THE TRUTH ABOUT

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What is Far Infrared (FIR) Energy?
Far Infrared (FIR) is an invisible form of energy that has a wavelength above microwave but below visible light; "The FIR electromagnetic spectrum of wavelengths between 5.6 and 1000 µm is not visible to the human eye" [1]. FIR energy is completely natural; it is in the environment and comes directly from the sun. It is also understood to be the best natural energy source, "Among the total spectrum of solar rays coming from the sun, the Far Infrared Rays are the safest and most beneficial" [2].

FIR Energy Treatment & Therapy
The primary characteristic that makes FIR Energy so significant is its great, penetrative power, "FIR radiation can penetrate relatively deep into the human body, reaching as far as 4-7cm into the tissues, and is readily absorbed by biological materials" [1]. FIR energy rays are able to reach deep into the cells, inner tissues, nerves, glands, and organs beneath the skin. In doing so, FIR Energy is "absorbed very easily by the human body and helps in all aspects of bodily growth and development" [2]. FIR Energy rays have numerous, invaluable health benefits and are used in multiple forms of treatment and therapy. Far Infrared Treatment is used on a variety of ill or injured patients as it "stimulates cellular metabolism which increases the body's regenerative ability and helps restore proper function of the nervous system. When any tissue in the body is exposed to FIR the body's healing processes are activated" [2]. These healing processes are generally identified as expanding capillaries, improved circulation, and more efficient elimination of toxins from the bloodstream, "other beneficial effects may include assisting the regenerative ability of tissues, activating the immune system and enhancing the removal of cellular waste materials" [1].

FAR INFRARED ENGERY
The most significant ways that FIR therapy can improve human health are: • Increasing oxygen levels in the blood • Promoting regeneration, rapid healing, and recovery • Rejuvenating skin and muscle tissue • Reducing lipids in skin tissue • Enhancing delivery of oxygen and nutrients to soft tissue, like muscles

Far Infrared Energy in Textile
This is where BODIMAX Technology innovates. Far infrared fabrics are generally derived from traditional fabrics, but are functionalized by the incorporation of active FIR material. The functionalized FIR material is manufactured into the fabric and then into the garment.
The most important takeaway from FIR Energy in textiles is that "FIR textiles are powered by the wearer" [1]. Without the human body to interact with the textile, there is no benefit to the product. FIR textiles are latent energy sources that are activated when they are worn. Humans constantly radiate or emit energy, including FIR energy. Energy is transferred from the body and absorbed by the FIR material which "maintain their [wearer] temperature at sufficiently high levels and then emit FIR back to the body" [3]. The FIR emitting material also prevents the loss of FIR energy that would have escaped the body through normal clothing or lack of clothing. These FIR fabrics ensure that the thermo energy radiated by the body is absorbed and emitted back by the fabric as Far Infrared Rays, which then activate the body's healing processes (see Figure 1).
• Enhancing metabolism • Improving blood circulation • Improving the function of the nervous system

FAR INFRARED ENGERY
In one study by Conrado and Munin, 42 women were tested to determine the effect of a garment made with FIR materials on the reduction of body measurements. The women were divided into two groups: active and placebo.
Women in both groups wore their garments for eight hours a day for 30 days.
The experiment resulted in a reduction in body measurements for the women in the active group. This is believed to be the result of increased microcirculation and peripheral blood flow, further promoting improved general health [3,4].
Other experiments have tested the impact of FIR textiles on the discomfort of menstruation, cellulite in the legs, chronic foot pain, and more. The benefits of FIR textile are numerous and the areas in which humans can benefit from FIR textile are never-ending. One area that has significant room for advancement when it comes to FIR materials is sport.

Far Infrared Energy in Sport
According to the sample study mentioned previously, FIR materials are powerful. People can reap major benefit from these textiles in their everyday life. One particular group of people that has a lot to gain from this advancement in technology is athletes.
Athletes are obviously not the only people who exercise regularly, but their physical activity tends to be more frequent and more intense than average, therefore, their bodies are often put through more physical stress. The demanding nature of their daily activity can cause a variety of aches, pains, and ailments including, but not limited to: • Cramps • Muscle soreness/tightness • Injury • Fatigue/Exhaustion The BODIMAX Sleeves are a functionalized FIR garment that absorb body heat, emit it back to the muscles as FIR energy, and thus activate the body's healing processes.

