How do I start a Neuropriming session with Halo Sport 2?

To use your Halo Sport 2, you first need to download the free Halo Sport app and create an app account. Once you're logged in, the app will prompt you to turn on your Halo Sport headset by pressing the upper button on the right ear cup. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect your headset through bluetooth; when connected, the headset's indicator light will turn white once and then blink about once every 2 seconds. If you have an Android phone, this will also mean that you’re set up to listen to music wirelessly with your headset; if you have an iOS device, you’ll need to pair the audio function through your phone’s Bluetooth settings (specific instructions here).

Once you're connected, select "Start a session." Choose your Neuropriming Session from the list on the bottom of the stimulation screen. The Hands and Fingers Sessions are meant for finer motor movement and control, whereas the Legs, Core, and Arms Session is meant for more full body workout and movement. For instance, if you are practicing tennis and want to work on your grip strength and wrist control, use the Hands and Fingers Session, but if you are working on your swing and planting your feet, use the Legs, Core and Arms Session. For more information about the different Neuropriming Sessions, you can watch this video.

Before you put on your headset, grab your Primer band and wet the Primer “nibs”. Run the nibs under tap water from the sink for about 60 seconds until all sides of the nibs are dark grey and very wet. You can gently press on the nibs to help them absorb water. The more wet the nibs are, the better contact you will get between the headset and your head.

Dry off the back side of your Primer band, and insert the Primer band into your headset by lining up the circles and arrow on the back of your Primer band with the corresponding area on your headset. You can then place the headset on your head - for best results, place Halo Sport directly over the top of your head as you would with a normal set of over-ear headphones. (To ensure maximum moisture retention of the primers, make sure not to comb the Primers through your hair as you place the headset on your head.)

Wiggle the headset down through your hair so that it is making contact with your scalp. The Halo Sport App will indicate if you are not getting good contact. If the app shows no contact at all, check to make sure that your Primer band is inserted correctly. If the contact bar is moving but not quite full, try adding more water to your Primer nibs.

When everything is ready, press Start; you will hear a beep from the headset indicating that your Neuropriming Session has started. You can adjust the amplitude by pressing the ‘+’ and ‘-’ buttons within the app depending on your desired comfort level (your training results will be about the same regardless of amplitude level).

During the 20-minute stimulation period, you can do light warm ups - think strides, stretches or light weight lifts. You can also just walk, sit or relax before your workout. Keep in mind that warm-ups involving lots of movement could cause the headset to lose contact with your head.

The Halo Sport app is required to start a Neuropriming session, but once the session is in progress, your device does not need to be in range of your Halo Sport to continue and complete your Neuropriming session.

When the Neuropriming stimulation is complete, the app will indicate that the session is over. Now, start the intense part of your training. Following the stimulation period, you have an additional hour of hyperplasticity during which you can choose to remove the headset or keep it on (this is purely personal preference and will not affect your results).