No, this isn't some exotic animal found only in the far reaches of an untamed jungle--it's a device that purports to increase your breathing depth and endurance.

During my monthly visits to sports physican and specialist Dr. Herman Falsetti, I was introduced to the CEO of Aditus Systems in Laguna Hills, Calif. Eric Waltert heads the company that produces the SpiroTiger, which originated in Switzerland. This unusual piece of respiratory training equipment has just been introduced in the U.S.; only a handful of people have had a chance to try it.

Olympian Tyree Washington, a 400m specialist, and I—former triathlete, now distance runner—both suffer from asthma, and we were intrigued by this innovative breathing device. So I gave it a whirl.

Below I recount one example of how it worked for me. First I must point out that the key to the $790 SpiroTiger appears to be regular daily use of 10 to 30 minutes. I used the SpiroTiger for three weeks prior to the example below, for 10-15 minutes per day.

I traveled from our house in Vista up to Slowtwitch's new Valyermo "headquarters," and I was concerned that going from 600' to 4200' in altitude—and training up from there—would affect my preparation for a marathon in Long Beach three weeks off. I completed a running week of 114 miles with one day of rest. Normally it takes me a few days to adjust to altitude with my breathing rate. This time, with the Spirotiger, after the first day I was well within my stride and by the final day I was running 50km up and down mountain trails feeling stronger as the run progressed. I attribute this very quick adaptation to my daily use of the SpiroTiger, which gave me a workout in a way that simply running did not.

The SpiroTiger does not work along the same mechanism as, say, an altitude tent. It is not designed to alter blood physiology. Rather, it operates on the principle of enhancing one's breathing musculature. There is plenty of documentation on this on SpiroTiger's website.

I can report that not only did I seem to experience a benefit in my breathing capacity, I also saw an improvement in my overall physical fitness and respiratory endurance. Whether or not you suffer from exercise-induced asthma or chronic asthma, it's extremely exciting to encounter a revolutionary device that not only enhances your respiratory depth ability but also your general state of health.

I don't normally write the product reviews for Slowtwitch, and one might look askance at this review popping up out of the blue. I suppose I should mention that this isn't the case of an athlete endorsing a product in return for money. I'm not on SpiroTiger's payroll and neither, do I believe, is there any plan for a SpiroTiger ad on Slowtwitch.

For more information, including a look at some of their studies, visit the company website http://www.spirotiger.com. Or call 949-470-4557 and ask for Eric!