Getting Started
Thank you very much for your purchase. This welcome guide will walk you through setting up your device, your first session, and essential best practices to ensure you have a safe, enjoyable, and effective experience.
DEVICE SETUP: KAATSU C4
Follow these steps to set up your C4 device.
- Unpack & Charge: Unpack & Charge: Unbox your C4 unit, AirBands, and connectors. Plug the C4 unit into the charger until it is fully charged. Charging should take no more than 1 hour.
- Connect Bands: Connect Bands: Firmly push the tube connectors into the ports on the top of the C4 controller unit and connect the other ends to your AirBands.
- Apply Arm Bands: Apply Arm Bands: Place the AirBands on your upper arms, above your biceps, high up near your armpits.
- Appropriate Tightness: The bands should be snug, but not uncomfortably tight. You should be able to place one finger between your bands and your skin…but not two or three fingers.
- First Session: Turn on the C4 unit. Select CYCLE Mode, then choose the LOW pressure setting. Press START.
- Feel the Sensation on Your Arms: The bands will inflate and deflate in 8 sequential cycles. Do 2-3 sets of CYCLE Low on your arms, paying close attention to how you feel.
- Switch to Legs: After your arm session, remove the arm bands and apply the leg bands high on your upper thighs, above your quadriceps, near your groin. Repeat the process, starting with CYCLE Low for 2-3 sets.
- Feel the Sensation on Your Legs: The bands will inflate and deflate in 8 sequential cycles. Do 2-3 sets of CYCLE Low on your legs, paying close attention to how you feel.
DEVICE SETUP: KAATSU B2
Follow these steps to set up your B2 device.
- Unpack & Charge: Unbox your B2 bands with the attached controller units. Plug them into the charger until both are fully charged. Charging should take no more than 1 hour.
- Download the App: Download the KAATSU Connect app: Go to either the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and download the KAATSU Connect app.
- Register: Open the KAATSU Connect app to register. Follow the on-screen instructions.
- Pair Your Device: Follow the on-screen instructions to pair your B2 bands to your smartphone via Bluetooth.
- Apply Arm Bands: Apply Arm Bands: Place the B2 bands on your upper arms, above your biceps, high up near your armpits. The bands should be snug, but not uncomfortably tight.
- Pair the Arm Bands: Press the center button on the B2 controller. It will turn blue. In the KAATSU Connect app, select CYCLE Mode, then choose the LOW pressure setting. Press START.
- Feel the Sensation on Your Arms: The bands will inflate and deflate in 8 sequential cycles. Do 2-3 sets of CYCLE Low on your arms, paying close attention to how you feel.
- Switch to Legs: After your arm session, remove the arm bands and apply the leg bands high on your upper thighs, above your quadriceps, near your groin. Repeat the process, starting with CYCLE Low for 2-3 sets.
- Feel the Sensation on Your Legs: The bands will inflate and deflate in 8 sequential cycles. Do 2-3 sets of CYCLE Low on your legs, paying close attention to how you feel.
DO:
✔ Always hydrate well before and during each KAATSU session.
✔ Always use the KAATSU Cycle mode first. Only use the KAATSU Constant mode for specific training purposes.
✔ Only place the KAATSU AirBands on your upper arms and upper legs. Wear the KAATSU AirBands over clothing.
✔ Immediately stop and remove the KAATSU AirBands if you feel something is not right or you feel unusual discomfort, or feel lightheaded or your hands become clammy.
✔ Use light weights - or even no resistance - or do bodyweight exercises with KAATSU.
DON'T:
✕ Do not simultaneously use the KAATSU AirBands on both your arms and legs.
✕ Do not lift heavy weights or resistance with KAATSU AirBands on.
✕ Do not train in the KAATSU Constant mode (i.e., sustained pressure with the inflated bands) for more than 10 consecutive minutes on either your arms or your legs.
✕ Do not do KAATSU if you are pregnant, under medical treatment, have cancer, hypertension, muscle ruptures, or any acute diseases without the prior approval of your physician.
