What is the elevation training mask?
The elevation training mask appears like a world war gas mask and its purpose is to simulate high altitude conditions (where there is less oxygen), so conditioning the lungs.
Who invented it?
UFC veteran Sean Sherk, aka the cardio machine! Apparently, they used to literally buy gas masks and tape them all up to control your breathing. They realised the idea worked so well they decided to build a product. You may have also seen a similar process of limiting airflow which is utilized my Wanderlei Silva (a elite UFC fighter), though he purchased a snorkel and forced himself to breathe thru that in coaching! I think an actual training mask works a hell of a lot better!
What are the benefits?
- Increases in lung capacity as your lungs have to work 9 times harder to get the oxygen in
- Increases anaerobic thresholds
- Gas exchange becomes more efficient
- Energy production levels rise
- Mental and physical stamina is boosted
What's your conclusion?
I believe the mask is incredible and I can only see this system getting more conventional! I am grateful there aren't too many people using it at the moment (especially my opponents) but I guess it's just a matter of time. After wearing the mask for 20 minutes I felt just like I had an intense hour workout. My lungs felt kind of achy initially but now I'll train in the mask with much greater ease and I can basically feel that my lungs are stronger. As soon as I rip the mask off after training, I recover in around 6-7 seconds as my body is used to an absence of oxygen. As a result, when it gets hit with an entire load of precious oxygen (when you take the mask off) you'll feel amazing!
It is difficult to train with it everyday - I only use it around twice a week when I am not fight training. It truly does get you in the zone!
When in the cage, I often suffered from adrenalin dumps leading to me getting gassed; this mask has significantly helped with that as all of the oxygen I take in gets efficiently used.
The mask includes three attachments for different levels of difficulty. It took about a month of hard training for me to be in a position to train for around 20 minutes with the red attachment (the toughest level). Best of luck with your workouts!