Have you seen people wearing masks for running on treadmills in parks? They are similar to respirators or gas masks, only more stylish and effective. You are probably wondering what such equipment is needed for and what benefits it brings to the body. We studied this issue and here's what we found out. Athletes wear a running mask for endurance, it increases aerobic activity, perfectly trains the heart muscle, and also develops breathing.
Why is it needed?
A breathing mask while running helps to simulate the conditions of high-altitude thin air - the body begins to experience a lack of oxygen and forces itself to work with double strength. The heart rate increases, ventilation of the lungs improves, the blood is quickly saturated with nutrients, due to mild hypoxia, additional energy stores are activated.
Please note that a workout with a training mask for running on the face should not last more than 20 minutes, while the resulting load is equal to an hour's run in a normal mode.
Who will benefit from the device?
- Professional athletes who are no longer given a sufficient amount of load by a standard lesson, even in combination with strength exercises;
- People who want to "swing" their breathing apparatus and monitor the correct breathing during classes;
- To train the cardiovascular system (only if the heart is absolutely healthy);
- Athletes looking to improve their fitness level.
The device is worn not only by runners, but also by boxers, cyclists and weightlifters. It is relevant for any ground sports - the most important thing is that a person does not have contraindications for health reasons. The latter is checked with a doctor for a physical examination.
In appearance, the device resembles a respirator - on sale there are options that completely cover the face, or only its lower part. It fits snugly over the mouth and nose and is attached to the back of the head, most often with Velcro. In the front of the device there are valves and membranes, with the help of which the athlete regulates the flow of oxygen and pressure - this is how the imitation of the high mountainous terrain takes place.
Approximate prices
You can buy the device at any specialized store with sports equipment. If you are too lazy to go to the store, make a purchase online. If you are interested in the average price of a sports mask for running, target the $ 50-80 range, you should meet. A little later in the article we will tell you about the most popular models that are most often praised. Well, now let's figure out how to operate the device and what to look for when choosing it.
Some people mistakenly call the running mask a balaclava, due to the external resemblance of the former to the latter. Balaclava completely covers the face, leaving eyes and mouth open - it protects skiers from snow, wind, and frostbite. The thing does not exert any additional load on the body and is part of the sports equipment. If you are wondering what the name of the running and endurance training mask is differently, the correct answer is hypoxic.
How to choose a device?
You already know how much a running mask costs, but you probably have no idea how to choose it correctly. There are several nuances that you should know about before purchasing.
- Consider the quality of the device - focus on the brand. The more famous he is, the better;
- Appearance matters - you should like it;
- Put on the equipment and listen to your feelings - whether it is pressing, whether you are comfortable, whether the weight suits you;
- Find the right size - for people weighing less than 70 kg S, 71-100 M, 101 and up - L.
Please note that after each use, the respirator mask for running must be cleaned to improve breathing so as not to lose its beneficial qualities and to extend its service life.
The set usually includes fixing elastic bands, inlet and outlet valves with a membrane, and the mask itself. It is the valves that help limit the flow of oxygen. With the help of them, the imitation of the required height is set up:
- conditional 1 km - open membranes and insert valves into 4 holes;
- conditional 2 km - fix valves with two holes;
- conditional 3 km - valves with 1 hole;
- conditional 3.5 km - close one membrane and take valves with 4 holes;
- conditional 4.5 km - with one membrane closed, valves with 2 holes are used;
- for nominal altitude> 5 km - open the valve with 1 hole and close 1 membrane.
All reviews of the running mask filter mention the importance of warming up before running. First, put on a mask and set the required oxygen level. Then you need to walk in it for 3-5 minutes. Warm up the whole body, do warm-up exercises at a fast pace. When you feel ready, go jogging.
Also, be sure to check out our article on running watches. They will help you train correctly and track your progress.
Rating of the best models
Moving on to a breakdown of the best running masks for endurance, with the prices, advantages and disadvantages of each model.
Elevation Training Mask 1.0
The cost is about $ 55.
This is one of the first running filter masks, with conflicting reviews - the model has both ardent supporters and harsh critics.
Consider pros:
- Perfectly regulates air intake;
- Popular with professional athletes;
- It is cheaper than other models.
We list minuses:
- It looks like a gas mask as it completely covers the face;
- Limits visibility;
- Heavy;
- Uncomfortable to wear.
Elevation Training Mask 2.0
The cost is about $ 70.
Why do you need a full face running mask when there is an improved, more compact version of the same model?
Check it out advantages:
- Made from neoprene, a material renowned for its breathability;
- Stylish;
- Available in white and black;
- Includes 3 removable valves;
- Lightweight;
- Compact in size;
- Does not restrict visibility.
Minus the device has only one, but it is quite weighty and is based on what the mask for running gives, namely, limiting the amount of oxygen. Users note that the predecessor copes with this task better.
Bass Rutten O2 Trainer
The cost is about $ 70-80.
The main answer to the question "why run in a mask" is to increase endurance, and this indicator directly depends on the fitness of the lungs. This model is considered to be the best trainer of the respiratory organs, and especially their inner muscle layer and diaphragm.
Outwardly, it looks like a tube with a 1.5 cm hole, which is clamped in the teeth during exercise. Includes smaller attachments. The device makes it difficult to breathe in oxygen without restricting its exhalation.
Main disadvantage masks - it must be constantly kept in the mouth, which is not convenient for all people.
So let's summarize. Reviews of sports running masks for endurance (not balaclava) are mostly good - people who actually practice such workout note a positive effect. There are also skeptics, but mostly, this is the category of "couch" athletes. In our opinion, a running mask is a great way to improve the level of physical fitness, develop the respiratory system, and, finally, it is interesting to diversify boring runs. Remember, "You won't know until you try" - therefore, we say a firm "YES" to the hypoxic mask!
