When you do not have access to a weight room or fitness gym, but you have your KAATSU Air Bands and controller (C3, C4, B1, B2), you can do a number of different exercises on dryland or in the water (in addition to standard exercises such a push-ups, planks, and other ab work):
Squats
Reverse Lunges
Sumo Heel Raises
Arm Toning
Shoulder Rotation
Upper Body Stretch
3-Point Exercises on Arms: Hand Clenches + Bicep Curls + Tricep Extensions
Forearms and Shoulders
Triceps and Shoulders
Core
Core and Shoulders
Core and Legs
Explosive Speed
Stamina and Leg Strength
Upper Body Strength
Stamina and Strength
© 2024 by KAATSU Global
Thursday, June 20, 2024
Monday, May 20, 2024
Day Two with Ross Edgley in Mallorca: Another 50 km Planned After A Sleepless Night
But like a trooper he is, Edgley showed up at 6:00 am and Day Two of his 7-day challenge began again.
After Olympic champion Maarten van der Weijden swam in the next lane and cheered Edgley from the pool deck, more and more locals and team members are joining in to support him in multiple ways.
Photos above courtesy of Elle Jenkins.
Copyright © 2024 by KAATSU Global
Day One with Ross Edgley in Mallorca: A Most Enjoyable 50,000 Meters Swum
As Ross Edgley figured this week at the Best Centre Sports complex in Colonia Sant Jordi on the most southern tip of Mallorca, why not make an attempt to break Chrysikopoulos’ existing 358.2 km record? If not now, then when? If not Ross, then who?
Steven Munatones commented, “Ross makes things so much fun. The smiles never seemed to stop, even though swimming 50,000 meters is tough. He never stopped thanking everyone for handing him water bottles or mixing his drinks or handing him food or spraying sunscreen on his back. Off the top of my head, I was trying to think of a Guinness World Record that is, frankly, more mentally taxing. At least in an open water environment, things can change all the time.
But this is swimming back and forth in a pool – all the time staring at a black line and breathing to the side – for hours and hours all morning, all afternoon, all evening long, day after day. It requires such a tremendous amount of self discipline.“
His observer team is documenting his swim by counting each lap and documenting every 100-meter split time.
Copyright © 2024 by KAATSU Global
Monday, April 22, 2024
Healing from Broken Ribs - Rapid Bone Formation with KAATSU Cycle Sets
Chris Morgan competed in a Tough Mudder race in 2012. The 12-mile endurance event through the mud, hills, and a variety of obstacles in New Hampshire tested his spirit.He enjoyed the challenge - until he smashed into rocks on the log hurdle obstacle.
"I knew immediately that I broke my ribs
I immediately was bummed, but I also knew that a bone break could heal faster - much faster - by doing KAATSU Cycle sets. Basically, a bone is an aggregation of cells that are in a perpetual metabolic cycle of breakdown and rebuilding. I also knew that the more strongly a muscle is exercised, the stronger our bones become.
So I started doing a series of KAATSU Cycle sets morning, afternoon, and evening.
It was so efficient. I hurt to move, but it did not hurt to do KAATSU Cycles on my arms and on my legs.
At the time, I was learning KAATSU from an experienced KAATSU Specialist from Japan who worked side-by-side with Dr. Sato. He encouraged me to do repeated KAATSU Cycle sets. At the time, it was a stretch of imagination to think that the repeated compression and decompression phases of the KAATSU AirBands would actually lead to an increase in bone alkali phosphatase (BAP) levels and a concurrent suppression of bone resorption (destruction of bone via lowering of N-telopeptide of type I collagen).
I knew that osteoblasts are involved in bone formation - and that these are regulatd by hormones and cytokines. Essentially, the bone remodeling encourages proliferation of the osteoclasts - and the calcitonin serves to suppress bone resorption.
In this way, KAATSU enhanced my body's ability to turnover old bone by replacing it with new. The new bone formation is also enhanced by KAATSU's production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) which, in turn, induces blood vessel formation in the bone.
By doing repeated KAATSU Cycles, I literally felt much better, much more quickly than I had felt years before in my previous rib injury.
This was confirmed when I visited the Harvard University Athletic Department and got my ribs x-rayed again. The technician said to me, 'It seems that you broke your ribs some years ago. I can see remnants of an old rib break.'
I smiled and told him, 'No, that injury just occurred 6 days ago.'"
© 2024 by KAATSU Global
Thursday, April 4, 2024
Improving Speed With KAATSU Equipment and Protocols
But the fundamentals of building speed with KAATSU equipment are based on the following protocols:
*Warm-up using the Progressive KAATSU Cycle mode on your arms, starting in the Low Pressure setting and gradually increasing to higher pressure settings.
