Here are some thoughts about altitude training mask verses weight in your backpack. If you are signed up to one of our trekking trips or expeditions, the challenge you are undertaking is about endurance and strength. It is not necessarily about lung capacity.
Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of training with an altitude mask verses weight in your back pack. Follow us on Instagram.
Training with a Mask
Remember that this information is based on endurance trekking trips and there is value in training with a mask. Training with a mask should be considered as part of a more advanced training plan.
Are their advantages of training with an altitude training mask for trekking or mountaineering. Overall I would have to say YES……. Training with a mask will help give better lung capacity which is great for big mountain climbing. It also improves your respiratory threshold.
The Two Keys to High Altitude Trekking are
1). Have an excellent acclimatization schedule
2). Come physically prepared with excellent overall body strength and endurance training
Heart Rate Training
Once of the biggest mistakes people are making is training in the correct heart rate zones for building the correct endurance. Read more. It is extremely important to build your endurance through heart rate training zones.
Strength and Endurance
Strength and endurance, especially in your lower body is far more valuable than having excellent lung capacity and cardio fitness. If you are running a marathon you need to run 4/5 times a week and you should follow a strict training regime so you do not get injured as you build the amount of miles you are running on a weekly basis.
Specific Training is Important
The same applies to multi-day hiking, trekking and mountaineering trips. You need to be training 4/5 times a week building weight in your backpack so that you have the endurance and strength. Also consider distances and daily elevations gains of hiking up and down hills so you can add this to your training plan. Hill work is best, but if you do not have access to hills you can use a stair master and other gym equipment.
Downhill Training
Remember to consider training for the downhill, which is usually overlooked by a lot of people. Read more.
Specific Training Advice
If you are climbing Kilimanjaro here is how you should develop a training program. If you are trekking to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar this is how you should be training.
Talk to the Experts
For further information just CALL US and get accurate information on how best to prepare for your adventure.