Neptune Performance Products LLC

Breaking Down Huberman Lab Performance Cooling Episode

jasonrulo@neptuneperformance.com (Jason Rulo) — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 23:16:47 GMT

Thermal Regulation for Performance: Understanding the Best Ways To Heat or Cool the Body

I recently came across a Huberman Lab podcast from early 2022 where he discussed proper thermal regulation for performance. While some of the information provided was accurate, other aspects were misleading or simply incorrect. In this article, I will examine some of the key points made in the podcast and provide a more in-depth look at the science of thermoregulation.

The primary focus of this episode suggested that the optimal locations for heat loss or gain are the face, palms of the hands, and bottoms of the feet. While there is some truth to this statement, it is important to note that this approach may not be effective in all situations. For example, if someone is dangerously overheating and needs to cool down quickly, submerging them in cold water may be the most effective method. While putting a cold towel on the face or palms of the hands may be maximally effective per unit of heat loss, it may not be the fastest way to cool down someone who is suffering from life-threatening hyperthermia.

In terms of trying to raise or lower the core body temperature, placing an ice pack or a heat pack on the face, palms of the hands, or bottoms of the feet may be the most effective method per square inch and/or if those are the only areas where you have access. However, using these areas may or may not be the best way to warm the body depending on the situation. The basic laws of thermodynamics state that exposing the largest possible surface area of the body to cold or warm temperatures will allow for the greatest amount of conductive heat transfer. Huberman actually states that “submerging the body in cold water is not the most effective way to cool the body because of vasoconstriction.” This is only partially correct. While the body will shunt blood from the skin in an attempt to protect itself, the skin itself is 70% water and the largest organ of the body. The exposure of all of this water to a cold surface will suck the heat out of a large area at one time, so this is obviously a very effective means of cooling, which, coincidentally, is also why cold water is so dangerous.

Now, if you look at the reverse of this situation, if you take a person who is hypothermic, exposure to warm water submersion is actually quite dangerous as it could lead to a condition called afterdrop. This is where the body actually relaxes the vasoconstriction safety mechanism and sends blood to the skin, which is cold from all the cold exposure. This low temperature of the skin then quickly drops the temperature of the returning blood, resulting in a quick drop in core body temperature. The key to all of this is understanding that the temperature of the water in the skin (as well as the person’s overall hydration levels) have a large effect on the body’s ability to thermoregulate, not simply its exposure of certain areas to cold or warm surfaces.

The idea when utilizing a device such as The Neptune is to help prevent the cooling or warming of the body right from the get-go rather than waiting to react after the fact. There is also an element of convenience which needs to be addressed when talking about athletes or active individuals trying to maintain core body temperature. We do live in the real world and not in a lab, so one needs to be realistic when attempting to figure out the best ways to go about this process.

Another factor to consider, which Huberman fails to address at all, is the ingestion of warm or cool liquids or foods. This is one of the fastest ways to heat or cool the body. If someone is cold, giving them warm liquids or food will help to rewarm them quickly. Similarly, if someone is overheating, giving them cool liquids or foods can help to cool them down. This method was not even mentioned during the podcast, and I'm not really sure why.

He also spends some time discussing endurance racing, but this is where most of his arguments fall apart. I will spare you a lengthy explanation of all the factors where simply utilizing the palmer and face cooling method might be effective in a lab but would be much less so out in the real world where the environment is constantly changing. I will mention these as food for thought, knowing that the body's most effective method for heat loss is convection (evaporation). Then the environment's humidity level plays a role as does airflow (are you running into the wind versus a tailwind). Whether or not the sun is out will affect radiative heat transfer from the sun, which is also important. As an athlete, you would need to understand all of these factors to help control your body's temperature.

In conclusion, while the Huberman podcast provided some useful information about thermal regulation for performance, it is important to understand that there are many factors to consider when trying to regulate body temperature. Understanding the environment that you will be in and all the avenues in which your body can lose and retain heat can play a huge role in not only your comfortability but also in your optimal performance. Submerging someone in cold water may be the most effective method for cooling down someone who is dangerously overheating, but the reverse is most certainly not what you want to do if hypothermia is the issue. Utilizing the methods that focus on the palms of the hands, bottoms of the feet, and keeping the face warm may be effective for rewarming slowly. In addition, the ingestion of warm liquids or foods can be a fast and effective way to bring the body temperature back up. This Huberman Lab episode mainly focuses on the effects of cooling the body to optimize performance, but there are two sides to this problem. By understanding these factors, you can better prepare yourself for situations where thermal regulation is important for performance. This article is not meant to be a full-fledged rebuttal of Huberman's thorough podcast but more to provide food for thought and consideration when thinking about the arguments he presented. The more knowledgeable you are on the subject, the better you will be able to maintain your performance under any conditions!