*Continue your warm-up using the Progressive KAATSU Cycle mode on your legs, starting in the Low Pressure setting and gradually increasing to higher pressure settings.
*At the higher pressures, replicate your desired movements or drills at your optimal speeds. First with the KAATSU AirBands on your arms, and then on your legs. These movements can include track starts for runners, agility drills for football players, running or skating backwards on defense in basketball or ice hockey, swinging a golf club, tennis racquet, baseball bat or cricket bat, spinning quickly in cycling, throwing a baseball or water polo ball, sprinting on a track, exploding upwards for a rebound or dunk, shooting a quick jump shot, moving laterally or backwards on a tennis court, reacting on a volleyball court, or diving off a swimming start block.
*With the KAATSU AirBands from your arms, replicate your movements or drills at speeds at which you wish to compete (or achieve) until you reach technical failure. These movements or drills can be done in the KAATSU Constant mode. That is, when your technique starts to falter or decrease from optimal, then stop and remove the KAATSU AirBands from your arms.
*With the KAATSU AirBands from your legs, replicate your movements or drills at speeds at which you wish to compete (or achieve) until you reach technical failure. These movements or drills can be done in the KAATSU Constant mode. That is, when your technique starts to falter or decrease from optimal, then stop and remove the KAATSU AirBands from your legs.
*Relax a bit, hydrate, and then refocus on your next set of movements or drills. You can rest a little here because your hormonal response will peak somewhere around 12 minutes after you remove the AirBands from your limbs.
*You wish to focus on your speed as your hormones are optimized.
*Without the KAATSU AirBands on your limbs, replicate the same movements or drills. The movements or drills should initially feel easier. You may feel lighter and faster. Even without your KAATSU AirBands on, you will experience the hormonal effects and increased vascular elasticity of KAATSU. This is an ideal time to focus on building speed as well as agility and balance when moving quickly.
© 2014 - 2024 by KAATSU Global
Monday, February 12, 2024
How Much Pressure Should I Use With KAATSU?
Many users assume that the higher SKU pressures are used, the more benefits they will garner.
However, the key points are as follows:
* focus on using your KAATSU equipment frequently (i.e., daily or twice daily) rather than maximizing the upper limits of your pressure.
* always start in the Low Pressure setting, no matter what your experience or level of fitness or strength are. The reason why is because KAATSU focuses on strengthening your vascular tissue (i.e., making the vascular walls of your arteries, veins, and capillaries more elastic). This is the catalyst to a variety of downstream benefits (e.g., increased muscular tone, improved strength, generation of a robust hormonal response).
* even in the Low Pressure setting, if you see the color of the palms of your hands or feet or calves in your legs become pink or rosy or red, then KAATSU "is working". If you see a pink or rosy or a red tone in your skin, then the capillaries and veins are being engorged in blood - which is serving as the catalyst for a hormonal response. These are the specific goals of KAATSU.
* Even though, over time, you can increase the pressure setting from Low Pressure to Medium Pressure, and from Medium Pressure to High Pressure. However, always start your first KAATSU Cycle set in the Low Pressure setting - and then move upwards from there.
* If you have manually placed your bands on with a 2- or 3-finger tightness, then it is more important to increase to a 1- or 2-finger tightness rather than increase the SKU pressure. Once you are on a 1-finger tightness, then you can proceed to increasing the SKU pressure levels.
Moving from Low Pressure to Medium Pressure
How do you know when to move from a Low Pressure setting to a Medium Pressure setting? There is a specific protocol that you can follow:
* After at least one KAATSU Cycle set in the Low Pressure setting, reset the SKU pressure setting to Medium. Allow the Cycle set to proceed through its 8 steps in the Medium Pressure setting. Throughout this set, check your Capillary Refill Time (CRT) by firmly pressing your thumb or your forefinger into the base of your palm of your hand or into your calf. Then release. The CRT is the amount of time in seconds where your blanched (white) skin returns to your normal skin color. [Note: For darker complexion individuals, the CRT can be checked on the fingernails or toenails or soles of the feet as necessary.]
* If your normal skin color returns on your palm after 1 second (as in "...one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two..."), then your upper body and vascular system is ready to handle the Medium Pressure setting. In contrast, if your normal skin color does NOT return on your palm after 1 second (as in "...one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two..."), then your body and vascular system is NOT ready to handle the Medium Pressure setting yet. In this case, return to the Low Pressure setting.
* If your normal skin color returns on your calf or top of foot after 2 seconds (as in "...one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two, one-thousand-three..."), then your lower body and vascular system is ready to handle the Medium Pressure setting. In contrast, if your normal skin color does NOT return on your calf or top of foot after 2 seconds (as in "...one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two, one-thousand-three..."), then your lower body and vascular system is NOT ready to handle the Medium Pressure setting yet. In this case, return to the Low Pressure setting.
