It has been a long held belief in physical fitness circles that training from high altitudes provides significant benefits in comparison to training in low altitudes.

 

Among these touted benefits include improved stamina and endurance, increased cardiovascular ability and even increased red blood cell count.

 

Science aside (there’s a whole plethora of scientific controversies over these claims), most fitness enthusiasts do believe that high altitude training significantly increases their overall performance. As a result, many are always on the look out to train from higher altitudes.

 

The only challenge is that not everyone has access to higher altitudes. As such, many products have begun emerging to provide higher altitude – style training experiences to people who live at normal attitudes. They do so by simulating the environmental conditions which are characteristic of higher altitudes.

 

One such a product is the Elevation Workout Mask 2.0.

 

What is the Elevation Workout Mask 2.0?

Elevation Training Mask 2.0 is a mask which is designed to simulate elevation during exercise. It is worn over the face – covering the nose and mouth – and simulates elevation by controlling the amount of oxygen you breathe in. Elevated attitudes are known for their significantly lower oxygen levels than lower altitudes. This mask, when worn, offers a breathing experience which is similar to the ones experienced by people at higher altitudes. When worn during exercise, the mask can offer a work out experience which simulates working out at a higher altitude.

 

The Training Mask 2.0 is actually the follow-up to the Elevation Training Mask 1.0. Its predecessor (the Training Mask 1.0) sparked off controversy with its rather dystopian novel look and its sensational claims that it can increase red blood cell count.

 

The Training Mask 2.0 is much improved. Its coverage of only the lower part of the face makes more user-friendly (and less other-worldly). Its touted benefits have also been toned down (there’s no mention of red blood cell count on its promotional materials).

 

How Does It Work?

The Elevation Training Mask 2.0 uses a combination of valves and plastic caps to control the amount of air you can breathe in. There are a total of 3 valves and 7 plastic caps which are used in combination to simulate different levels of elevation. There are three major settings i.e. simple, intermediate and advanced. These settings correspond with the user’s level of physical fitness and their workout targets.

 

The mask is worn over the mouth and nose, and secured using a strap which runs to the back of the head, holding it firmly in place. When worn, the Training Mask 2.0 makes breathing increasingly harder. As such, it causes the diaphragm work harder to breath in oxygen. When combined with exercise, it also causes the lungs to stretch much further in order to absorb enough oxygen. All these can have numerous benefits.

 

What Are Its Positives?

The Elevation Training Mask 2.0 can actually offer some of the benefits associated with exercising at elevated attitudes. Among these benefits include increased lung and cardio-vascular capacity, heightened energy production, improved oxygen efficiency and better mental focus.

 

These can ultimately lead to improved stamina, endurance, muscular metabolism and cardio-vascular performance. Basically, this mask can greatly boost your physical exercise experience.

 

The Training Mask 2.0 comes with three different levels of setting. The settings simulate different levels of elevation. This makes it handy for people at different levels of physical fitness. It also makes the mask flexible enough to adjust to a person’s exercise needs.

 

For those who prefer jogging in cold conditions, the Elevation Training Mask 2.0 can be invaluable. Running in wintry conditions can be quite a challenge, especially with the cold penetrating into your nose. This is not only unpleasant; it can be a potential health hazard. This is where the mask comes in handy. It can create a nice warm chamber for your nose and mouth – not only offering comfort and protection, but also providing potential cardio-vascular benefits.

 

The Elevation Training Mask 2.0 has a simple, distinct design which makes user-friendly and effective. One of its major improvements over the Mask 1.0 is in terms of peripheral vision. This makes it handy and safe for engaging in exercises which require peripheral vision e.g. O-lifting, box jumps, muscle-ups, pull-ups and handstand push-ups.

 

The mask comes in three different sizes i.e. small, medium and large which means that everyone can find the perfect size. There have been complaints by some customers who have selected the wrong size – specifically those who have selected masks which are too large. As such, it is important to check out the size specifications to make sure you select the right one.

 

No matter what size you select, the Elevation Training Mask 2.0 is small and handy enough to easily carry around. You can easily tuck it into your gym or training bag, or store it in tight spaces like the glove compartment in your car. Basically, this mask is small enough not to provide any storage problems. You can easily add it to your collection without having to invest in extra storage.

 

What Are Its Downsides?

The greatest weakness of the Elevation Training Mask 2.0 is in changing its settings. As mentioned earlier, there are 3 valves and 7 plastic caps which must be used in various combinations to achieve different settings. Mastering these combinations takes time. On the positive side, the mask comes with a detailed video instruction for setting different combinations. However, when you are in the middle of a training session and have to change settings, pausing to watch the video is rather impractical.

 

The Elevation Training Mask 2.0 is also quite difficult to clean. During training (especially vigorous workouts), sweat and saliva can get into the mask. Taking it apart and cleaning requires some effort. At least it is not as easy as you would have hoped.

 

The Training Mask 2.0 has a look which is somewhat alien in the world of physical fitness. Some have compared it to costumes of Bane or Batman, or even Dr. Hannibal Lecter’s mask. As such, the mask is likely to draw unsolicited attention especially when used in a public place. If you are not comfortable drawing such unwanted attention, then you will be restricted in where you can exercise with the mask on.

 

Pros And Cons of Training Mask Summary.

Pros

It provides some of the benefits of training at higher altitudes

It has a simple design which makes it comfortable and easy-to-use

It comes in three different sizes which means that almost every one can find their perfect size

It has three different levels of difficulty which makes it perfect for people at different levels of physical fitness

It can provide comfort, safety and protection for people who are jogging in wintry conditions

It is small, handy and easy to store

 

Cons

It is difficult to change the various settings

It is difficult to clean

Its strange appearance is likely to draw unwanted attention

 

Instructional Video Workout Mask

Below is a helpful instructional video that shows how put on and use the workout mask.

 

The Verdict: Is It Worth It?

The Elevation Training Mask 2.0 certainly provides some of the benefits of high altitude training. However, it is not the silver bullet most people claim (or hope) it to be. The claims made in some Elevation Training Mask 2.0 reviews about boosting red blood cell count are unproven. Until scientific studies prove such claims, it is important to take them with a grain of salt. But then, the mask does provide some tangible benefits as mentioned above.

So, is it worth it? Well, it depends. If you are looking for a short-cut to improved fitness, endurance and stamina, then this product won’t help you (in fact, no product can). If, however, you are looking to enjoy the benefits of high altitude training, and are willing to put in a good shift, then the Training Mask 2.0 will be a valuable asset.

Ultimately, the mask won’t solve your problems (or meet your goals) by default. It will, however, super-charge your training, and enable you to meet your goals faster than you would have met them if you hadn’t used it.