<p>hey, i was reading my instructions and noticed that working at high altitudes will be a significant difference and quite a challenge. i heard about these breath trainer devices that provide resistance when you breath so you develop stronger breathing muscles, a bigger lung capacity, more lung efficiency, etc. i was wondering if these things are worth anything…i am looking specifically into the powerlung tool. </p>
<p>here is the link, and tell me what you guys think of it please</p>
<p>[PowerLung:</a> Products: Active Series Sport for Top Performance Athletes and Competitive Athletes](<a href=“http://www.powerlung.com/region/us/products/sports-fitness/sport/]PowerLung:”>http://www.powerlung.com/region/us/products/sports-fitness/sport/)</p>
<p>or just [PowerLung:</a> Better Breathing](<a href=“http://www.powerlung.com%5DPowerLung:”>http://www.powerlung.com)</p>
<p>thanks :)</p>
<p>don't bother...you'll get used to it after awhile...and everyone is going to be affected just as much as you.</p>
<p>that's very true...but still i just want to know if they work. you know, in case someone else asks me about them.</p>
<p>I'm sure they probably work to some degree. I would assume they work by not allowing in a full breath of air. As long as it doesn't block too much air, I guess I could see it replicating high altitude conditions.</p>
<p>Unless you plan to have the thing strapped onto your face 24/7, it will not completely acclimate you. IMO, it doesn't sound like it would really help THAT much. It might help a little though if you're from sea-level.</p>
<p>Like Patriot said, you don't really need something like that. Everyone else from sea-level (most people, it seems like) will be having just as hard of a time as you will. The physical training for the first week takes acclimation into consideration, btw.</p>
<p>lol, this is funny</p>
<p>Haha well I used to play the flute a couple years ago and my teacher had a very similiar device that would allow for better lung capacity, etc. I never trained with it, but they do work.</p>
<p>Personally I wouldn't use just cause it seems somewhat silly to be doing that when you could be running and working on strengthening your heart rather than just your lungs. :)</p>
<p>i know. i would be doing this ON TOP of running, swimming, etc.</p>
<p>WOW!!! haha don't worry about it kiddo, you'll be fine. ;) There's not THAT much running in basic and a lot of first beast is spent getting you acclimated to the alititude and whipping people into shape.</p>
<p>Don't bother; this device would not help you acclimate to altitude. Respiratory fatigue is not the limiting factor you will face (although it might feel like it). The breathlessness we sea-level folks experience when visiting the USAFA has to do with the reduced partial pressure of oxygen in the air due to a lower atmospheric pressure there. About the only way to adapt to this before going to altitude is to be exposed to either hypobaric conditions at sea level (read altitude chamber living - not practical) or to breath gas with a lowered oxygen content for a substantial portion of the day/night. There are actually "simulated altitude" tents that can be used for this...not as expensive as using a hypobaric chamber, but still expensive and IMHO not worth it for your endeavor.</p>
<p>My advice, get in the best shape you can and don't worry about it too much. Most of your class-mates will be sharing your misery. You should notice an improvement after a few days (acid-base shifts in the blood), although it will take a few months to completely acclimate (increased hemoglobin, red cell count, etc).</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>(Soaring Dad is a Physiologist (day job) - and a glider pilot (weekends))</p>
<p>Don't bother; this device would not help you acclimate to altitude. Respiratory fatigue is not the limiting factor you will face (although it might feel like it :) The breathlessness we sea-level folks experience when visiting the USAFA has to do with the reduced partial pressure of oxygen in the air due to a lower atmospheric pressure there. About the only way to adapt to this before going to altitude is to be exposed to either hypobaric conditions at sea level (read altitude chamber living - not practical) or to breath gas with a lowered oxygen content for a substantial portion of the day/night. There are actually "simulated altitude" tents that can be used for this...not as expensive as using a hypobaric chamber, but still expensive and IMHO not worth it for your endeavor.</p>
<p>My advice, get in the best shape you can and don't worry about it too much. Most of your class-mates will be sharing your misery. You should notice an improvement after a few days (acid-base shifts in the blood), although it will take a few months to completely acclimate (increased hemoglobin, red cell count, etc).</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>(Soaring Dad is a Physiologist (day job) - and a glider pilot (weekends))</p>
<p>Not sure why my message was posted twice. Anyhow, as I said above good luck!</p>
<p>hmm..okay, thank you for that helpful advice. do you recommend any type of trainer?</p>
<p>just go swimming a lot. After swimming TONS of laps each week your lung capacity and endurance will increase greatly.</p>
<p>Funny you say that. I go swimming three times a week now. After one month, it actually improved my AFT time by a minute.</p>
<p>I need to find a pool to swim laps... my hot tub is too small. The public pool is too crowded. I did swim team in middle school, and man, that gets you into shape. Works every muscle in your body.</p>
<p>i know! i have done summer swim team every year since pre-school and I'm really sad that I won't be able to do it this summer cause of the JUNE 26 starting date for BCT... :(</p>
<p>packermatt, does your public pool have an adult lap swim time? Some pools have one or two hours where the only thing you can do is swim laps, and it is usually for adults only.</p>
<p>Go to this website to get an idea regarding a device that I would consider a legit way to do "altitude" training prior to heading to the USAFA. Note that is is not cheap and I think others who have responded to you are on track with telling you how to prepare.</p>
<p>But if you have the money and really want to preacclimate....</p>
<p>Higher</a> Peak Altitude Training, Altitude Tent, Hypoxic Air Generator</p>
<p>P.S. My son got the packet describing the two studies the Human Performance Lab is sponsoring. One is an altitude acclimation study. Consider volunteering for it!</p>
<p>My advice... DO NOT stress about the altitude. You really have no control over it. The things you do have control over are your level of fitness, no matter what the altitude. So keep running, doing those pushups, situps, pullups... everything you know that you can keep working on. :) YOU'LL DO FINE!!! 50+ classes have gone through it before you, just remember that. :)</p>