Note: you may be able to increase your arm pressure from Low to Medium Pressure, but your leg pressure may have to stay at Low Pressure - or vice versa - for a period of time.
Moving from Medium Pressure to High Pressure
The protocol for moving from Medium Pressure to High Pressure is the same as above:
* After at least one KAATSU Cycle set in the Medium Pressure setting, reset the SKU pressure setting to High. Allow the Cycle set to proceed through its 8 steps in the High Pressure setting. Throughout this set, check your Capillary Refill Time (CRT) by firmly pressing your thumb or your forefinger into the base of your palm of your hand or into your calf. Then release.
* If your normal skin color returns on your palm after 1 second (as in "...one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two..."), then your upper body and vascular system is ready to handle the High Pressure setting. In contrast, if your normal skin color does NOT return on your palm after 1 second (as in "...one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two..."), then your upper body and vascular system is NOT ready to handle the High Pressure setting yet. In this case, return to the Medium Pressure setting.
* If your normal skin color returns on your calf or top of foot after 2 seconds (as in "...one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two, one-thousand-three..."), then your lower body and vascular system is ready to handle the High Pressure setting. In contrast, if your normal skin color does NOT return on your calf or top of foot after 2 seconds (as in "...one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two, one-thousand-three..."), then your lower body and vascular system is NOT ready to handle the High Pressure setting yet. In this case, return to the Low Pressure setting.
Background
* Keep in mind that the purpose of your KAATSU equipment is to modify (slow down) your venous return while allowing your arterial flow to continue unimpeded. This is the reason why (1) the internal air bladder is oval shaped, (2) the KAATSU Cycle mode only compresses for 30 seconds, and the (3) capillary beds become engorged in blood.
* Below are photos of a 56-year-old woman who is a regular KAATSU user. She has one KAATSU band on one side, but not the other arm. There is a very clear differentiation in color and her vascular perfusion.
How Long Should I Use KAATSU?
The answer is, of course, it depends on the following:
* the amount of experience that you have with KAATSU. That is, if you are a new user, it is best to start off with only 1-2 KAATSU Cycle sets and never use the KAATSU Constant mode. Then, gradually, you can increase the number of KAATSU Cycle sets that you do to a maximum of 6 Cycle sets in a row.
* the intensity of exercise or movements that you do with your KAATSU equipment. That is, if you are sitting and relaxed, you can do more KAATSU Cycle sets, compared to it you are doing intense strength-training exercises, running, or cycling with KAATSU equipment on.
* the amount of SKU pressure that you use with your KAATSU equipment. That is, if you use a Low Pressure setting, you can do longer sessions (i.e., a greater number of KAATSU Cycle sets) compared to if you use a High Pressure setting.
Fundamentally, KAATSU usage should be gentle and gradual, focusing on the KAATSU Cycle mode - although some users want to really push themselves and do intense, vigorous exercises in the KAATSU Constant mode where their lactate levels and their rate of perceived exertion are maximized.
The KAATSU equipment (KAATSU C3, KAATSU C4, KAATSU B2) are designed to allow up to 6 consecutive KAATSU Cycle sets. This is roughly 40-50 minutes worth of KAATSU with intermittent breaks between each KAATSU Cycle set. When you are ready, these 6 sets can be done on both your arms, and then on your legs. This total duration, therefore, would be between 1 hour 20 minutes and 1 hour 50 minutes - which is most definitely on the upper limits of KAATSU duration.
However, there are some users who want to do more than this. In these extreme cases, we strongly recommend that users limit their KAATSU Cycle sets to 6 at one time on their arms and on their legs. Then, take a break of several hours and these extreme users can repeat their 6 arm sets and 6 leg sets. In other words, they can do a morning KAATSU session and then follow-up with a second KAATSU session in the late afternoon or evening session.
But, most importantly, the key recommendation is to do KAATSU daily (or frequently) rather than doing very long (1 hour 30+ minute) sessions only 2-3 times per week.
Wednesday, January 3, 2024
Using KAATSU In Preparing For The NFL Combine
Football players with dreams of playing in the NFL are expected to perform well at the fame NFL Combine held in Indianapolis, Indiana between February 26th - March 4th 2024.
The players undergo physical, skill, psychology and medical testing. The skill tests consist of football drills designed for each position while the physical tests include:
* a 40-yard dash
* physical measurements
* bench press
* vertical jump
* broad jump
* 20-yard shuttle
* three-cone drill
* 60-yard shuttle
How can KAATSU equipment be optimally used to prepare for the NFL Combine?