BROCR Podcast (Racing in the Cold)

jasonrulo@neptuneperformance.com (Jason Rulo) — Wed, 25 Sep 2019 15:57:02 GMT

It's snowing in Tahoe!

On the BROCR Supercast we discuss the current world of OCR (Obstacle Course Racing), the people in it, and hot topics of the week. The BROCR Supercast is a no frills dive into the mud for the die hard athletes that are the OCR community.

9/23/19- This week's episode= It’s getting Cold in here- so put on all your clothes WRONG! Join Jacob and Leah as they speak with Jason Rulo- the inventor of the Neptune Thermoregulation System, and expert in cold weather prep! Headed to Tahoe this weekend? Or perhaps the upcoming Sweden Ultra or World’s Toughest Mudder? You won’t want to miss this episode to learn all about what you can do to prepare for the cold and ensure you finish your race as intended!

Find the podcast on Google Podcast here: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy85MzIzZjgwL3BvZGNhc3QvcnNz&episode=NjM0N2E3MDUtOTM0Yy02NzVkLTM1ZGUtOTJhZTFlZmY2YTBh

New Age of Thermoregulation

Sun, 04 Aug 2019 23:17:03 GMT

With new products like Sony's Reon and the Neptune our clothing is changing!

When the Neptune Thermoregulation System made it's debut at the 2016 World's Toughest Mudder it marked a new age of temperature regulating clothing. Until that time nearly all of the clothing that provided external assistance in thermoregulation was outerwear in the form of a jacket, sweater type long sleeved shirt, or a down jacket/vest. The Neptune base-layer brought in a new type of product and still the only waterproof option. Wearing temperature assisting clothing close to the skin allows for a lot more flexible clothing options by selecting more traditional apparel to wear over it if necessary. Companies love to use technology to address this issue...even if "high tech" may not be the best approach.

Sony has recently developed a new product called the Reon Pocket through their crowdfunding site. This product claims it can lower your body temperature 23 degrees F or raise it by 14 degrees F. This of course isn't actually true. Dropping your actual body temp by more than a few degrees puts you on the road to hypothermia and is really no fun at all. On the opposite end, you would not be able raise your body temperature much over 100 degree F before triggering a heat related illness response. They aren't painting the entire picture. Probably a better way to describe the effect of the Reon Pocket is that it lowers/ raises the SKIN temperature AT THE SITE OF THE DEVICE. The Neptune will actually produce AT LEAST similar results but it utilizes a much more low tech and more reliable method... Why? because I can never seem to find a charging port out in the woods or on a race course when I get that dreaded low battery warning! The method of application is another topic. However, given the fact that the Neptune shirt can actually hold up to six body warmers or even six Reon Pocket devices and the fact they are around the core only serves to increase the benefit.

I will caution users that the more insulation you put over a warming device the more localized heat will be retained. At localized temperatures over about 115 degrees F you can burn the skin. I am guessing Sony limited the heat output of the device to help prevent this. However, I hypothesize the unit could get hotter than the 115 degrees F unless it has it's own "governor" if you will to prevent it from continueing to produce heat above a certain measure temperature. This is actually why we recommend our customers place the body warmers in the pouches during EVERY use even when when they will not be getting wet.

I actually also question the cooling claims as well given the fact that in order to use the Reon Pocket you must wear the undershirt. Wearing a shirt under a shirt automatically makes you warmer because it both limits airflow around the skin as well as providing another layer in which to trap air thereby making the environment inside your shirt warmer. The Reon Pocket now has to overcome this in order to make you cooler. One might argue that simply wearing a lighter shirt and no undershirt might be a better choice.

Bottom line, I believe thermoregulatory clothing is here to stay. Heck you can even go further than base layer clothing if you are looking for a heating or cooling effect. There are even cooling bras for women as well as underwear for men . Consumers really need to look into some of these options when they are shopping for solutions. That being said, potential customers do need to beware of ridiculous claims (see the Eddie Bauer claim in the pic below where it's impossible for there to be less heat loss in arms than that of the core in the non Evertherm jacket). Just know there are options out there. If you have questions about these products feel free to contact me. I am happy to help in any way I can.

Godspeed and happy trails!

Yeti vs. Rtic

jasonrulo@neptuneperformance.com (Jason Rulo) — Wed, 09 Jan 2019 15:05:09 GMT

Can the Yeti be worth the extra money???

