High altitude training is just what it sounds like “it’s strength and/or cardio training at a high altitude. The explanation? The higher you go into the atmosphere, the less oxygen there's available. {Therefore ,} when you're working out in a high altitude environment, your body becomes fitter as it’s used to using less oxygen. You’ll at first get gassed quicker and your cardio sessions will immediately get more intense.

When you return to your ordinary altitude, taking in a gulp of air will feel like a luxury , as your body will be enjoying a lot more oxygen than it’s been used to.

Many athletes train at high altitude in preparation before a contest or event and it’s been proved to make them fitter and stronger. In the world of Mixed Fighting Arts, UFC fighter Tito Ortiz originally popularised altitude fitness as he travelled to Big Bear for his fight camp.

But it is tough for all athletes to travel to a high level environment to train. That’s why many mixed martial artists have turned entrepreneurs to create devices to simulate a high level environment.

UFC fighter Wanderlei Silva used trained while breathing thru a snorkel. This naturally limited his oxygen intake and he has attested to this being a big performance enhancer.

What has enormously raised awareness of high altitude training is the product recently bought out by UFC fighter Sean Sherk. He and his team have invented an elevation training mask which also allows you to adjust the altitude level to simulate different levels of altitude training.

Many athletes now promote and use this training mask and it has been proved to extend cardiovascular vascular capabilities. Though grappling isn’t possible with the mask due to risks associated with it clashing against your fellow partner, many fighters have managed to continue their pad and circuit workouts. Mixed martial artists have reported the simplicity of then training without the mask.

Though elevation training is a growing trend, partakers in this sort of activity need to be aware about the associated risks. Limiting oxygen intake may lead to you passing out if you overexert yourself. It’s therefore strongly recommended that you only perform high altitude training or utilize a device such as the training mask when with a training partner. If using the elevation training mask, you should take full advantage of the ability to switch to different difficultly nozzles to ensure you build up your conditioning gradually. Know your limits and seek medical guidance before joining in strenuous activities.

Sunny Singh is experienced in high altitude training and recently reviewed his experience with the elevation training mask.