REVIEW: Training Mask 2.0

The Training Mask 2.0 looks at first glance like what the final boss wore in the last Batman movie. The breathing noise is reminiscent of Darth Vader. And that's exactly how you'll be looked at when you show up with it at the gym or on a heavily used running track. First of all, it must be said: the Training Mask 2.0 is aimed at very goal-oriented amateur athletes, it is rather unsuitable for the "once-in-a-while athlete," says Chris, who tested the mask for you firsthand.

So why do I need such a mask? One should consider that breathing is a significant part of performance enhancement. If I can supply my body with sufficient amounts of oxygen, I naturally have a better performance increase in the cardio area.

How does breathing work? Muscles create positive and negative pressure, causing air to flow into the lungs or be pushed out. The stronger my muscles can generate this pressure, the more air flows in or out. This is where the mask comes in. The valves create a certain resistance (counterpressure), which forces the body to work harder. So to get more air in with one breath - and more out again. It is important to note that "breathing in" and "breathing out" is not everything, the more alveoli come into contact with oxygen, the more they can release it to the blood, which is exactly how the exchange of carbon dioxide works too.

We all know that nothing works in our body if there is no oxygen present. But it is just as important in strength training as it is in endurance sports.

Carbon dioxide is at least as important as oxygen itself, in the metabolic process, all the byproducts are attached to carbon dioxide, as it quickly leaves the body. Secondly, carbon dioxide makes hemoglobin more receptive to oxygen so it can absorb more oxygen.

So the training mask is supposed to train the lung muscles so that we can breathe deeply for a long period of time. Shallow breaths are equal to more dead space volume. Dead space volume is the area where oxygen cannot be fully brought into the lungs to the last alveoli. This usually results in quicker and shallower breaths and thus less oxygen exchange.

What is the same for all people, however, is that the respiratory muscles are weak! What do we do against it? Right: Strengthen them!

This is done with the Training Mask 2.0. You can set a simulated altitude, from 915 meters to 5,500 meters. However, I still think the name altitude training mask is wrong.

I have been training with this mask in almost all areas for about six months now: MMA, running, and strength training. The beginning was extreme. Dizziness and blackouts often occurred. I started at the 915-meter setting. now I am at 2,745 meters. Running with the mask is torture. Let's not even start talking about MMA. And in strength training, when I think about leg day and moments of fainting in the leg press ...

But once the mask is off, there's no stopping it. Side stitches are almost nonexistent. Even when training at higher altitudes, I don't get out of breath as quickly as my colleagues.

I will put the test through its paces at the end of the year. Here, 2,000 meters will be run once with the Training Mask 2.0 and the corresponding setting, and then once without the mask at 2,000 meters altitude. I think the running time will be worse because real altitude difference will make more of a difference than simulated altitude.

CONCLUSION: Nevertheless, the Training Mask 2.0 is a really good training equipment for any ambitious athlete, it has long been established in the States and is slowly gaining popularity in Europe.

As a downside, I can say that after about three months of use, the black fabric on my original neoprene sleeve started peeling off. The size with M was also clearly too big for me. Therefore, I recommend going a size smaller. A really successful addition to the Training Mask 2.0 is the Spare Head Strap. This gives the mask a bomb hold and really pleasantly relieves the ears during longer wear.

You can get the mask on Amazon for a proud 80 euros or more, or at www.trainingsmask.co.uk. Here you can customize your mask and change the sleeve color. Unfortunately, not to the extent as in the US...