Recovery and Warm-up
First and foremost, KAATSU equipment (including the KAATSU Cycle 2.0, KAATSU C3, KAATSU C4, KAATSU B1, and KAATSU B2 models) should be used frequently as a recovery and warm-up tool.
Using the Progressive KAATSU Cycle mode, both before and after each workout and each skill test and physical test would enhance performance, not only physically, but also cognitively and as a means to reduce stress.
Before and after the leg-dominant 40-yard dash, vertical jump, broad jump, 20-yard shuttle, three-cone drill, and 60-yard shuttle, it is recommended to use the KAATSU AirBands on the legs. Before and after the bench press, it is recommended to use the KAATSU AirBands on the arm.
Before Each Test
Before each test, the Progressive KAATSU Cycle mode will help gently and incrementally engorge the vascular tissue in blood. This helps prepare the athlete vascularly and muscularly for optimal performance. The SKU (Standard KAATSU Unit) does not have to be in the High Pressure setting; it can start off Low or Medium.
The AirBands should be removed from either the arms or legs at least 15 minutes before each performance. This will allow optimal time for adrenalin and testosterone and HGH to be secreted and utilized by the body.
Similarly, when an athlete is training for the NFL Combine, he can test what specific SKU pressures and duration that best suits him. He and his coach may find that the legs may need a higher SKU pressure than his arms (or vice versa) or a longer duration (i.e., additional time under tension) or vice versa. Each athlete can customize his SKU pressures and duration for his arms and his legs, and each specific skills and physical tests.
After Each Test
After each test or workout, the Progressive KAATSU Cycle mode will help gently and incrementally dissipate the accumulated lactate in his working muscles. The mode will engorge the vascular tissue in the arms or legs in blood for 30 seconds at a time. Then the pressure within the AirBands is released for 5 seconds. This repetition will continue; each time, a percentage of the accumulated lactate will be dissipated from the stressed muscle groups.
This Cycle process is repeated, gradual, incremental, and progressive helps the athlete recover optimally for the next test or workout.
During an intense training period, the Progressive KAATSU Cycle mode can also be used at night, ideally 30-60 minutes before bedtime. This will help induce a quicker and higher quality sleep that is especially important in intense training periods and the build-up to the NFL Combine.
In the Progressive KAATSU Cycle mode, the athlete can use the Standard Pre-set SKU pressures (which are lower) or Customized SKU Pressures (which are higher), depending on his preferences.
The 40-yard Dash
Similar to Olympic sprinters, the 40-yard dash requires the NFL players to have an explosive start and maintain a fast speed over 4-5 seconds.
In training, a player can use the KAATSU Cycle mode with the KAATSU AirBands on his legs with one-finger tightness to warm-up.
Then, in the first few warm-up sprints (note: not going at all-out speed), he should remove the connector tubes and switch to the KAATSU Constant mode. He can do a few repetitions at sub-optimal speed, further warming up the legs. The lactate build-up will be tremendously high and he may not be able to complete 40 yards at high speed. That is OK. Running at 50-80% speed for a few repetitions will ultimately be beneficial.
Then, he can remove the KAATSU AirBands from his legs and casually walk it off, rehydrate, and get mentally prepared for some fast sprints without the KAATSU equipment.
It is important to note that vascularly and hormonally speaking during this recovery period, his body is getting prepared to run very fast. The "KAATSU Effect" is still underway.
When he is prepared, he can then practice his 40-yard dash - or portions of the sprint.
It is also important to occasioally use the KAATSU AirBands on his arms so his arm speed and strength are also developed in the high-intensity training period. Like Olympic sprinters, being able to pump the arms sufficiently fast(er) is key to running fast. Therefore, on some days, the players can use the KAATSU AirBands on their legs - and sometimes on their arms.
It is extremely important to be very well hydrated and acclimated to KAATSU before doing moderate sprints with KAATSU. This is a process that can take a few days to a few weeks, depending on the individual.
Bench Press
NFL players usually hit the bench press very hard, but repeating this exercise day after day is impossible and not recommended. However, with very light weights and on the off days, athletes can use the Progressive KAATSU Cycle mode to warm-up for a weight training workout and use the KAATSU Constant mode for actual weight training sets using light weights.
The key to these light-weight sets is to do 3-4 sets with each set going to maximum effort.
The athlete may do several dozens of reps on the first and second sets, but the rest between each set should only be a maximum of 20 seconds.
This short 20-second maximum rest period does not allow the accumulated lactate enough time to dissipate. As a result, the athlete is able to lift a dramatically decreasing number of reps on each subsequent set. This is perfectly OK. The key is to continue to lift until a lift can no longer be achieved - even with very light weights.
