Blood flow restriction training is a new training method that has been gaining a lot of interest in the world of weight lifting for fitness and the world of sports. In fact, more and more sports organizations are now using this technique in an aim to enhance the effects of muscle building workouts of athletes, especially those who are nursing an injury.
One of the things that make occlusion training very attractive is the fact that it allows you to get the same results of a total body workout using weight lifting heavy weights, but only using light weights. Also, a 30 minute workout using occlusion can significantly increase your muscle size and strength.
With blood flow restriction training, you can gain more lean body mass, while also developing endurance and strength. What’s more, consistently using this method will lead to a significant reduction in your body fat.
How Often Can You Perform BFR Training?
Occlusion training results in improved weight training hypertrophy without the need to put a lot of stress on your central nervous system. With that said, you may perform blood flow restriction training even every day. As a matter of fact, studies show that simply wearing your restriction bands to occlude blood flow in your limbs while walking can help develop your muscles in your legs.
How Does Occlusion Provide So Many Benefits?
In essence, this type of training involves the use of bands, like BFR restriction bands to limit the amount of blood that flows from the muscles in your limbs. The idea behind this is that when the blood flow to the heart is slowed down, the muscles in the limbs are able to fill with blood. As a result, the typically unused capillaries are also filled with blood. This then increases the concentration of lactic acid in the blood. These effects are just the same as those you would get when you perform traditional weight lifting for fitness.
Who Can Benefit from Blood Flow Restriction Training?
Since this kind of training requires low resistance only, it is an excellent muscle development technique for athletes who do not want to over-train, women who are not capable of weight lifting heavy, and those who are rehabilitating from an injury.
You can also use this training method at home, but it is important that you learn how to do it from an occlusion expert. Basically, you will need a reliable BFR restriction band, and a good low resistance workout plan. You may also incorporate this method with your existing program for weight lifting for fitness. But again, make sure that you are not lifting heavy weights or pushing yourself too much when you are under occlusion.