May 13, 2000

Do you have any opinion on that training device I've seen advertised called "PowerLung"? I have a bit of an interest in it but am wondering what you might think about it. (Bill Hanley)

REPLY: I've seen it advertised but haven't yet laid eyes on the product itself, or talked with anyone who has used it. PowerLung appears to be descended from the altitude simulator of the 1980s.

My general view of such devices is skeptical. Even if this -- and practices such as wearing heavy shoes, ankle weights or several layers of clothes on a warm day -- really works, I wonder if it's worth complicating individual runs for the payoff promised.

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