It is this stress that leads to a secretion of HGH and a subsequent increase in size and strength.
If the player really wants to maximize the secretion of HGH, he can lift slowly - very slowly - in the up and down directions. This will lead to a faster and more elevated level of lactate.
Vertical Jump
Similar to Olympic jumpers and NBA basketball players, a player can use the KAATSU Cycle mode to warm-up and as a recovery tool.
In training, a player can use the Progressive KAATSU Cycle mode to warm-up, either in the Standard or Customized pressure setting. Then, using the KAATSU Constant mode with the KAATSU AirBands on his legs with one-finger tightness, he can practice a few or several vertical leaps.
After a number of warm-up leaps (note: not going for maximum height and working on technique), he should remove the KAATSU AirBands from his les and casually walk off his fatigue, rehydrate, and get mentally prepared for a few maximum leaps without the KAATSU equipment.
It is important to note that vascularly and hormonally speaking during this rest period, his body and legs are physiologically getting prepared to jump to his maximum potential. The "KAATSU Effect" is still underway.
When he is prepared, he can then practice his maximum leaps.
Broad Jump
Similar to the vertical leap in training and at the NFL Combine, a player can use the KAATSU Cycle mode to warm-up and as a recovery tool.
In training, a player can use the Progressive KAATSU Cycle mode to warm-up, either in the Standard or Customized pressure setting. Then, using the KAATSU Constant mode with the KAATSU AirBands on his legs with one-finger tightness, he can practice a few or several broad jumps.
After a number of warm-up jumps (note: not going for maximum distance and working on technique), he should remove the KAATSU AirBands from his legs and casually walk off his fatigue, rehydrate, and get mentally prepared for a few maximum jumps without the KAATSU equipment.
It is important to note that vascularly and hormonally speaking during this rest period, his body and legs are physiologically getting prepared to jump to his maximum potential. The "KAATSU Effect" is still underway.
When he is prepared, he can then practice his maximum jumps.
√
20-yard Shuttle, Three-cone Drill, 60-yard Shuttle
Similar to the physical tests described above, the player can:
* warm-up with the Progressive KAATSU Cycle mode
* do some moderate shuttle runs and drills with the KAATSU Constant mode without the connector tubes
* remove the KAATSU equipment, rest, rehydrate, and get mentally prepared for some maximum efforts
* do a few repetitions at maximum effort as his body is vascularly and hormonally optimized in the post-KAATSU state
* recover using the KAATSU Cycle mode in either the Standard or Customized pressure stting
Versality - Convenience - Efficacy
There is no other equipment that is as versatile, effective, portable, convenient and efficient as KAATSU equipment for professional football players. Not only can players at every position maintain and improve their speed, strength, stamina, and agility with KAATSU equipment, but they can also rehabilitate and recover more quickly from any musculoskeletal injury with KAATSU.
Rehabilitation
Effective rehabilitation and recovery are the signature benefit of the Progressive KAATSU Cycle mode, provided the player does KAATSU Cycle sets at least 3 times per day (e.g., morning, afternoon, and evening as Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins do in their rehabilitation from tendon ruptures). This is recommended if the player is facing recovery from a muscle tear, a bone break, or any kind of ligament or tendon injury.
Recovery
In order to avoid or minimize DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) in the preseason or any time during the season or playoffs, 3-6 Progressive KAATSU Cycle sets are the most effective means to remove lactate from a vigorous workout or intense game - and can be used in combination with other modalities preferred by the players.
Insomnia and Jetlag
KAATSU equipment and protocols can also be used to minimize insomnia and jetlag if used approximately an hour before bedtime in a gentle manner.
Versatility & Augmentation
The KAATSU equipment can effectively augment any kind of fitness equipment the athlete may use: AlterG machines, rowing machines, spin bikes, barbells, dumbbells, resistance bands, TRX suspension straps, jump ropes, pools (either for aqua therapy or exercise), StairMasters, power racks, pull-up bars, dyno disks, physioballs, foam rollers, agility ladders, kettlebells, etc.
Or the KAATSU equipment can literally be used solely by itself with bodyweight exercises.
The KAATSU equipment can effectively augment any kind of movement the athletes may do: running, bodyweight exercises, blocking, stretching, rehabilitation exercises, running pass routes, throwing, kicking, etc.
Copyright © 2014 - 2024 by KAATSU Global
Sunday, December 17, 2023
Brandon Fischer, Competing For A Higher Purpose
What is the old man doing in the pool? Swimming like a young one.
Except Brandon J. Fischer, a full-time Mechanical Technologist at the famed Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore, California is swimming like a fast - VERY FAST - young man [see USA Swimming video here and below].