FAR INFRARED ENGERY
Many of these problems are by-products of lactic acid buildup in the muscles, which FIR fabrics can positively affect. FIR textiles can be a solution to, prevention of, or aid in a majority of these problems due to its healing properties, "FIR textiles can, in principle, maximize body heat and thereby prevent muscles from feeling over-worked, potentially improve muscle tone and mitigate soreness and muscle spasm while reducing the risk of injury" [1].

Tested and Proven
Other experiments have been conducted to prove the effectiveness of FIR textile in sport, athletes, and physical activity. One of these studies was commissioned at

FAR INFRARED ENGERY
After putting on the garments for a particular trial, subjects rested in the test chamber for 60 minutes prior to instrumentation and data collection.
The following data were collected to detect potential differences in physiological responses based on which garment was worn during testing: metabolic data, blood pressure, heart rate, and blood oxygenation. Initial metabolic data were collected at rest, then at regular 15-second intervals throughout the incremental workload increases of the cycle ergometer test, and immediately post-test.
The results of this study showed that the average length of time that test subjects could exercise before reaching their anaerobic thresholds (AT) was significantly longer when wearing the garment containing BODIMAX Technology. This is significant for athletes because postponement of reaching AT enhances endurance and performance during a workout. Additionally, this study proved that wearing a functionalized fabric (like the BODIMAX Sleeves) resulted in significantly smaller increases and less accumulation in blood lactate levels, which indicates enhanced metabolic waste removal during exercise [5]. • 5% greater uptake (usage) of oxygen at peak » Greater uptake of oxygen suggests a better peripheral transport of oxygen caused by interaction with the outfit with BODIMAX Technology in it.
• 6% greater output at Anaerobic Threshold » A higher heart rate at the anaerobic threshold is bound to a greater exercise intensity at threshold wearing the functionalized outfit. • 14% greater work rate at the Anaerobic Threshold » Since the workload increased progressively during the test and the anaerobic threshold was reached later, the workload at the threshold was greater when wearing the garment with BODIMAX Technology.
• AND, 18% less buildup of lactic acid after 10 minutes of exercise In efforts to create a product that endured the demands of serious athletes in and out of the water, A3 Performance developed the BODIMAX Sleeves using a much denser material than the FIR fabrics used in the above research; BODIMAX fabric is 220g (versus 150g and 90g). Additionally, the BODIMAX Sleeves are woven with a special, chlorine-resistance spandex. The BODIMAX material combined with the compressive design of the sleeves, intensifies the impact of the BODIMAX Technology and promotes even greater benefit to athletes.

So What's the Truth about BODIMAX?
BODIMAX is an innovative, fabric technology that absorbs the body's heat energy during physical activity and emits that energy back into the muscles in the form of Far Infrared Energy. This (FIR) energy is proven to stimulate blood microcirculation and thermoregulation further increasing oxygen levels in the blood, reducing lactic acid buildup in the muscles, and relieving muscle and I 100% believe they are beneficial for all athletes. The design helps me achieve a unique feel for the water, and the compression helps my arms feel warmed up and ready to go sooner than they would without the sleeves on. In my experience, I am able to train at a higher level because the BODIMAX Sleeves delay a sense of fatigue that I typically start to feel during my workout. I truly believe in this product and its ability to improve strength, technique, and body awareness in the water."

Darian Townsend -Olympic Gold Medalist, Three-time Olympian, Masters World Record Holder
"I have been using the sleeves for over a month now and I'm enjoying working with them. A couple of things I really like about them: • I like that you can wear them both in and out of the water. I can put them on before I leave for the pool and then take them off when I'm done working out and at home again.
• Having them on in the water didn't affect my feel for the water. I was able to perform all four of the strokes with no hindrance from the sleeves.
• I definitely felt that my arms had better circulation with the BODIMAX Sleeves on. My arms were significantly less tired towards the end of my swim sets.
• The BODIMAX Sleeves stayed in place, whether I was diving into the pool, pushing off the walls, or swimming; the sleeves stayed tight on my arms.
• Doing dryland with the BODIMAX Sleeves on, my arms never overheated or got too sweaty. The material allowed my skin to breath and stay cool."