Training Using a Training Mask – Is It Worth Considering?

It is crucial to mention that as the altitude increases, the number of oxygen particles in the atmosphere decreases. An organism unaccustomed to such conditions needs to adapt, and during this time, the body consumes significantly more energy to absorb oxygen from the air. It is precisely this that the body requires to gather oxygen. Many athletes often travel to extremely high mountains because the oxygen deficiency, or hypoxia, leads to an increase in the level of erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone responsible for stimulating the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. Red blood cells are responsible for oxygen transport, so when there are fewer oxygen particles in the atmosphere, the organism requires a greater number of red blood cells.

Training with a training mask aims to emulate conditions at high altitudes in the mountains. During these exercises, breathing is significantly more difficult, the body has to exert more effort to absorb oxygen, but with the same amount of oxygen inhaled. To achieve a comparable effect to high-altitude training, one would have to wear a mask all day long, not just during training. Wearing a training mask restricts oxygen flow at the moment when the body needs it the most. It is therefore worth considering whether it is not better to train with greater intensity instead of training with a mask and limited oxygen supply. Another disadvantage of a training mask is that it can lead to the establishment of an incorrect breathing pattern. Modern life is characterized by the fact that people spend more and more time sitting, often in an unergonomic position, which leads to postural defects such as rounded back. As a result of rounding, there may be disturbances in the correct breathing pattern, i.e. the dominance of the cervical breathing route due to pressure on the diaphragm. A similar situation occurs in people who practice martial arts, where the dominant position is the guard stance (hunched position). During training with a training mask, the nervous system may adopt an incorrect breathing pattern.

It turns out that training masks can find their actual and effective application. The human respiratory muscles do the same job as other muscles. In order to fulfill their role and effectively oxygenate the body, they must be animated and systematically reinforced before effort with the right training. Here, training masks can play their part. Research has shown that performing two sets of 30 breaths with the use of a training mask with a one-minute break between sets can improve performance by up to 10-15%. However, it is important to pay attention to the level of stress. Too high can lead to oxygen deficiency and a decrease in performance, while too low will not bring the desired result.

Lately, training using a training mask has gained considerable popularity as many individuals perceive it as a means to enhance performance, akin to training in mountainous conditions. Regrettably, not everyone is cognizant of the fact that in order to achieve comparable outcomes, one would need to don the mask throughout the day, not merely during training. Moreover, in diverse groups, such as martial arts athletes or individuals who spend considerable time seated, the application of a training mask can engender disruptions in breathing patterns.