While his competitors are putting in mega workout distances under the tutelage of professional full-time coaches with access to high-altitude training, high-level international competitions, afternoon naps, diets defined by nutritionists, dryland workouts led by professional trainers, while pushed twice-a-day workouts in 50m pools by other world-class athletes all with Olympic dreams, Fischer faces the highly intense world of competitive swimming without these benefits.
He is the lone swimming samurai.
It is a lonely path, but Fischer has been forging his way forward in an unlikely manner for years.
The former University of Wyoming swimmer is now competing against breaststrokers from more established schools from Cal Berkeley and Stanford to the University of Texas and University of Florida. And he is most definitely holding his own.
The current Technologist earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts - and then switched gears to work among scientists and engineers.
The former three-time All-American, four-time Olympic Trials competitor, and a two-workouts-a-day college athlete has now built his customized training program around a full-time job in an intense work environment - where he walks over 10,000 steps per day throughout the laboratory, doing a lot of physical labor.
Instead of being able to taper for weekend events like his competitors do, he is physically exhausted by Friday night.
But this has not stopped him or even harmed him. Like a stoic samurai, he does not complain and finds a way.
He explains, "I love it and I want to keep doing it; it’s just other life circumstances and other things that come into the whole mix of life...I’m not a kid anymore. I still consider myself a childlike person inside an adult body. I’m a young person.”
And like a young person, he is excited to make his marks in the world, both swimming and professionally.
At the age of 32, he finished 15th in both the 100- and 200-meter breaststrokes at the 2020 U.S. Olympic trials. It was very impressive, but not close to being on the powerful USA Olympic Team.
Dial forward two years of consistent and daily KAATSU both in his home garage and in the pool, Fischer has continued to improve and get faster. At this weekend's Speedo Sectional Championships in Southern California, Fischer swam to two lifetime best times in his two favorite races, the 100 and 200 breaststrokes, while setting two national records.
Previously, the national records were 52.09 in the 100-yard breaststroke and 1:53.54 in the 200-yard breaststroke.
On Friday, Fischer ripped off a 51.95 in the 100-yard breaststroke and a 1:52.08 in the 200-yard breaststroke on Saturday [see video below] - at the age of 34.
To put these times in perspective, Fischer swam a 54.10 in the 100-yard breaststroke and a 1:55.75 in the 200-yard breaststroke as a prime scholarship NCAA Division I athlete. 54.10 versus 51.95...and a 1:55.75 as a scholarship collegiate swimmer compared to a 1:52.08 as a full-time scientist on his feet all day...there is no comparison really.
Fischer not only beat the existing the 30-34 year old record of 1:53.54, but he also beat the 19-24 year old record of 1:57.33, the existing 25-29 year old record of 1:53.04, and every other masters swimming record of any age with his lifetime best of 1:52.08 in the 200-yard breaststroke at the Speedo Sectional Championships at Golden West College in Southern California on December 16th 2023. He went so fast that even his 50-yard split time during his record-setting 200 breaststroke just missed the national 50-yard breaststroke record of Olympic gold medalist Matt Grevers.
Even in his off events like the sprint and distance freestyle races, Fischer has dramatically improved and set his lifetime best times in his 30's with a 21.0 50-yard freestyle, a 45.46 in the 100 freestyle, a 1:41.91 in the 200 freestyle, and a 4:35.58 in the 500 freestyle.
So what has led to these changes? What differences has Fischer implemented to get faster, stronger, and more competitive at the elite level...as he gets older - and busier with work?
It is like a sniper or a warrior with his sword: there is attention to detail, discipline, creative, and purposeful. Every moment, every action, must have meaning.
Most people burn out because they are attached to old habits that did get them there, but do not serve them anymore because their body or life circumstances have changed. Life changes and one must flow like water. Be water.
Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom. You can stay there or fight your way back into the light. Nothing is given. Laws of physics, for every impact or action, there is an equal and opposite impact or action that will happen.
Fischer also uses KAATSU equipment for his dryland training and pool workouts. He uses the KAATSU C3 model for his warm-ups, workouts, and post-workout and post-competition recovery and the KAATSU Aqua Bands for in-water sets. His purpose for the equipment is both to enhance his athletic performance and for recovery from his 90-minute workouts and races.
He says, "256 different types of muscle fibers, from slow to fast, need to be worked. It is the hidden muscles that no one knows how to work or it is built up in the mind that it is too hard or too long. The results will come. It just takes patience. I could have quit along time ago - but kept going.
I use to compete to get approval from others. But I am competing now for a higher purpose.
So how does Fischer use his KAATSU equipment?
He uses it during his dryland and in-water practices. He also uses his KAATSU C3 device around the house and as a recovery tool after workouts.
