This month I had the pleasure of interview my good friend of 11 years, Jarret Jones. A Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt, ultra-marathoner and, entrepreneur, I don't know anyone that has been more dedicated to creating a culture of health in an area more than Jarret. From owning and operating Midland's gems, Basin Crossfit & Basin Cryo, to spending the last 15 years of his life to the studying healthy weight manipulation and diet for himself and other professional athletes across Texas. With all the hard work he physically put in, the next natural step was to learn how to recover from all that work. He is now THE leader in Cryo-Therapy in the Permian Basin. As he always has, he continues to innovate.
We've traveled all over this country chasing medals, dreams and, glory together; training and competing with the best the areas that we visited had to offer. All the knowledge that has been gathered is sitting in Midland, Texas. In this short interview we will cover why recovery is important. Why Cryo-Therapy is a good choice for recovery, in jiu jitsu or life, over the other forms of recovery. And, whether I have to be in shape or have an injury to use Cryo. I couldn't be happier to present what he is doing in Midland and the Permian Basin.
Cold, Hard Facts
Thanks for taking the time to talk with me today. I know you're a busy man! Let's get into it!
Why should recovery be important to me?
In the Jiu Jitsu community recovery is important in a couple aspects. First is recovery from training. The old theory goes that you train so hard the competition will seem easy. This is a great protocol for mental toughness but it takes its toll on the body. If you are training like this you need to recover not only from the workout to get the benefits but you need to be able to turn around and do it again in another day or two. A regular recovery protocol of daily and weekly habits can allow this lifestyle with minimal injuries and yield more results from your training. The next thing is recovery for competition. It is common to hear "if you don't compete with injuries, you didn't train hard enough" in combat sports circles. Again, this style of training may do wonders for your mental game but ignoring the pain can only lead to injury. Taking a good week to focus on recovery methods such as muscle activation, myofascial release, Cryo-Therapy, and compression therapy before a competition will ensure that you enter your event with no worries of pain or injuries and can perform at your highest level.
Why choose Cryo-Therapy and Compression over a massage or ice bath?
First answer that comes to mind is because icing or Ice baths are quite miserable!
Icing is more of a localized type of recovery process that is intended to reduce swelling by dropping the temperature of a injury. It's a long miserable process. Whole body Cryo-Therapy is a little different process. When you're in the chamber at -260 degrees, it does feel cold but is very bearable. The cold air on the chamber does not penetrate through the skin and surface temperature. This tricks the body into thinking its freezing, the body responds by drawing all your blood from the extremities and into your core where it circulates through your vital organs and re-oxygenates. When you step out of the chamber your body rushes this new enhanced blood back out flushing out all the toxins and inflammation in your muscles and joints that's leaving your sore. It's really a whole body experience and feels AMAZING afterwards!
After this we recommend the compression therapy. This is where you put "sleeves" or "pants" that basically restrict and increase blood flow through a patent wave pattern forcing further recovery with this new enriched blood. As far as massages go they are a great tool for recovery as well, more in the myofascial release department. We currently use vibrating action myofascial release tools such as balls and rollers and are looking to have a massage therapist for sports recovery very soon.
Do I have to be in shape or an athlete?
Life is a sport and we all are playing. Families, careers, social circles, hobbies, eating habits all cause a stress on our bodies. The more we can relieve that stress and inflammation, the better our lives can be. Improved mood and sleep, increased range of motion, and pain management are just a couple of benefits that anyone could have by putting a recovery protocol in their routine.
Getting frozen in the desert heat sounds great! How can we reach you?
Thanks. We are the only full recover center in Odessa/Midland area. Cryo-Therapy, compression therapy, electric muscle stimulation, and nutrition coaching are available. For more info check out our website at www.BasinCryo.com.