How To Use Fit Cuffs

QR code printed on a sign that links to the Fit Cuffs “How to Use” instruction page, displayed clearly in black and white for easy scanning with a smartphone

Considerations before attachment

1

Safety first

Review BFR safety considerations

Before applying Fit Cuffs, review all relevant safety concerns and contraindications that may apply to you or your client.

BFR & Safety Concerns →
2A

Fitness & general exercise approach

Calculate Pressure – set pressure in mmHg

Obtain an individualized pressure (mmHg) using the Calculate Pressure module. The algorithm predicts your Arterial Occlusion Pressure (AOP) and provides a tailored BFR training recommendation.

Open Web App V2 →

Measure first. Measure the circumference of your upper arm or upper thigh in a relaxed, resting state.

Open the Web App V2. The module predicts LOP and displays your recommended BFR training pressure.

For best results, recalculate regularly — especially with consistent use, as we advise slightly increasing pressure over time.

💡 The Calculate Pressure module is a convenient alternative to measuring LOP directly, derived from comprehensive research on predicting variables for LOP.
OR
2B

Clinical / relative approach

Relative Pressure – 40–80% of LOP/AOP

Set pressure as a percentage (40–80%) relative to Limb Occlusion Pressure (LOP) / Arterial Occlusion Pressure (AOP). Measure LOP via the BFR Unit or a handheld Doppler device.

Recommended in clinical practice or for individuals with relative contraindications.

Check the BFR Unit →

▼ Instructions For Attachment | Pressure Calibration | Deflation Of The Cuffs ▼

 

  1. Ensure the cuffs are completely empty (deflated) – if your product includes the Deflation Plugs, remember to use these before unwrapping the velcro. Attach the cuffs then connect the pressure gauge. Turn the valve anticlockwise ↶ to deflate the cuffs. Please remember to deflate the cuffs after every training session to attain a proper fit for the following session. (Check the videos below for how to deflate the different cuffs) ⇩
  2. Attachment of the cuffs – Slide the cuff through the nylon loop and make sure the female connector is facing downwards. Only relevant for the Complete & Performance models: For fast and convenient attachments, be aware of “left” & “right” versions of your cuffs. Please check the videos here on this page to distinguish left & right versions. ⇩
  3. Tension of the Cuffs
    Arm Cuff: Ensure that 4 fingers can easily fit between the cuff and the arm. The arm’s circumference will change more during contractions than the thigh, so a loose fit allows the cuff to remain flexible and comfortable. Disclaimer: When assessing Limb Occlusion Pressure (LOP) with the BFR unit, a tighter cuff fit is required for accurate measurement.
    Leg Cuff: Make sure to have a semi-snug fit, as 2-3 fingers must easily pass underneath the cuff. Loose-fitting cuffs will require higher pressure to restrict blood flow and may slide during exercise. A tight-fitting cuff will inhibit muscle contractions and result in excessive pressure fluctuations during muscle contractions. Though, for the Leg Cuffs V3.1, it is advised to attach the cuffs as tight as possible. ⇩
  4. Inflation – Close the valve on the Fit Manometer (pressure gauge) by turning it clockwise ↷ and attach the male connector to the female connector on the cuff. You will hear a distinct “click” when the Fit Manometer has been connected successfully. ⇩
  5. Pressure Calibration – For proper fitting cuffs and to evade pressure variance between sets remember to “calibrate” the pressure. Contract the corresponding muscles several times while the pressure gauge is still attached. The intended pressure should be measured after this calibration phase and importantly always read the dial (mmHg) in a complete resting state, by placing the weight on the opposite leg or resting the corresponding arm, respectively.
  6. Pressure Deflation – After exercising but before you detach the cuffs, remember to deflate all the corresponding cuffs completely to attain a proper fit for the following training session. If you attach a cuff that has not been properly deflated the set-absolute pressure will be less restrictive i.e., less % of LOP being applied. If your product includes the new Deflation Plugs remember to connect these to the corresponding cuffs before wrapping the velcro.

Pressure Calibration Using the BFR Unit Quick Inflation Feature

Deflation Plugs

Fit Cuffs BFR Unit - This image shows the generic deflation mode that will start when any exercise program on the BFR unit have been finished or simply by pressing STOP during exercise

Deflation Mode - Similar to the Pressure Calibration Mode

▼ Troubleshooting – Pressure Drop And / Or Poor Fitting Cuffs ▼

 

If You’re struggling with pressure leaks (⤵ mmHg) during exercise, please consider the various reasons for this issue and not an actual “air-leak”:

  1. Contract the relevant muscles several times while the Fit Manometer is still attached and remember to repeat this procedure accordingly. It might take about 1-2 minutes to get the pressure stable before exercising. ⇩
  2. Please also consider, that even though the calibration phase has been done accordingly, You might experience a pressure drop if the cuff moves during exercise. In most cases, this can be attenuated if You remember to completely deflate the cuffs before attachment to attain a proper fit. ⇩
  3. If the initial pressure calibration has been implemented accordingly but pressure drops during exercise, reassess the pressure during training immediately after the first set or interval.