This weekend, after he warmed up in the pool before the finals, he got dressed and relaxed before the race...with the KAATSU equipment on.
Leading up to the race start, Fischer put his KAATSU C3 AirBands on his legs and used the equipment in the Low Pressure cycle mode with one-finger tightness. He removed the AirBands off only a few minutes before he went up to the starting blocks. The automated gentle and progressively incremental compression caused by the 30 seconds of inflation in the AirBands is repeatedly followed by 5 seconds of deflation in the AirBands. It is an ideal way to get vascularly and hormonally prepared for an intense competition - that Fischer proved over this weekend.
Copyright © 2014 - 2023 by KAATSU Global
Sunday, December 10, 2023
Helping Jason and James Bitzer
Jason Bitzer is such an individual. A long-time veteran North Shore (of Oahu) lifeguard who saved many lives and averted many potential disasters and injuries while serving in treacherous ocean conditions along a number of famed big-wave surfing beaches such as Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach, Banzai Pipeline, Haleiwa Beach, and Ehukai Beach. He was formerly head of the North Shore Lifeguards Association.
Bitzer also introduced KAATSU to the lifeguards on the North Shore who experienced all kinds of injuries, cuts, wounds, and accidents.
After 15 years on the job along the North Shore, he still loved going to work every day and wanted to share his lifestyle and responsibilities with others. He started a non-profit aimed at providing free first responder and lifeguard training to children in Hawaii.
However, his three-year-old son James was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma, a rare cancer that affects nerve cells in children in March. He and his wife decided to take James to New York, far far away from Oahu, to one of the best cancer centers in the United States.
Family friends, Wesley and Ayesha Liquorish, started a Go Fund Me campaign on James Bitzer’s behalf that has raised $167,192 towards their $200,000 goal from 1,700 kind donors. See here.
Please consider donating to @bandofparents. We have lots to do to help cure and prevent relapse of this rare brutal aggressive childhood cancer."
Copyright © 2014 - 2023 by KAATSU Global
Monday, December 4, 2023
What is Double Stacking with KAATSU?
Sunday, October 1, 2023
KAATSU Aqua: Performance, Recovery, Rehabilitation, Longevity in the Water
* performance of speed, strength, stamina, balance, agility, technique, tactile feel
* recovery from vigorous workouts, intense competition, travel fatigue
* rehabilitation from muscle, bone, ligament, tendon injuries
* longevity and wellness
* competitive swimming pools
* aqua therapy pools
* lakeside
* seaside
* swimming horizontally in the water, doing butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle, combat stroke, or sidestroke while fully submerged
* treading water (e.g., eggbeatering)
* walking, stretching, jogging vertically in the water while not fully submerged
* using swimming or rehabilitation equipment (e.g., hand paddles, fins, kickboards, noodles, floating gear, stretch cords)
* practicing racing starts or (flip) turns
* passing, shooting, blocking (water polo) balls
* performing strength-training or core-strengthening drills (e.g., with Bosu Balls)
The KAATSU AirBands are made of neoprene and are waterproof. However, the controller units for the KAATSU Cycle 2.0, KAATSU C3, KAATSU B1, and KAATSU B2 models are not waterproof and should not be submerged in the water.
KAATSU Aqua can be used to improve/enhance:
* upper body
* lower body
* core
* lower back
KAATSU Aqua can be used by people who are water-safe:
* of all age
* of any ability
* of any walk of life
KAATSU Aqua should always be used in conjunction with the KAATSU Cycle mode. That is, do 3-6 KAATSU Cycle sets, starting at Low Pressure level, prior to starting KAATSU Aqua. KAATSU Aqua, by necessity, is always used in the KAATSU Constant mode. This means that KAATSU Aqua should be used for a maximum of 10 minutes on the arms and 10 minutes on the legs at any given time. The 10 minutes on the arms and 10 minutes on the legs can be performed consecutively and can be repeated if two KAATSU sessions are conducted within one 24-hour period.
It is important to understand the following:
* The KAATSU Cycle mode induces lower pain and less fatigue levels compared to the KAATSU Constant mode.
* The KAATSU Cycle mode enhances the cognitive responses at a greater extent than the KAATSU Constant mode.
* The KAATSU Cycle mode and the KAATSU Constant mode induce similarly advantageous lactate responses as a result of limb movement.
* The KAATSU Cycle mode can help mitigate the effects of flight dysrhythmia (i.e., jet lag) when used before, during, and after a long-distance air flight.
