If you’ve been at the gym recently and notice someone weightlifting with bands wrapped around their biceps, they are likely trying out a new training regimen called Blood Flow Restriction Training, or BFR. The strategy behind Blood Flow Restriction Training is to maintain arterial blood flow to a muscle, while preventing the venous return of blood. This form of training, also known as occlusion training, involves placing a wrap, band, or cuff around the leg or arm while exercising. Read more

This training regimen is beneficial because it can produce adaptations in the muscle at much lower loads. It is said that BFR offers many of the same results of heavy lifting without the muscle damage. Blood Flow Restriction Training also provides enhanced recovery after training and reduces atrophy during injuries.

We have 5 routines for you to perform with either Kaatsu or powerband FLOSS

Upper/Lower-Body Blood Flow Restriction Routines

BFR upper-body routine #1
Perform the following exercises in the order shown for the prescribed amount of time.

1powerband seated biceps curl, 30 seconds
2powerband overhead triceps extension, 30 seconds
That’s 1 round. Do 5 rounds for 5 minutes of continuous work.

BFR upper-body routine #2
Perform the powerbands bicep curl to overhead press complex for 2 minutes.

Rest 30 seconds.
That’s 1 round. Repeat for 2 total rounds.

BFR upper-body routine #3
Perform the powerbands single-arm overhead press for 20 seconds.

Then hold the top of the exercise for 10 seconds. Switch sides and repeat.
That’s 1 round. Do 5 rounds for 5 minutes of continuous work.

BFR lower-body routine #1
Do constant tension powerbands squats for 40 seconds.

Then hold the bottom of the exercise for 20 seconds.
Repeat for 5 minutes.

BFR lower-body routine #2
Do shoulders-elevated hip thrusts for 20 seconds.

Then hold the top of the exercise for 10 seconds.
Repeat for 5 minutes.

We hope we’ve inspired you to give BFR training a test drive.

BFR can also be implemented in conjunction with other forms of exercise, such as walking, running or resistance training. In fact, exercise programs that include both BFR and low-load resistance bands training appear to have numerous positive effects on the muscle when compared to workouts that utilize dumbell training alone. BFR appears to increase strength, promote hypertrophy (increased muscle size), increase muscle activity, and results in increased post-exercise muscle protein synthesis.

Attention: If you are pregnant and/or have cardiac disease, high blood pressure, or varicose veins, you should consult a physician before trying Blood Flow Restriction Training.