Are these a gimmick or would they really help? It seems like it may help increase heart rate and cardio if anything, but not sold on the idea.
Altitude training mask
- Thread starter tdcour
- Start date
I do know of someone that uses one. Says it works to mitigate the effects of altitude. His is something he uses while sleeping if I recall correctly. He is a good friend of someone I hunted with a few times, races snow machines at altitude and hails from the Midwest. Guess it helps his stamina.
You might want to snoop around some mountain climbing sites if no one here has any better info than the little second hand info I shared. If all it was used for was when working out, I doubt that would be enough to speed altitude adjustment much, but that is only a moderately educated guess on my part.
You might want to snoop around some mountain climbing sites if no one here has any better info than the little second hand info I shared. If all it was used for was when working out, I doubt that would be enough to speed altitude adjustment much, but that is only a moderately educated guess on my part.
Arrowslinger
Member
Slugz
Veteran member
IMO.....no data but just experience to back it up......Although the chambers and masks offer some help the long pole in the tent is your blood. Its more beneficial to step up to the altitude during the travel portion then land at 8-9k ft at the airport then truck or hike right to camp. Now sometimes time is an issue, but if you can spend more time doing this your blood will adjust, carry more O2 and make the experience better. Combined with a solid PT program centered around the stairmaster/treadmill, doing high intensity interval training with the inclines changing during the workout, you will be fine.
I didn't figure they would be worth much to be honest. I can tell a difference when I elk hunt at 7-9k vs the 1200 where I'm at now. As of right now, I'm planning on heading to about 8000 for the first day to visit family, then go to the trailhead somewhere around 10 to spend a day, then hike in. I hate taking off work just to sit at the trailhead, but if it means a more enjoyable hunt, its worth it.
I can tell you that I've been working out like a mad man and will continue to do so, so I'll be in shape, but not 12000' shape. Was just looking to supplement my workouts if they worked. No substitute for hard work though
I can tell you that I've been working out like a mad man and will continue to do so, so I'll be in shape, but not 12000' shape. Was just looking to supplement my workouts if they worked. No substitute for hard work though
This.
Sleeping in an altitude tent has actually been proven to boost red blood cell production. The good ones cost $5,000 - $20,000 and you have to sleep in a tent over your bed. Some of the professional endurance athletes use them.
I just work on my cardio.
The masks have some benefit. They do restrict your breathing, but nothing is as good as just having good cardio. Working on exercises that are lower impact but can get you breathing hard like spinning is good. Sprints are another good way to get your breathing up, but they are higher impact.
Bonecollector
Veteran member
Instead of waiting at the trailhead, I just take my time getting in there on day 1. I've never had and issue. But I also workout like a woman who shoe shops! Just say'n