You might be asking yourself, "what does the performance of a Yeti vs Rtic have to due with a Neptune Thermoregulation System?" Well they both involve the controlling of temperature and both products are often used by people in the outdoors. You will find the Neptune blog contains a lot of information useful to people who enjoy spending time outdoors as well as pertinent science and exercise related material.

In this video I break down why the Yeti maybe worth the extra money depending on how you plan to use it. I know that girlfriend's Yeti managed to keep tea steaming hot all night at the 2018 World's Toughest Mudder in 30 degree temps. I have yet to test my Rtic is such conditions but the science says the Yeti will easily out performance the Rtic in that particular application. Check out the video to find out why!

Nike Arrives

Sun, 09 Sep 2018 22:50:00 GMT

Many of those who have spoken to me about the Neptune Thermoregulation System have heard the story about my experience at the 2012 World’s Toughest Mudder and why I felt something could be created to help prevent that situation. During my self driven education about human thermoregulation I was determined to expand on what I learned during my undergraduate Exercise Science program. I had to better understand how the body adjusts for both excessive heat loss as well as too much heat retention. In addition, gaining a grasp on how the radiant heat from the sun affects thermoregulation as well as how water and air flow contribute.

When I started designing the Neptune I was determined to solve the hypothermic issues and do so in a way that would work even if it’s owner was in and out of water. However, I also considered the fact that this piece of equipment needed to be much more than just a heated base layer. This garment needed to be a piece that could be the foundation of ANY athletic endeavor. Even without the external heat the shirt can be used as an undershirt, a racing top, a windbreaker base layer (using the pouches), a swim/surf shirt, as well as many more applications. It’s high breath ability and Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treated fabric make it highly effective at cooling the body as well. On top of all of this the shirt pockets have multipurpose as well because they can hold nutrition, your phone, keys, credit card in addition to the pouches for which they were designed. The cooling aspect of the Neptune Thermoregulation System involves using these pockets to hold ice or frozen gel packs to aid in controlling your body temperature in the heat.

It is the cooling part that has apparently peaked the interest of Nike and their Sports Research Lab as they have created a prototype “Cooling vest” that was worn by Rafael Nadal and Maria Sharapova this past week during practice at the US Open. From the description in this article , it sounds pretty close to the Neptune’s patent pending design, so I will be tracking this closely.

Article: https://www.dezeen.com/2018/09/06/nike-cooling-vest-rafael-nadal-us-open-tennis-championships/

Bottom line, if Nike is looking into the benefits of thermoregulation assisting apparel then this market could be a real thing in the future. Neptune Performance Products is proud to be first to market with a product that can truly do it all and has been proven in some of the harshest competition conditions possible at the 24 hour World’s Toughest Mudder ! No need to wait for the Nike Vest because the Neptune is available now. For more information about the Neptune check us out at www.neptuneperformance.com

Do you like pain?

Thu, 05 Apr 2018 14:24:00 GMT

Chances are if you are like most people then you loth pain/ discomfort. So why is it that so many people put themselves through discomfort unnecessarily… Now I’m not talking about that pain that leads to something great like crushing a hard workout nor the discomfort of grinding out a brutal race. The pain I am referring to is when it is most certainly avoidable but we are willing to put ourselves through it because we are either too lazy to do what we know is necessary, or we simply didn’t have the foresight to plan ahead for the contingency that we are facing.

Think of it in this scenario: you go into a dealership to buy that new car you have been eyeing, researching, even stalking for the past couple of months and today is the day. You are then given the option, do you buck up and pay the few thousand more for the all wheel drive (AWD) upgrade or stick with the 2WD model. You think to yourself, “I don’t think we’ll need the AWD, it doesn’t really snow that much here and we rarely get off the pavement. 2WD will be fine.” Fast forward to the first obstacle race of the season… with parking in a field. It’s also been raining for like four days prior to now. So now there’s this. You wife is pissed because the new SUV stuck in a field and now you have to find two buddies to help you push her out of this ridiculously muddy field all because you didn’t see this coming.

Unfortunately the above scenario is more common than most would like to admit. Wouldn’t you just prefer to have that warm and fuzzy confidence of knowing that you could simply push a button on your dash and this problem would be solved?

Now let’s rewind to a few hours earlier. It’s cool and there is a chance of rain today and you are getting dressed for the race. There are three possible scenarios here:

A. You decided you wanted to have a third pair of racing shoes because they looked cool and you like shoes rather than purchasing that Neptune Thermoregulation System . Now you are going to have to deal with the possibility of freezing your ass off while you are waiting for the race to begin and God forbid it start raining during the event. There is also a chance of failing an obstacle and having to stand in the rain and rest for a bit while your body heat is quickly dissipating it’s heat… Well this is all very unfortunate!

