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Last December, my friend Kusha Karvandi was at my house for an annual entrepreneurial mastermind I host. On the last day of the mastermind, he whisked me away into my basement gym and showed me how to strap on some special bands he had created called “BFR” bands.
Kusha then led me through an extremely unique workout designed to enhance things like my neural function, lactic acid tolerance and growth hormone release – all while wearing tight bands that restricted blood flow to my arms and my legs.
But Kusha isn't just a masochistic trainer who cuts off blood flow to your limbs and has you do barbell squats. He's also wicked smart. He has over 20 nationally-recognized certifications, and a unique specialty in neuroscience, giving him an ability to transform his clients unlike most coaches I've met in the fitness industry.
During our fascination discussion, you'll discover:
-Why you'd want to strap bands around your arms and legs, and how exactly blood flow restriction training works…[2:57]
-What happens to your growth hormone and testosterone levels when you do occlusion training…[8:24]
-Whether you have to do a specific number of sets and reps…[12:25 ]
-How this is any different than Kaatsu training…[14:00]
-The Vasper machine that combines ice, compression and high-intensity training…[20:10]
-The weird cross-body band stuff Kusha did with me to warm me up prior to the workout…[26:30]
-Kusha's top exercises for training the eyes and nervous system…[31:25]
-Why Kusha likes Brainsway Deep TMS therapy, also known as Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation…[38:35]
-How the special strobe goggles that Steph Curry wears actually work…[36:25]
-Kusha's fast and free biohack to increase strength in 60 seconds…[41:20]
-The top exercises and techniques for decreasing reaction time and increasing muscle firing speed…[45:00]
-Since sleep has a lot to do with neural function, Kusha's top sleep hacks or sleep tips…[50:00]
-And much more…
Resource from this episode:
–My podcast about the Vasper exercise machine
–Brock strings for eye training
Do you have questions, thoughts or feedback for Kusha or me? Leave your comments below and one of us will reply!
20 Responses
can this be used with cardo such as a stair mill for 30 min and is there a top-end to the intensity level before is can become counterproductive
Ben,
After listening to your podcast and doing a good amount of research about BFR training I have to say I’m pretty impressed. I have also copied your 110% Ice/compression setup to mimick VASPER training system. I love the stuff you’ve done with Thermogenesis. Historically I used to do 20-30 minutes of intense HIIT training on my Peloton. Now After 10-15 minutes with the 110% + BFR bands I feel even more exhausted. Clearly there is a difference. However I used to do 50 minutes of Yoga Sun Salutations (similar to a Burpee) Now I have been doing roughly 20 minutes with BFR bands on my arms and legs and am wondering if you think this is equivalent? Its such a much more low intensity workout so I wasn’t sure? I have read that low intensity workouts with BFR training is effective, but where do you find the equivalent point? Also what is the best way to measure the additional effectiveness of this type of training? (Heart rate monitors do not pick this up)
Where can i find the 110% ice/compression setup?
Hey Ben, this episode never came up as available in my iTunes feed? I have been listening to all new episodes for roughly 6 months now and this is the only time this has happened.
Can your team figured out the issue so I can download it and listen on the go?
Thanks
I have them on it. Thanks for the heads up.
Nate- My mistake… That's a Premium episode, available only for Premium subscribers. Are you a subscriber?
I subscribe to the iTunes podcast feed but didn’t know there was a premium subscription?