Hypoxic altitude training involves training at high altitudes, where less oxygen is available. Your body begins working harder to improve the amount of oxygen being delivered to the muscles, which some argue improves training performance, according to Altitude.org.
Function
As you train in high altitudes, your body begins the process of acclimatization, so the hormone ethropoetin begins stimulating an increased production of red blood cells. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to the tissues and muscles. Theoretically, an increase in red blood cells at high altitudes means oxygen is being delivered to the muscles more effectively than at sea level. Hypoxic altitude training also causes an increase in waste-acid management and increases the cells amount of mitochondria.
Arguments
According to SportsMed Web, your body adapting to hypoxic altitude training only improves your performance at high altitudes, but there is no proof that performance is improved at sea level. Although an increased red blood cell count should increase oxygen to the muscles, it may have an unintended effect of causing blood to thicken and this decreases the blood flow, resulting in less effective oxygen transportation, according to Altitude.org. Training at high altitudes can also reduce the intensity of your workout, which is an obvious undesired effect.
Considerations
Training at high altitudes can also result in mountain sickness, which will dramatically decrease your ability to train. According to SportsMed Web, about 50 percent of people traveling at altitudes above 14,000 feet experience headache, physical discomfort and a decreased appetite. Dizziness is also a common complaint until your body adjusts to the reduced amount of high altitude oxygen. High-altitude pulmonary edema can be fatal if left untreated and the symptoms include shortness of breath with a severe headache, insomnia, a cough and fluid retention, according to MayoClinic.com. Being at high altitudes can also result in low blood oxygen, also known as hypoxemia.
Suggestions
According to SportsMed Web, it is advisable to keep a journal during your hypoxic altitude training that documents your morning resting heart rate, weight, mood and the level of fatigue you experience while training and resting. This way you can train when you feel your best. It's easy to become dehydrated since your body is unable to retain water as efficiently as it can at sea level, so be sure to drink plenty of fluids while training. If you feel sick because of the high altitude, take ibuprofen and get plenty of rest, according to SportsMed Web.
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