B. You opted to buy the Neptune over those shoes and now you are getting ready for that race and you are thinking; “it’s not supposed to be cold very long today and there is only a 30% chance of rain. I am in awesome shape right now… I’m going shirtless today! Spartan Up MF’er! So you are now basically in the same predicament as you would be if you bought the extra shoes.

C. You have your Neptune AND you are wearing it to the race… AND you brought your body warmers. Great planning you freaking boy scout! You planned ahead and now you can make the decision of whether or not you need to load the heaters or how many heaters you will need. Now you are not freezing your nuts off before the race. You have properly configured your Neptune to keep you from getting too hot during the event and now have no worries about hypothermia if you get stuck during the event.

Man what a difference experience life can be if we just make a few decisions with the forsite of Murphy’s Law. The military puts together a contingency plan for their back up plan…Maybe you should too. That way next time your shirtless body will not have froze before the race causing ridiculous shrinkage, and then getting you again at that damn slick obstacle. Nor would your wife be giving you the silent treatment and forcing you to sleep on the couch tonight because it’s your fault she had to park far away in a muddy field and got stuck without AWD in her new SUV and now missing that baby shower she was supposed to attend.

Clearly the lesson here is to be the boy scout. Plan ahead. It’s always better to have options and be able to avoid the pain. Be smart! Life’s easier that way!

Using the Neptune

Thu, 02 Nov 2017 23:55:00 GMT

Let me clarify something right off the bat. The Neptune is titled as a Thermoregulation System for a reason. It’s not simply a heated shirt because it works with the body’s natural heat loss and retention mechanisms to ensure that your internal environment stays relatively stable. This means that it’s difficult to actually overheat while wearing the Neptune even while running in warmer weather. That doesn’t mean you won’t feel hot but you certainly won’t overheat, in most cases, because your body will send blood to other areas where the pouches are not located in order to ensure heat loss. Kind of the opposite occurs when out in the cold. In this instance, the body attempts to retain as much of the heat in the core area of the body as possible. This is why the heated pouches are located around the abdomen. Another way the body loses heat is through the process of convection. Basically airflow. You will notice this on a windy day or when you stand in front of a fan. The air immediately next to your skin is warmed by your body. This warm air is then recycled with cold air that is blowing at you. The Neptune Inferno pouches act as a wind blocking barrier to resist some of this convection heat loss. This is especially important on a windy day or while cycling or skiing. I have taken time to go through this long explanation because I have heard from numerous people the phrase, “I don’t want to overheat!” This makes me laugh. You are simply not seeing the entire picture if this is your thought process but that’s okay because that’s what I’m here for!

In the paragraphs below, you will find a lengthy description of how to best apply your Neptune your goals and a variety of instances whether that be to optimize performance in a race like world’s toughest Mudder or to Simply be comfortable at your kids soccer game. Your Neptune is a tool with many more applications than you may have considered. I feel this piece of apparel is basically like the Leatherman in your gear bag… You won’t really know what all you can use it for until you have it. Which brings to my first point…

The bottom line is also step one, you can’t use the Neptune unless you have it with you!!! This may sound like a no brainer, however, this issue is the biggest complaint I hear from Neptune customers…”man I wished I would have brought my Neptune!” Call it Murphy’s Law or a lack of preparation but you need to bring it/wear it if you think there is even a remote chance you may need it. The method in which you implement it can vary a lot but at least you will have it as an option. Heck you can wear it as an undershirt and no one will even know you have it on!

Inferno Pouch Configurations – by changing which spots you have the pouches you can control their desired effect.

Use as a Rash Guard

Use as a Base layer

Use as a Training Aid

Use as a Racing Top

Points to remember

World’s Toughest Mudder/ Xtreme Sports

FAQs

In the end the Neptune is a tool… a weapon! When used correctly it can give you the competitive edge over the athletes around you. If nothing else it will provide that warm hug of comfort you need when things get tough. Good luck and Godspeed!

Are you ready for OCRWC?