When initiating inflation of the cuff the vasculature underneath the cuff will be forced downstream. This effect will only exacerbate when contracting the corresponding muscles reducing the circumference of the limb and thereby a drop in pressure. The nylon material is semi-elastic and the initial slack of the velcro attachment will lengthen during the first muscle contractions. So, the overall circumference of the cuff will expand initially creating a pressure drop because of this small but significant elongation.

This picture displays the Deflation feature on the BFR Unit

Pressure Calibration Mode as displayed on the BFR Unit

Deflation Mode - Similar to the Pressure Calibration Mode

Sufficient calibration is simply imperative to attenuate pressure drops during exercise

Fit@ffs - New Web App - Calculate Recommended Pressure

Check Below For How To Attach The Different Cuffs Accordingly

▼ Arm Cuff V3.1 & Leg Cuff V3.1 ▼

▼ Arm Cuff V2.1 & Leg Cuff V2.1 ▼

▼ Arm Cuff V4.0 & Leg Cuff V4.0 ▼

Check Below For How To Deflate the Cuffs

How much pressure (mmHg)? The Pressure-Load Continuum in Blood Flow Restriction Training

Visual representation of the pressure-load continuum by The BFR Pros, highlighting the relationship between pressure and load for effective blood flow restriction training

@Thehpm

Pressure-load continuum chart for blood flow restriction training showing limb occlusion pressure levels: low (40–50% LOP, 30–50% 1RM), moderate (50–70% LOP, 20–30% 1RM), and high pressure (70–90% LOP,
The Load-Pressure Continuum in BFR Training
The benefits of Blood Flow Restriction (BFR)—specifically time efficiency and reduced physical load—are directly tied to the amount of relative pressure used. Research indicates that higher pressures (70–90% of Limb Occlusion Pressure or LOP) are more favorable when tolerated.
This is especially critical when training with very low loads (under 25% of 1RM). In these cases, reaching a threshold of at least 60% LOP is necessary to trigger a training response.
 
Balancing Load and Pressure
Relative load and relative pressure exist on a mutually dependent continuum. To optimize your BFR application, follow these guidelines:
  • Early Stage Rehab & Post-Op (<20% 1RM Load): It is strongly recommended to use higher relative pressures (70–90% LOP). This is a vital consideration for those with prescribed load restrictions following surgery.
  • Gym & Performance (30–50% 1RM Load): In a standard gym setting without strict load restrictions, it is favorable to utilize less pressure (40–50/60% LOP) combined with higher relative loads.
By understanding this load-pressure continuum, you can customize BFR protocols to maximize muscle fatigue and adaptation, regardless of your current lifting or load capacity.
This figure from Bielitzki et al. (2024) displays the pressure-load continuum specified as Illustration of a conceptual framework of exercise with blood fow restriction

Fig. 2 Illustration of a conceptual framework of exercise with blood fow restriction. The external load is determined by a variety of exercise
parameters, which also dictate the psychophysiological responses, and therefore, the internal load. The internal load in response to a specifc
external load depends on a multitude of infuencing factors (i.e., environmental and personal factors). The level of relative cuf pressure,
along with other variables, represents a modifable environmental factor to manipulate the internal load. Relative cuf pressures between 40
and 80% of the individuals’ arterial occlusion pressure are assumed to induce favorable long-term adaptations. Bielitzki et al. (2023)

Source

  1. Cerqueira et al. (2021) Repetition Failure Occurs Earlier During Low-Load Resistance Exercise With High But Not Low Blood Flow Restriction Pressures: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
  2. Pignanelli et al (2019) Low-load resistance training to task failure with and without blood flow restriction- Muscular functional and structural adaptations
  3. Bielitzki et al. (2023) The Discrepancy Between External and Internal LoadIntensity during Blood Flow Restriction Exercise Understanding Blood Flow Restriction Pressure as Modulating Factor

For different Training Protocols see How When & Why BFR & The Complete BFR Guide

This image displays the Leg Cuff V3.1 in the most smallest setting with the velcro strap placed neutral for slight contoured fit

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