Episode Details

My guest on today's show is Sebastian Wasowski, who is the Co-Founder of Vasper Systems. I first interviewed Sebastian's father, and inventor of the Vasper, in the show "How To Get 2 Hours Of Exercise In Just 20 Minutes.", but plenty has happened since then...

...particularly the fact that I've been using the Vasper every morning for the past 3 months to experiment with just how good it actually is at building and maintaining fitness with a minimalist dose of exercise.

So what exactly is this thing? Vasper is a complete exercise system based on three scientifically proven principles: compression technology, cooling and interval training.

By combining all of these principles, the results are extraordinary. In 21-minutes, the Vasper enables you to get a complete workout. Utilizing compression, cooling, and interval training, the you are able to concentrate lactic acid and enhance growth hormone production.

The “cooldown” session, which involves laying on a cooling mat, enables you to workout again later in the day (should you like) or head straight into the office.

Vasper has a wide-range of use cases and users. The machine is used by medical professionals, people recovering from cardiac incidents, athletic teams, and the Special Forces.

During our discussion, you'll discover: -The story of the Vasper machine...8:45

• Sebastian's father invented it to address his own health needs; post-traumatic stress in the ankles
• Discovered research on blood flow restriction, intermittent cold exposure, interval training
• Prototype was popular among locals on Big Island of Hawaii
• Company formed in 2009; successful trial with San Jose Sharks hockey team

-The efficacy of the Vasper for performance implications...12:20

• Designed to stimulate body's production of anabolic hormones in lesser threshold of a normal workout
• Mimics physiology of much more intense workout
• In a controlled study, participants using the Vasper far outperformed counterparts not using it
• Far better for overall health than exogenously induced compounds such as steroids
• Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)

-About the components of the machine...18:30

• Compression cuffs around the wrist
• How blood flow restriction occurs
• Pressure filled up via cold water rather than air in a blood pressure monitor
• Similar to Kaatsu devices
• The seat and foot pads are also cooled; enables user to be more powerful throughout the workout
• Positive metabolic response to the cold exposure
• Cooling mat is used post-workout to reset heart and respiratory rate to baseline
• Bare feet touch metal pads which are cooled by same cold water; lowers overall body temp
• You're able to ground with the earth via the machine; it's plugged in with a 3-prong plug

-About the exercise regimens programmed into the Vasper...35:15

• 30 are programmed into the machine
• They are customizable for each individual user
• New protocols added are accessed via software update

-Why each session on the Vasper is 21 minutes in length...36:40

• 21 minutes is optimal time to initiate max response from the endocrine system, without stimulating cortisol (stress response)
• Not recommended to go longer than 21 minutes, nor to do multiple sessions per day

-Whether the Vasper can be used in conjunction with strength training...40:10