Simulated altitude training at a gym, also called hypoxic training, is done using a specific method with a variety of special gym equipment. High altitudes have low oxygen conditions, which athletes use as a training tool to improve oxygen uptake and delivery, VO2Max. This type of training improves endurance, speed and power, giving the athlete extra oxygen capacity.
CAT Room
Colorado Altitude Training, also known as CAT, developed a hypoxic exercising system called the CAT Room. This freestanding enclosure system serves as an environmental chamber conversion system that can be set to simulate different altitudes. The CAT Room is designed to meet the size and specifications requested by the customer gym. It can be designed to contain a recumbent bike, treadmill or any combination of cardiovascular equipment. These rooms can also accommodate weight lifting areas.
Climate Tent
In 2001, Lance Armstrong started using climate tents to simulate the altitude of the French Alps, according to the July 2009 issue of "Men's Fitness" magazine. A climate tent is similar to the CAT Room, but is a modular clear-room enclosure. The double-layer altitude tent is portable and can be moved and set up in different locations around the gym. It features a digital controller with a remote PC hook-up to control the level of oxygen in the tent. The climate tent is more economical than a fabricated CAT Room and has low running costs. Any type of aerobic or weight equipment can be installed into the room.
Interval Hypoxic Training Workout System
An interval hypoxic training, or IHT system, is portable and can be used in gyms or homes. With IHT, you work in short intervals, alternating between normal air and low-oxygen air. This increases the body's ability to tolerate low oxygen. This system can also be used with a mask connected by a 50-foot delivery hose. The mask allows for altitude workouts.
Simulated Altitude Training Effects
Athletes use simulated altitude training for various physiological effects. Training at higher altitudes improves the body's work capacity both at sea level and at higher altitudes. Cyclists use this type of training to mimic the rugged mountain routes of the Tour de France and other competitions. A study led by N. Terrados published in the 1988 issue of the "European Journal of Applied Physiology" compared two groups of cyclists. One group trained at sea level and the other group used simulated altitude training. The altitude group had a 33 percent increase of work capacity at both sea level and altitude while the sea level group had a 22 percent increase at sea level and 14 percent at altitude.
References
- PubMed: Effects of Training at Simulated Altitude on Performance and Muscle Metabolilc Capacity in Competitive Road cyclists
- Functional Training: State of the Art Functional Training in Roseville/Granite Bay
- Altitude Training: Hypoxico Featured in Men's Fitness Magazine
- Colorado Altitude Training
- Higher Peak Altitude Training: Package 1: Complete Altitude Workout System
- Higher Peak Altitude Training: Package 2: Interval Hypoxic Training Workout System
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