“ONE IS ONLY AS YOUNG AS ONE’S ARTERIES.”
-Dr. Jim Stray-Gundersen, sports doctor/scientist, co-founder B StrongTM.
I can’t tell you how many times I get asked if B Strong BFR Training SystemTM is safe for people that have had:
- A heart attack (CAD)
- A stent (CAD)
- A bypass graft (CAD)
- A stroke (CVA)
- An arrhythmia like atrial fibrillation
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Diabetes (AODM)
- High cholesterol (hyperlipidemia)
- Kidney dialysis (CHF)
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
The answer is a resounding, “YES, B Strong BFR Training SystemTM is safe for you.” Elastic BFR Training (like B Strong) has been used in Japan for nearly 20 years. Cardiologists at the University of Tokyo feel it is safe and actually safer than normal cardiac rehabilitation because loads are lighter and durations shorter than normal cardiac rehab programs.
With all these diseases, morbidity (disabilities and complications) and mortality (death) are not far away. Bad things happen and with respect to atherosclerosis, complications can occur at any time. Eating, Sleeping, Watching TV, Shopping or Exercising. The good news is that regular exercise (doing exercise on a regular basis) reduces the risk of a 2nd event.
At this point, I must point out that B Strong BFR BandsTMTM have only been around for a couple of years, so there are no published studies, yet, specifically on the effect of B Strong TrainingTM on these disease entities. However, it is well documented that regular exercise including elastic BFR exercise, mitigate the problems with atherosclerosis and B StrongTM exercise is a type of elastic BFR exercise.
All those diseases have something in common. They, one way or another, damage something called the endothelium. Endothelium is the inner most layer of your blood vessels including your arteries. Damage to the endothelium over time is the common denominator for most of the ravages of atherosclerosis.
The question they don’t ask is, “Is it effective?” Effective at what? Effective at mitigating the damage done to their endothelium. The answer to this question is also “YES”. In fact, to optimize their health and fitness, all these people should be on a vegan diet and do B StrongTM 3 times per week. They should also take the medications their doctors prescribe, but if one stops smoking, becomes vegan and uses B Strong TrainingTM 20 minutes per session, 3 times per week, they will be doing the best they can at avoiding the complications of those diseases.
Smoking damages endothelium. If you smoke or use tobacco products, quit NOW.
So, my prescription to all of you with these diseases and diagnoses is:
- Take the medicines your doctor prescribes.
- Eat a vegan diet for the rest of your life.
- Train with B StrongTM 3 times weekly for the rest of your life.
It is likely, that this is the way for you to live the longest, be the most functional and over time, reduce the dose and type of medications you have to take.
Dr. Stray-Gundersen received American College of Surgeons Board Certification in 1985. He went on to do post-doctoral fellowships in cardiovascular physiology and human nutrition at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. His main interest has been studying how exercise and nutrition can optimize health and fitness.
Always consult your physician or health care professional before beginning any exercise program. This site offers health, fitness, and nutritional information and is designed for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose any medical condition or to replace your healthcare professional. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you experience any pain or difficulty with these exercises, stop and consult your healthcare provider.
Developments in medical research may impact the health and fitness advice that appears here. No assurance can be given that the advice contained in this site will always include the most recent findings or developments with respect to the particular material.