Wed, 11 Oct 2017 05:07:00 GMT

The Obstacle Racing World Championships are almost here! 2,000+ athletes from 67 countries will descend upon Blue Mountain Resort in Ontario, Canada with an ultimate goal of bringing home a medal for their native country. For most this is but a dream; however, that doesn’t mean the masses will give anything less than his/her best. That being said should a competitor underestimate mother nature and how much she can affect a race then that racer could be in for a long day. I fully believe in the motto “plan for the worst and hope for the best,” so you can bet that I will come prepared. I put this blog together in hopes that I can provide a little bit of clarity as you contemplate your OCRWC race(s).

Things you SHOULD have done to prepare:

Items to bring (these will vary based on your experience level, conditioning, resistance to cold, etc)

Things to consider on race day

Understanding how all of the above will play into your race is the key. Planning for this is your duty because if you “fail to plan then you plan to fail!” I see my role in this process as educator. Providing you the information so you can perform at your best. I remember the line from G.I. Joe when I was kid “knowing is half the battle!” Now you know so go out there and crush the course!!! I will see you in Canada ehh!

Godspeed!

Thermoregulation for the 2019 Spartan World Championships

Wed, 27 Sep 2017 15:49:00 GMT

Items to bring (these will vary based on your experience level, conditioning, resistance to cold, etc)

Things to consider on race day

Godspeed!

The Complete Guide to Toughest Mudder

Tue, 18 Apr 2017 14:25:00 GMT

The Neptune Thermoregulation System was born out of a need in the sport of obstacle racing (OCR) so it only makes sense for it to be a “recommended gear” option for an eight hour version of a Tough Mudder.

I wrote the Guide linked below so that any obstacle racer could be prepared. However, there are specific things that can be added for those who participate in a race such as this with a Neptune Thermoregulation System because your approach will most likely be a little different. For instance, in milder temperatures you would likely skip the wetsuit altogether; instead opting for a windbreaker type jacket like the Frogg Toggs rain jacket which absorbs no water. In fact check out this video where I do a quick demo/ explanation of how it will benefit you.

It will also help to know things like the number of water obstacles because the wetter you are the faster you will cool down… especially if Arctic Enema is in the mix. In addition, the elevation change can be a big deal because climbing hills will warm you up. Hills can also shield you from the wind. High winds and flat terrain will most certainly mean a race that “feels” colder.

Another factor you have to weigh is whether or not you will be wearing a hydration pack. If so, then you might not want to load the rear Neptune heaters as you might get too hot. If you are wearing a wetsuit then I wouldn’t worry about it as much because that probably means either there are a lot of water submersions or it’s cold so the added heat won’t matter.

When you get a chance, check out this Guide to see how you need to prep for the Toughest Mudder event as well as to further see how the Neptune can be used in an OCR!

Dressing For Cold Weather Training

Mon, 16 Jan 2017 19:16:00 GMT

The real key to continuing your training during the winter is knowing how to dress for your cold weather training. Dressing properly will mean that you are just as comfortable in 30 degrees as you are in 60 degrees. Everyone has heard the basics: dress in layers, cover your head and ears, wear gloves, etc. Performance apparel has improved so much over the past 20 years that staying comfortable is now easy. In fact, items such as the Neptune Thermoregulation System will allow you to easily run warm down to zero degrees and below. For this application, I will address your cold weather clothing from the base layer out and then from your head to your toes.

Inside/Out

Head-to-toe

All of the above mentioned items are readily available and can easily be implemented when you have to train in the cold. However, this is just a small sample size of what is out there. I prefer to have gear that is multifaceted in its use so that, in combination, can give me just what I need for any situation. In fact, I designed the Neptune Thermoregulation System to be useful in just about any situation from racing when no external heat is necessary, to being water sports base layer, to help keeping you warm while out on the ski slopes in 15 degrees with a 20 mph wind. A down vest can have a similar versatility and be packed and brought along just in case to almost any outdoor workout. The key is to have what you need and implement it as necessary. Rather than simply avoiding Mother Nature, get out there and have fun in it. I, for one, love nothing more than a run while it’s snowing. It’s peaceful and quiet and my cleated obstacle racing shoes keep me from slipping, so I am right at home in this environment. The key is just being prepared!

To All NFL Players: The Science of staying warm in the playoffs

Mon, 09 Jan 2017 18:37:00 GMT

After watching ESPN over the last month or so and listening to former NFL players explain what these football players do to stay warm and still look mocho it has become comical to me. I am amazed that many of them don’t really understand with is important and what is a good idea and what it not.

The list below is the “skinny” on maintaining body heat during these cold weather football games but they are not in any particular order but will go from head to toe:

One of the biggest keys is to keep as many of your “pulse points” covered and warm as possible!

Other points to consider that are not apparel related:

If you have any other questions please contact me. It’s better than using Cayenne pepper!