The Science of Muscle Growth, Muscle Strength & BFR with Steven Munatones

Delve into the world of a very specific type of Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training called Kaatsu with special guest, Steven Munatones, co-founder of Katsu Global. In this episode, Dr. Stephanie and Steven discuss the science behind BFR and how it can help you build bigger muscles with lighter weights. They also explore the differences between hypertrophy and strength, as well as the metabolic improvements brought about by BFR, including the impact on hormones like human growth hormone, testosterone, and estrogen. Get ready for a nerdy and informative discussion that promises to take you on a geeky magic carpet ride into the fascinating world of BFR.

Bio:

Steven Munatones is a Harvard grad with a knack for engineering who spent 8 years in Japan at a Hitachi R&D campus. While he was there, he had the awesome opportunity to learn from the mastermind behind KAATSU, Dr. Yoshiaki Sato, and a bunch of heart experts at The University of Tokyo Hospital. They were all part of this fancy-sounding 22nd Century Medical Project.

Fast forward to today, and Steven's all about spreading the word on the wonders of KAATSU. He's taught thousands of people about it, from Navy SEALs to Olympic and Paralympic superstars, and even folks in their golden years, quadriplegics, amputees, and just about anyone you can think of. He's basically a KAATSU evangelist!

Before his Japanese adventure, Steven was a water polo and swimming champ in NCAA Division I. Plus, he's got some pretty wild accomplishments, like holding a Guinness World Record. He's even got his name in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame and the Ice Swimming Hall of Fame, and he's got a Poseidon Award from the International Swimming Hall of Fame.

Connect with Steven on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaatsu/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaatsuglobal/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPSSPu8A5LWsYEoQ0Cz4iBw

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KAATSUGlobal & https://twitter.com/OriginalBFR

Blog: https://www.kaatsublog.com/

Resources mentioned:

Muscle size and strength are increased following walk training with restricted venous blood flow from the leg muscle, Kaatsu-walk training - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16339340/

Use and safety of KAATSU training: Results of a national survey - https://kaatsu.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Use-and-Safety-of-KAATSU-Results-of-a-National-Survey-in-Japan.pdf

KAATSU Research - https://kaatsu.ca/kaatsu-research/

Episode Overview:

00:00:00 Intro

00:01:18 Introduction to BFR Training

00:11:45 Functional Strength Training for Various Activities

00:19:51 Capillaries and Blood Flow

00:23:07 Using Kaatsu Bands for Specific Fitness Goals

00:29:54 Athletes Using Kaatsu for Speed and Power Training

00:40:47 The Intensity Squash Brings out in Dr. Stephanie

00:44:30 Kaatsu Method for Older People

00:48:06 Opportunities for Women in Collegiate Sports

00:52:18 Kaatsu's Effect on Muscle Hypertrophy, Neurological Strength, and Mechanical Strength

00:56:35 Kaatsu for Improving Strength and Endurance in Specific Professions

00:59:50 Kaatsu Enhances Muscular Tissue Repair and Recovery

01:00:21 Kaatsu's Impact on Hormones and A1C Levels

01:07:14 Potential Benefits of Kaatsu on the Immune System

01:10:41 Exploring the Risks of Kaatsu

01:17:17 Kaatsu: Increasing Strength and Elasticity of Vascular Tissue

01:25:09 Finding Information and Contacting Kaatsu

We are grateful to our sponsors:

BiOptimizers

CollaGenius is delicious. I like to mix it with my morning cappucino to transform it into a mochachino with benefits - but it is also great in smoothies and even just with water. Listeners of the Better podcast have an exclusive offer - Head over to  https://nootopia.com/bettergenius and use code BETTER during checkout to save 10 percent off any order.