View Full Version : Training mask
Just wondering if anyone has used one of these devices before and if it would be worth investing in?
http://trainingmask.com/products/TRAINING-MASK-2.0.html
Looks like a marked improvement over using a promask or a snorkel.
Im hoping to get one soon and try it out.
Prester John
06-01-2012, 12:22
I've used a promask for years. I've seen SEALs use these, and they look nice. I don't know if it's worth the investment if you are already running a promask.
No promask. My current unit is strat so they dont have them. Part of the reason Im glad Im reclassing.
Cake_14N
06-04-2012, 10:23
I see how this can increase the workload on the lungs and make it more difficult to breathe in and out but it does nothing to alter the physiology of training at altitude.
From what I remember from exercise physiology.. ( a long time ago ) the body reacts to the reduced partial pressure of oxygen at altitude by producing more red blood cells to have a greater carrying capacity to carry that reduced quantity of oxygen. In short, more rbc's to carry oxygen to make up for less oxygen in the atmosphere.
So, this mask looks to me like a device that will exercise the physical structure of the lungs making the musclature stronger but will do nothing to make the body more efficient at using oxygen.
Please correct me if I am incorrect.
Cake
PedOncoDoc
06-04-2012, 12:19
I see how this can increase the workload on the lungs and make it more difficult to breathe in and out but it does nothing to alter the physiology of training at altitude.
From what I remember from exercise physiology.. ( a long time ago ) the body reacts to the reduced partial pressure of oxygen at altitude by producing more red blood cells to have a greater carrying capacity to carry that reduced quantity of oxygen. In short, more rbc's to carry oxygen to make up for less oxygen in the atmosphere.
So, this mask looks to me like a device that will exercise the physical structure of the lungs making the musclature stronger but will do nothing to make the body more efficient at using oxygen.
Please correct me if I am incorrect.
Cake
The phyisiologic response to the lower partial pressures of oxygen seen at altitude will also increase the production of 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate (2,3-BPG) which allows red blood cells to more easily deliver oxygen into tissues under low oxygen tension.
Dozer523
06-04-2012, 12:45
Save yourself some money. Use a plastic bag.
It shouldn't always be about the coolest gimick.
Seriously? Just run up hills, and stadium bleachers and swim laps . . .
Save yourself some money. Use a plastic bag.
It shouldn't always be about the coolest gimick.
Seriously? Just run up hills, and stadium bleachers and swim laps . . .
Tracking that Dozer. I already do that. Just looking for a way to make training more challenging.
Save yourself some money. Use a plastic bag.
It shouldn't always be about the coolest gimick.
Seriously? Just run up hills, and stadium bleachers and swim laps . . .
But you don't look get to look like the latest villian in the Batman movies.
But you don't look get to look like the latest villian in the Batman movies.
I now see the comical aspect of said device. I may have to add some pointy ears if I acquire this thing and take some photos while using it.:lifter
I just bumped into a buddy from my old Marine unit who has one, he wears it all the time, he says he wears it for the same reason you want it, it makes his workouts more intense. There gen 1 looks like a gasmask. I'm grabbing one next month, can't really hurt my training, can only add to it.
Russians have been doing something similar for a long time. I've seen videos of them using a straw to breathe through for the same benefit (as PedOncoDoc alluded to) with 1/10th cost. I have to agree with Dozer though, the overall benefit from running hills, especially with a vest on, far outweigh using a mask, especially since the hill running is training for real world scenarios.
I bought one for running and work out with it in the gym...It is intense and you have to work your way up with the different caps that go on it to simulate different altitudes. I noticed when I run without it my lungs breath deeper and I do not tire as quickly. Besides dealing with everyone asking you about it all the time, it makes my workout a lot harder. I only bought it because I saw the MMA guys taping snorkels to their faces and figured it must help with endurance. I am happy with it.
Why not just get one of the sports mouth pieces you can breath through. I would think that would fit the bill.
The individual with the firearm was looking for a confrontation though.
I guess this is another opption: http://www.o2trainer.com/
Bump....
So I've had the mask version 2.0 for about a month now. Definitely noticing a difference in performance on events and runs. Pros of the mask? You can set it from 3000 ft to 18000 ft. I generally run 9000 for training. I have used it on rucks, runs, and some crossfit workouts. Cons? After about 3 miles, you start to wonder what the hell is wrong with yourself for doing this to yourself. But the payoff has been nice.The mask is comfortable and comes with everything you need. I've even worn it doing house chores just to work the diaphragm. The mask does come with a workout designed to strengthen the core that is a fairly decent workout to do at home.