether it is in the pool and gym. With the repeated KAATSU Cycles, the vascular tissue of his arms and legs will become more elastic. This will enable Ryan to experience the most effective and efficient metabolic flush that he would ever feel.

That allow will not only make him feel psychologically better and recover faster, but it will also help him maintain his speed in the second half of his races - which Olympic positions and Olympic medals are really on the line. If he wants to become the oldest male swimmer in U.S. history, he needs every advantage possible and leave no stone unturned.

Like renowned swim coach and Olympic medalist Sergio Lopez of Virginia Tech experienced with his own son, Ryan can experience another gear that he may not know he innately has
."

Copyright © 2014 - 2021 by KAATSU Global

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Copyright © 2014 - 2021 by KAATSU Global

Saturday, April 17, 2021

Antonio Argüelles' Sleep Quality Improvements With KAATSU Cycles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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




Copyright © 2014 - 2021 by KAATSU Global

Friday, April 16, 2021

B Strong On The Road

For who? Businesspeople, executives, competitive athletes, Baby Boomers, retirees, travelers
For what? Functional movement, strength, muscle tone, stress relief, jet lag, insomnia



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

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

But is everyone that motivated, driven, and focused?

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

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

That is where KAATSU comes into play. KAATSU is simple, easy, convenient, and can be done anywhere anytime.

There are so many applications. For example, check into a hotel and simply unpack with your KAATSU Air Bands on - you will feel the pump and see improved muscle tone.

Relax after a day of hard work on the road - with your feet kicked up and your KAATSU Air Bands on your legs.

The KAATSU Cycle presents a new paradigm for the overstressed and overly busy road warriors and for salespeople with hectic, chaotic lives sandwiched between their airports and business meetings. The same goes for people who are traveling for recreation and leisure.

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

Not everyone has the luxury of time and opportunity to workout like Wahlberg.

In that case, KAATSU is the answer.

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

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

Copyright © 2014 - 2021 by KAATSU Global

Thursday, April 15, 2021

B Strong with KAATSU

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


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

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

But is everyone that motivated, driven, and focused?

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

In that case, KAATSU is the answer.

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

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

Copyright © 2014 - 2021 by KAATSU Global

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Copyright © 2014 - 2021 by KAATSU Global

Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Navy SEAL John Doolittle Talks On The Kill The Quit Podcast

John Doolittle [shown on the far right in the photo on the right] was a NCAA Division I competitive swimmer (breaststroker) coached by an Olympic gold medalist, a United States Air Force Academy graduate, and a Navy SEAL with a 25-year military career who swam across the English Channel to raise money for the Navy SEAL Foundation and fallen SEAL Neil Roberts.

Doolittle humbly and openly talks about his experiences, challenges and obstacles with Kill Cliff podcast host Mark Zinno on this episode of the Kill The Quit podcast.

Listen to Doolittle's 54-minute Kill The Quit podcast with Zinno here.

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Copyright © 2014 - 2021 by KAATSU Global

Friday, April 2, 2021

KAATSUfit App - Learn More, Do More, Experience More

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information, visit here.

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

Copyright © 2014 - 2021 by KAATSU Global

Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Enjoying the Outdoors with KAATSU the Original BFR

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



BFR trainers, coaches, users and advocates are often shown working hard sweating in a gym, lifting weights, and pushing iron. They work hard in order to build muscle. That is also entirely possible with KAATSU the Original BFR - but is not necessary.

KAATSU equipment can lead to all the physiological benefits of BFR (Blood Flow Restriction), but you can also have fun and enjoy the outdoors too. Or, simply watch a TV show or do homework or housework with your KAATSU Air Bands and equipment. Especially with the new KAATSU C3, the third-generation BFR product from KAATSU Global.

Use a Hula Hoop, play Frisbee, thrown a baseball, throw football, kick a soccer ball, play pickleball or beach volleyball. Hike or take your dog on a walk.

Copyright © 2014 - 2021 by KAATSU Global

Friday, March 26, 2021

Quarantined? Do KAATSU At Home - Lower Back Exercises

For who? Baby Boomers, retirees, competitive athletes, runners, work-at-home employees, study-at-home students
For what? Strength, stamina, functional movement, mobility, flexibility, warm-up, recovery, KAATSU Cycle



All the exercises and movements above are performed regularly by Tina Newman, a 56-year-old aesthetician from Costa Mesa, California. She uses the KAATSU Cycle 2.0 model and her KAATSU Air Bands, set usually on the lowest possible SKU pressure to help strengthen her lower back.

Copyright © 2014 - 2021 by KAATSU Global

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Waist Workouts With KAATSU

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

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

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

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

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

1. Sit-ups

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


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

2. Side Bends

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

3. Trunk Twists

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

Key Point

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








































































































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Copyright © 2014 - 2021 by KAATSU Global

Tuesday, March 23, 2021

Halli Balli, Silk Aerialist - Hula Hooper - Fire Dancer, With KAATSU

For who? Competitive athletes, acrobats, dancers, extreme athletes, climbers, martial artists
For what? Strength, functional movement, mobility, flexibility, warm-up, recovery



Halli Balli is an aerialist and fire dancer who grew up in Hawaii and is currently working in Colorado. She worked out with her pink KAATSU Air Bands and the KAATSU Cycle and KAATSU Constant modes on the original KAATSU Nano device.

Her creativity, passion and energy is showcased in her visual entertainment productions - and her KAATSU workouts with her pink KAATSU Air Bands were absolutely grueling.

For more information on Balli, visit RAW Artists, an international, independent arts organization in 70 cities worldwide focused on aiding independent artists - like Balli - in their creative careers.