✕ Do not do KAATSU if you are undergoing cardiac rehabilitation or have a pacemaker. Do not do KAATSU if you have or had any of the following conditions: atrial fibrillation, acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, or any serious case of cardiac insufficiency.
✕ Do not use the KAATSU Constant mode if you are older than 60, de-conditioned due to a sedentary lifestyle or prolonged illness or injury, or significantly overweight.
✕ Do not continue if your skin turns white, blue, or gray color. This is an indication that your KAATSU AirBands are placed on too tightly or for too long or doing in inappropriate tightness if you are at high altitude. Immediately remove the KAATSU AirBands if your arms or legs appear to be more white, blue or gray than normal.
YOUR FIRST WORKOUT: THE KAATSU 3-POINT PROTOCOL
The KAATSU 3-Point Exercises are the perfect way to begin and were designed for older, first-time KAATSU users. They are simple, safe, and incredibly effective at enabling your body to adapt and grow stronger. Always perform these exercises in CYCLE MODE.
KAATSU ARM 3-POINT EXERCISES
- Hand Clenches: Rhythmically open and close your fists.
- Bicep Curls: With arms at your side, curl your hands up toward your shoulders (with or without light weights).
- Tricep Extensions: With arms bent, extend your hands downward or backward, squeezing your triceps.
Goal: Perform 3 sets of each exercise with a maximum of 20 seconds of rest between sets. Your repetitions should naturally decrease as you fatigue (e.g., 30 reps in Set 1, 15 reps Set 2, 8 reps in Set 3). If your goal is building muscle, continuing repetitions until you reach muscular failure (not being able to do another repetition).
KAATSU LEG 3-POINT EXERCISES
Standard for Beginners while seated:
- Toe Curls: Repeatedly curl your toes.
- Toe Raises: Repeatedly lift the front of your feet off the floor.
- Heel Raises: Repeatedly lift your heels off the floor.
Advanced for Active Individuals while standing:
- Standing Heel Raises: Repeatedly raise your heels off the ground.
- Standing Leg Curls: While standing, bring your heel up toward your glutes.
- Squats: Perform bodyweight squats. For a greater challenge, do "non-lock" squats where you don't fully stand up between reps.
Follow the same 3-4 set protocol as the arm exercises.
Goal: Perform 3 sets of each exercise with a maximum of 20 seconds of rest between sets. Your repetitions should naturally decrease as you fatigue (e.g., 30 reps in Set 1, 15 reps Set 2, 8 reps in Set 3). If your goal is building muscle, continuing repetitions until you reach muscular failure (not being able to do another repetition).
BEYOND THE BASICS: UNLOCKING THE FULL POWER OF KAATSU
KAATSU is a versatile tool that can be integrated into nearly every aspect of your wellness routine. Here are a few ways to unlock its full potential:
- For Faster Recovery: Feeling sore after a tough workout, a long run, or an exhausting day of yard work? Do 3-6 cycles on the affected limbs (arms or legs) while simply sitting comfortably. The increased circulation will help flush out metabolic waste and reduce stiffness.
- For Enhanced Workouts: Do a few KAATSU Cycle sets as a warm-up before your normal workout (e.g., before weightlifting, yoga, or Pilates). This will prepare your body for a more intense workout.
- For Travel: Going on a long flight or recovering from a long car ride? Do a few KAATSU Cycle sets on your legs to combat stiffness and improve circulation.
- For Passive Wellness: Strapped for time? Too busy for a normal workout? Do KAATSU Cycle sets while answering emails, reading a book, or watching TV. It is an incredibly efficient way to support your vascular health without dedicating extra time to a workout.
STILL UNSURE? WE'RE HERE TO HELP.
For some, getting started with KAATSU is a convenient, revolutionary modality. For others, it is normal to have questions or concerns. Achieving your goals is our mission. We are here to support you on your journey. If you have reviewed this page and still have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. Simply click the button below, and one of our KAATSU Team members will be happy to guide you.
