POWERbreathe Respiratory Trainer

The promise is that after using this device for 4 weeks you'll experience a noticeable improvement in cycling performance. Just 30 breaths twice daily will do it. POWERbreathe claims to strengthen the respiratory system by forcing deep breathing through resistance. It was developed by scientists at Birmingham University in England, and the maker cites various studies that support its effectiveness — as much as a 4.6% improvement in time trial performance, 33% greater endurance and a 30-50% increase in inspiratory muscle strength. The device is pretty simple, providing spring-loaded breathing resistance in 3 versions — light, medium and heavy. You put it in your mouth, bend over (if you're a cyclist and want the maximum correlation to riding) and inhale mightily. This can be part of routine training, and the device can be used for pre-ride warm-up to prevent an initial feeling of breathlessness on the bike. According to the company, it may also help clear lactate buildup if used after riding. The basic mechanical POWERbreathe costs $65. Other versions include a $350 electronic model that automatically varies resistance. http://www.powerbreathe.com