Competitive runners, swimmers, cyclists and triathletes use high altitude training to enhance their performance at sea level. This controversial training methods involves working out and living at 7,000- to 8,000-foot elevations for extended time periods. Those who adhere to this training philosophy believe that the body's adaption to the thinner air provides performance benefits at sea level. The high-altitude towns of Colorado provide an optimal location for this type of training.
Potential Benefits
Hemoglobin is the iron-rich oxygen-transport protein in your red blood cells. An increase in hemoglobin is the most common adaptation to high altitude. This increase enhances your oxygen-carrying capacity, so that despite the thinner air at high altitudes, your blood remains normal. High-altitude training also causes the body to produce a hormone called erythropoetin or EPO, which increases oxygen-carrying red blood cell production. The more red blood cells you have, the greater your ability to deliver oxygen to your muscles. These physiological changes, which remain when the athlete returns to sea level, may enhance athletic performance.
Live High, Train Low
Despite the benefits of altitude training, high-intensity workouts are uncomfortable at 8,000 feet. Randy Wilbur, a physiologist at the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, suggests a live high, train low approach, which involves descending the mountain for high intensity exercise. This is not always feasible for athletes who have job commitments in low-altitude locations. In a session presented at the International Altitude-Training Symposium, Wilbur suggested oxygen tents or hyperoxic chambers for athletes who live at sea level. Athletes who spent 12 hours daily in these chambers showed significant improvement.
Supplemental Oxygen
Wilbur also stated that athletes at the US Olympic Training Center at Colorado Springs, situated at 6561.679 feet, use supplemental oxygen to perform high-intensity workouts. Their trainers set the oxygen concentration to 26.5 percent, which recreates a sea-level training environment. This type of training may create muscular fatigue, so warm-up and gradual intensity increases are important.
Oxygen Enrichment
Sea-level visitors to Colorado ski areas may suffer from altitude sickness. Visitors are often told to sleep at a lower elevation, but that may increase transportation time to the slopes. Colorado Altitude Training designs special systems that provide an oxygen-enriched environment in vacation rentals. These devices measure the elevation and factor in weather conditions to create a comfortable oxygen level. Sea-level visitors may sleep better and avoid the symptoms of altitude sickness.
Member Comments