The KAATSU AirBands and KAATSU Aqua Bands should always only be placed on two locations on the body:
* Upper arm: above the biceps, above the triceps, near the armpit, below the deltoids
* Lower leg: above the quadriceps, above the hamstrings, high up on the groin at an angle along the swimsuit line
* a dissention (visual "popping out") of the veins
* a rapid increase in lactate in the working muscles
KAATSU Aqua equipment is not meant to do the following. If these phenomenon occur, the KAATSU Aqua Bands should be immediately removed:
* the skin color turns blue, gray, or white (that indicates a lack of blood flow to the limbs)
* lightheadedness
* uncomfortable feelings or sensations
Do's and Don'ts
* always be well hydrated before and during your KAATSU session.
* always start with your arm bands, and then finish with your leg bands.
* always start on Low Pressure setting.
* you can increase from Low Pressure to Medium Pressure and from Medium Pressure to High Pressure, if your Capillary Refill Time (CRT) is fast (e.g., 1-2 seconds).
* to check your CRT on your arms, firmly press your thumb into your palm. Your skin will temporarily go white. If your skin returns to normal (i.e., the blood returns to your surface capillaries), within 1-2 seconds, you can increase the pressure settings from Low to Medium (or from Medium to High).
* to check your CRT on your legs, firmly press your thumb into your thigh or your calf. Your skin will temporarily go white.
* if your skin returns to normal (i.e., the blood returns to your surface capillaries), within 2-3 seconds, you can increase the pressure settings from Low to Medium or from Medium to High.
* you can do KAATSU sessions 1-3 times per day, but only do KAATSU once per day during the first 1-2 weeks.
* each KAATSU session can include sets on your arms, and then on your legs.
* you can do up to 6 KAATSU Cycle sets on your arms, and then up to 6 KAATSU Cycle sets on your legs, during each KAATSU session. But in the beginning, it is best to do only 1-3 Cycle sets until your body adapts to KAATSU.
* immediately remove your bands if you feel uncomfortable in any way.
* immediately remove your bands if you feel lightheaded in any way.
The KAATSU Mechanism
* KAATSU Cycle sets lead to a robust hormonal response. This includes Human Growth Hormone and various other molecules from IGF-1 to beta-endorphins.
* KAATSU Cycle sets also lead to an increase in BDNF and alpha waves in the brain.
* KAATSU Cycle sets also lead to a decrease in CRP (C-reactive protein) which is a blood test marker for inflammation in the body. That is, CRP levels increase in response to inflammation. If the inflammation is reduced in the body, users can experience relief from their arthritic pain or tendinitis.
* the decrease in CRP is accompanied by the production of EPC (endothelial progenitor cell). EPC are cells that help regenerate the endothelial lining of your blood vessels (VEGF), bringing additional benefits. Vascular endothelial cells form the innermost layer of our blood vessels. These vascular endothelial cells produce nitric oxide which help keep our blood vessels pliable and elastic as well as regulate the inflammatory cells in the blood vessel walls.
* KAATSU Cycle sets also lead to an increase in nitric oxide.
* while you can sit in a relaxed state and do KAATSU 3-point exercises (i.e., opening and closing of your hand, unweighted bicep curls, tricep extensions on your arms or heel raises, standing leg curls, non-stop quarter squats for your legs), you can also do simple KAATSU Walking while in the KAATSU Cycle mode. There is no need to do a power walk or to walk quickly. A calm, gentle stroll is sufficient.
* during your evening KAATSU session, you can try using the single-limb KAATSU mode where you only apply an AirBand to the limb where the pain is greatest (e.g., right arm or left leg if pain is an issue). Use the single-limb plug on the other side or just do not put on the AirBand on the other arm.
* daily or twice-daily use of the KAATSU Cycle mode while doing body weight exercises will help increase muscle mass and tone while increasing energy consumption that will ultimately reduce body fat percentage.
* KAATSU Walking is the most optimal body weight exercise with the KAATSU AirBands on.
* as the vascular tissue engorges with blood in either the arms or legs, the vascular walls increase in elasticity with every heartbeat. When the three walls of the blood vessels increase (due to this engorgement of blood), this phenomena requires energy consumption (and requires a caloric burn). So KAATSU Walking burns more calories than regular walking and helps increase our metabolism, especially as we age.
* it is important (optimal) to not eat 90 minutes after doing the KAATSU Walking or KAATSU exercise. During this 90-minute period, the increased elasticity of the vascular walls remains and therefore with every heartbeat, there remains an increased caloric burn. Therefore, it is best to not eat during this period when your body is burning more calories.
* improve shooting speed
* improve passing accuracy
* get accustomed to handling the ball with your off hand (non-dominant hand)
* improve your eggbeater (for height, speed, and strength)
* sprinting speed
* stamina
Copyright © 2014 - 2023 by KAATSU Global
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