Kenya and Ethiopia have been producing the best distance runners for decades now, and one of the many theories behind this is the prolonged exposure to mountain air or, more specifically, the high altitude. This causes the body to produce more red blood cells and transports more oxygen to the muscles at a faster rate, and equally releases carbon dioxide more quickly. The Gorge High Altitude Fitness Mask has been designed to simulate the effects of ‘High Altitude Training’; to help you become faster, stronger, and with increased endurance, without the long-distance travel or vaccinations.

Prolonged training of this kind could increase lactate threshold, increase power output and speed, enhance endurance and stamina, as well hastening the body’s recovery time. It can maximise speed and endurance, increase oxygen efficiency, elevate strength and power, increase lung capacity, enhance energy levels, as well as improve overall wellness - so it seems a no brainer for serious athletes and fitness enthusiasts!

The Gorge High Altitude Training Mask comes with adjustable resistance valves, which means you can effectively control the altitude level from 3,000Ft to 18,000Ft, (900m-5500m). So, straight up you will get some weird looks if you wear this in the gym or running around the block: think Bane from the Dark Knight Rises meets WWII gas mask. Also, it stinks! I am hoping the rubber/plastic smell may ease off as it fills up with my vodka/cigarette breath (I take my fitness seriously).

It is surprisingly comfortable to wear, with adjustable Velcro straps for a precise fit. The interchangeable plastic vents are fiddly to say the least - the overall build quality could be better. As for imitating high altitude, I would have to say it doesn’t: the air pressure around you is obviously still the same and high altitude can do other weird things to you alongside making it difficult to catch your breath, like loss of appetite and not being able to poo. In a way the Gorge is better than simulating high altitude, as it focuses just on the breath. It is horrible to work out with, but sort of great too: like most exercise, it’s a bit rank at the time but satisfying when its over.

I can see this having a positive effect on your general health and taking your work out to the next level, but its not for the faint hearted. You may feel like you are choking to death when you first start out, but it certainly does the job and you will quickly feel the improvement in your performance. RRP £38.97

4 out of 5

Buy now

Pros

Comfortable

Adjustable head strap

3,000ft-18,000ft altitude

Ups your work out big time

Cons

Smells of rubber

Vents difficult to change