Copyright © 2014 - 2021 by KAATSU Global

Quarantined? Do KAATSU At Home - Lower Body Exercises

For who? Baby Boomers, older individuals, retirees, competitive athletes, runners, ice hockey players, soccer players, dancers, stay-at-home employees
For what? Strength, stamina, functional movement, mobility, flexibility, warm-up, recovery, KAATSU Cycle



All the exercises and movements above are performed regularly by Tina Newman, a 56-year-old aesthetician from Costa Mesa, California. She uses the KAATSU Cycle 2.0 model and her KAATSU Air Bands, set usually on the lowest possible SKU pressure.

Copyright © 2014 - 2021 by KAATSU Global

Michael + KAATSU: Recover Faster, Rehab Stronger, Perform Better

For who? Swimmers, water polo players, divers, stand-up paddlers, kayakers, triathletes
For what? Strength, stamina, functional movement, mobility, flexibility, warm-up, recovery, KAATSU Cycle, KAATSU Aqua

Michael Andrew has been living the American dream for a number of years already.

Now in this postponed Tokyo Olympic year, one of the most visible and popular swimmers on the planet, is on the verge of living his Olympic dream.

Michael and his family, coach-father Peter, mother-manager Tina, and younger sister Michaela have road tripped to swim meets across the country - and now they often travel internationally as the 21-year-old Michael has developed into one of the fastest swimmers on the planet.

Michael, a 2016 world champion and 2018 Pan Pacific champion, specializes in the 200m individual medley, 100m breaststroke and 50m freestyle. He is renowned for his innovative training methods and currently serves as the vice-captain for the New York Breakers in the International Swimming League.

Michael and Peter have spent years identifying, testing, and using the most innovative and convenient modalities to train effectively and recover efficiently. Their aim has been to utilize an array of cutting-edge technologies that enable Michael to constantly improve - which he has achieved.

One of the technologies that Michael has used for the last few years is KAATSU and KAATSU Aqua, both in the pool for speed and strength and on dryland for recovery, especially before and after his grueling training sessions and during competitions. Michael originally used the KAATSU Nano and KAATSU Cycle 2.0, but now uses the KAATSU C3, portable, handheld devices that are conveniently used at home, in the pool, at the gym, on an airplane, and in hotel rooms during his away meets and travel.

Steven Munatones, a former USA Swimming national team coach, explains, "Michael uses KAATSU and KAATSU Aqua similarly to applications used by Navy SEALs, professional athletes in the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS, and Olympians from track & field to rugby. KAATSU can be used to build strength, improve stamina, increase speed, and range of motion. But its most convenient application is, frankly, recovery after intense workouts and between races during multi-day competitions - like the Olympics will be [see here and here].

KAATSU and KAATSU Aqua works because it naturally increases the elasticity of the vascular tissue throughout our bodies with a significant release of hormones and metabolites. Capillaries and veins are ubiquitous throughout our bodies. If these capillaries and veins were laid end-to-end, the collective length would circle the globe more than two times.

With KAATSU equipment, our capillaries and veins are naturally made more elastic and resilient. Even slight movement of our limb is a catalyst for a hormonal response. So, for example, just sitting down in the bleachers and playing on your phone with the KAATSU bands is sufficient to help efficiently remove lactate after a race. This is what Michael has discovered – the same thing that other professional and tactical athletes have long known.


One example of his innovative use of KAATSU was when Michael had three big swims in 47 minutes at the FINA World Junior Championships [see here]. There was not enough time to do a normal warm-down, go to the awards ceremony, and return to the blocks with that kind of schedule. So his recovery relied on his handy KAATSU equipment.

Michael was the first world-class athlete – anywhere – to use the new KAATSU C3, the third generation KAATSU equipment that will be released in April. This device was developed with input from Navy SEALs and Olympic athletes. The KAATSU C3 includes customizable functions that are well-suited and invaluable to give athletes that competitive edge
.”

Prior to the Tokyo Olympics, Michael will also be the first in the world to use the KAATSU B1, a next-generation device that not only works with the KAATSUfit app on smartphones, but also incorporates the functions of the Masimo MightySATTM Finger Pulse Oximeter [see here], another leading technology that Michael utilizes.

KAATSU was invented in Japan in 1966 and is the world’s leading automated BFR system for exercise, rehabilitation, and recovery. The patented pneumatic bands and algorithms improve blood circulation in the arms and legs which results in a natural cascade of physiological effects and significant hormonal release. The proprietary technology is supported by decades of research at top academic institutions from the University of Tokyo Hospital to Harvard Medical School as well as hundreds of peer-reviewed published studies.

Michael has used the original KAATSU Master, KAATSU Nano, and KAATSU Cycle 2.0 to date. The pneumatic KAATSU Bands are interchangeably used with any of the KAATSU devices.

He will start using the KAATSU C3 in April and the KAATSU B1 later in July, with KAATSU AI later. Other swimmers can learn about and tap into the same technology and protocols by visiting www.kaatsu.com or downloading the KAATSUfit app on iOS and Android.

Use discount code SWIMMERMICHAEL for US$50 off on the KAATSU C3 and KAATSU B1 products - good until July 23th, the Tokyo Olympics Opening Ceremonies.

Learn more about KAATSU and purchase here with US$50 discount code SWIMMERMICHAEL.

For more information on Michael, visit @swimmermichael and www.swimmermichael.com. For more information on KAATSU, visit www.kaatsu.com.





To support Andrew's focus on the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games and beyond, use SWIMMERMICHAEL code to purchase KAATSU equipment at www.kaatsuglobal.com.

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