Information about altitude training

Altitude training, also known as altitude training, is a training method that athletes and sportsmen use to improve their performance. The idea behind altitude training is based on the fact that the air at high altitudes contains less oxygen than at lower altitudes. This forces the body to adapt to the lower oxygen concentration, leading to various physiological changes.

What is altitude training

Altitude training originated in 1963. The 1968 Olympic Games were held in Mexico City. This city is at an altitude of 2240 meters which means that the air conditions are different from what athletes from low countries are used to.
Endurance athletes from low countries had to find a way to get used to the thin air. Hence, athletes started preparing for the Olympics in the mountains. By training at altitude, altitude training was found to have a positive effect on the athlete. 

In altitude training, an individual is taken to a location that is at a higher altitude, such as mountains or special altitude rooms. There, the body experiences lower oxygen levels, which stimulates the production of the hormone erythropoietin (EPO). EPO stimulates the production of red blood cells, which are responsible for transporting oxygen through the body.

After some time of high altitude training, athletes can enjoy several benefits:

Overview

  • Increased stamina

    Increased stamina

    The increase in red blood cells allows muscles and tissues to receive more oxygen, resulting in improved endurance and longer performance.

  • Improved oxygen utilization

    Improved oxygen utilization

    The body adapts by using available oxygen more efficiently, leading to better performance in aerobic activities.

  • Accelerated recovery time

    Accelerated recovery time

    Because oxygen delivery is improved, athletes can recover faster after intense training or competition.

Altitude Oxygen Map

Altitude Oxygen Map

Use the table to observe the variation in effective oxygen content of the air at different altitudes. Although the air composition at all altitudes is 20.9% oxygen, the reduced air pressure at high altitudes makes it feel like the percentage of oxygen is lower. This assumes a constant atmospheric temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) and an atmospheric pressure of 1 atm at sea level.