The Elevation Mask Seen in Creed and Southpaw—Does It Actually Work?
If you watched Creed, you probably remember the scene—Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) pounding away on a treadmill, sweat pouring, while wearing a high-tech-looking mask. It’s an Elevation Training Mask, a piece of gear designed to simulate high-altitude training.
But here’s the thing—while Jordan wore the mask in the movie, there’s no evidence he actually used it in his real-life training. On the other hand, Jake Gyllenhaal, who played Billy Hope in Southpaw, did incorporate the elevation mask into his workouts to build endurance for the role.
So, does this mask actually do anything? Or is it just a flashy fitness gimmick? Let’s break it down.
What Is an Elevation Mask?
An elevation mask is a training tool designed to restrict airflow, making it harder to breathe during workouts. The goal? To train your lungs and diaphragm to work more efficiently, much like they would in high-altitude conditions.
Manufacturers claim benefits like:
✔️ Increased lung capacity
✔️ Improved stamina and endurance
✔️ Better oxygen efficiency
In Creed, Jordan’s character wears the Training Mask 2.0, which costs around $50 and features adjustable resistance settings to simulate different altitudes.
But just because it looks intense doesn’t mean it works exactly as advertised.
Jake Gyllenhaal Actually Used an Elevation Mask for Southpaw
Jake Gyllenhaal actually trained with an elevation mask while preparing for Southpaw. To play Billy Hope, Gyllenhaal committed to six months of intense boxing training, working with real fighters and top trainers. Part of his regimen included mitt work while wearing an elevation mask, pushing his endurance to the limit.
Gyllenhaal’s trainer, Terry Claybon, confirmed that the mask was used to simulate the exhaustion of later rounds in a fight—when breathing becomes a battle of its own.
So while the mask was just a prop in Creed, it was a real training tool in Southpaw.
Do Elevation Masks Actually Work?
The big question: does restricting your breathing make you a better athlete?
Here’s what experts say:
- It doesn’t actually replicate high-altitude training. True high-altitude training affects oxygen levels in your blood—these masks just make it harder to inhale.
- It can strengthen your breathing muscles. Some research shows that elevation masks can help condition your diaphragm and respiratory system.
- It’s not a magic endurance booster. Real endurance gains come from cardiovascular training, not just making it harder to breathe.
So, if you’re looking to train like a pro boxer, the mask might be a tool, but it’s not a substitute for actual high-intensity training.
How an Elevation Mask Can Enhance Your Treadmill Workouts
Even if it doesn’t fully simulate training in the mountains, the mask can still make your cardio workouts more intense.
- Treadmill Sprints – Want to push yourself? Try high-intensity intervals on the treadmill, just like in Creed’s training montage. The mask will force you to control your breathing under pressure.
- Outdoor Runs – Running around the neighborhood with the mask can simulate fatigue conditions, making regular runs feel easier when you take it off.
- Strength Workouts – Some athletes wear the mask during resistance training to challenge their breathing muscles.
If you’re looking to increase your mental toughness and test your breathing control, an elevation mask could add something extra to your workouts. But if you’re hoping to magically boost your endurance, it won’t replace solid conditioning and cardio training.
Should You Buy an Elevation Mask?
Both Creed and Southpaw showed fighters pushing themselves to the limit, but only one of their stars actually trained with an elevation mask. Jake Gyllenhaal used it to build real endurance, while Michael B. Jordan just wore it in the movie.
So, does the mask work? It depends. If you’re looking for an added challenge, it can be a useful tool. But if you’re after real high-altitude benefits, you’ll need to hit the mountains or stick to traditional endurance training.
Now, time to hit the treadmill—mask or no mask, no excuses.
Either way, if you’re curious about trying one for yourself, check out the Training Mask 2.0.
