Blood pressure cuffs are used with the intent to allow arterial blood flow into the muscle, while also physically occluding or (minimizing) venous blood return from the muscle. In doing so, BFR training causes a temporary decline in both oxygen delivery to the limb-thus creating a stressful physiological environment within the muscle tissue. This environment of restricting blood flow return has been shown to cause large increases in exercising heart rate, enhanced Type II or (large fast twitch) muscle fiber recruitment, and greatly intensifies systemic hormone production (with emphasis on a number of anabolic growth factors). The natural occuring Growth Hormone produced in the pituitary gland can increase by up to 200% after BFR training,- “that’s a good thing”

To stimulate physiological adaptation including, increased muscle hypertrophy, and protein synthesis in the muscles while minimizing mechanical load. The muscle pumps you obtain from BFR training are next-level!! This means that BFR training, if done properly, offers a mode of exercise that can cause rapid improvement in strength, muscle growth, fat loss, cardiovascular health, and overall fitness performance. Many of us are unable to lift heavy weight because of the strain it puts on our joints, tendons, and due to old injuries. In this case, BFR training is a natural fit. By using BFR Cuffs, and restricting venous return, we only have a 20-50% strength capacity of our 1Max rep, but our body reacts and adapts believing we are working at 100% capacity. Did I mention the muscle pumps are next-level!!?

Science has also shown that BFR training can accelerate recovery from musculoskeletal injuries in clinical populations.The United States Military and top doctors have recommended BFR training for many soldiers with catastrophic injuries to aid in rapid injury recovery. Sierra Orthopaedic in Fresno has recommended many of its patients to receive BFR Training post surgery, and Lance Garrett CFT has accomodated a handful of their patients. In some cases, BFR training has actually kept clients from having to receive a surgery altogether, one reason being that science has shown more nutrient dense blood is produced through this training modality accelerating healing.