Lower Providence Aikido

What's 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 advantages?

- Increases in lung capacity as your lungs have to work 9 times more to get the oxygen in

- Increases anaerobic thresholds

- Gas exchange becomes better

- Energy production levels rise

- Mental and physical stamina is boosted



What is your conclusion?

I think the mask is awesome and I can just see this method becoming more mainstream! I'm thankful there are not too many fighters using it now (particularly my opponents) but I think it is just a matter of time. After wearing the mask for 20 minutes I felt rather like I had a hardcore hour workout. My lungs felt sort of achy at first but now I can train in the mask with much greater ease and I'm able to essentially feel that my lungs are stronger. As soon as I rip the mask off after a workout, I recover within around 6-7 seconds as my body is used to a lack of oxygen. As a consequence, when it gets hit with a complete load of dear oxygen (when you take the mask off) you will feel wonderful!

It is hard to train with it everyday - I only use it around 2 times a week when I am not fight training. It really 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 incorporates 3 attachments for various levels of difficulty. It took around a month of hard coaching for me to be able to train for just about 20 minutes with the red attachment (the hardest level). Best of luck with your training!