I have seen the snorkel idea as there are a few MMA fighters that train that way. Sena or Cena sp had a video interview where his workout regiment included the mask and snorkel. You would look silly with just the snorkel LOL.

The principal behind the snorkel is oxygen deprivation what it does is limit the amount of O2 you get in your blood stream requiring your body to utilize a higher percentage of oxygen from the limited amount of air intake.

You are trying to boost your VO2 level Oxygen volume utilization level. (how efficient your body is using the oxygen you intake from each breath) it is a fancy way of saying fitness level. Cardio athletes use this as a measuring gauge for their performance.

In order to improve your cardio you have to do aerobic activities, cycling, swimming, running. You can lift weights but it is much harder to get the aerobic benefit as lifting is an anaerobic exercise. You would need to take shorter rest periods between sets to achieve higher aerobic capacity. You would further need to do compound lifts deadlifts, squats, clean and jerks lifting exercises that incorporate your entire body to complete the lift. If you hit a stationary bike you have the ability to adjust the resistance which will 1) improve your cardio and 2) require more leg effort thus giving your legs a harder work out and allowing you to handle carrying a pack when you walk those mountains.

The fact you are already training regardless of the what program you are following will improve your current fitness level. You are not going to go from zero to hundred in 3 weeks. Any consistent workout regime will show benefits.

Other ideas if you are going to be carrying a back of say 50 lbs, training with a back with 60-70lbs will allow you to compensate for some of the difference in elevation and you won�t be as exhausted when you get to your destination.

As you live in Texas you have the heat as an additional condition benefit. The heat taxes your body more then a air controlled fitness club and you body has to overcome the heat as well. trying doing your workout outside.

Make sure you get clearance from your physician to do all this training. good luck and have fun


Last edited by Trevor60; 05/15/13.