4 Common Misconceptions about Altitude Training

by | Altitude Training Information, General Fitness

Altitude training has been around for a while – ever since the 1968 Mexico Olympics. Despite its long history, it remains relatively unknown, especially here in North America. This is because altitude training has been used only exclusively by the pros. Only recently has the technology become more accessible to everyday athletes. Because of how elusive it is, we have come across some misconceptions about altitude training. Here are 4 of the most common ones we’ve heard:

1. It’s only for people who are planning to race at altitude

No, altitude training is not just for people competing at altitude. It’s also for people looking to improve their athletic performance at sea level, specifically increase their VO2 max, aerobic capacity and power output.

Look at it like resistance training, but for your endurance. Reducing the oxygen percentage in the room is like adding resistance to your workout. And building that kind of training into your program will improve (or at the very least, maintain) performance at any elevation.

2. Altitude training is dangerous

We commonly get the question – “Is altitude training safe? There are risks associated with any form of physical activity – whether it be hot yoga, a high intensity spin class, or a run around the neighborhood. The same goes for training in a simulated altitude environment. To reduce risk as much as possible – members are assessed and screened before entering the altitude room. During training, members are given carefully regulated programs based on their conditioning. Additionally, members are always under supervision from trained coaches. Heart rate monitors and pulse oximeters are used regularly to monitor exertion.

Of course, not all forms of exercise are safe for everybody. And altitude training isn’t recommended for people who are pregnant, have breathing problems like asthma, have high blood pressure or other serious medical issues.

3. But I’ll lose strength and power exercising at altitude

Training in reduced oxygen typically means you are unable to reach the same levels of ‘intensity’ as you can at sea level. It is this stress of hypoxia on the body that stimulates it to be more efficient in using oxygen and providing energy to active muscles, improving aerobic conditioning and endurance. Continuous exposure to high altitude will cause you to lose power. But, when you combine simulated altitude training sessions (2-3 per week) with your regular strength and power sessions at sea level – you can maintain, and actually boost, your strength and power levels no problem.

4. I’ve heard that you are supposed to sleep in an altitude tent. Why exercise?

Altitude tents are designed for the “live high, train low” model. This method of training (sleeping at altitude) is commonly used by athletes to increase their red blood cell count and improve overall performance.

For those of us living at sea level, and who aren’t professional athletes – altitude tents can become impractical. We don’t have the benefit of naturally ‘living high’ and it can be hard to get the most out of an altitude tent – which you should be using for 4 weeks, 16 hours/day while maintaining training. See here.

A great alternative is simulated altitude training, which follows the “live low, train high” model. You already live low, and perhaps mostly compete low. Training high gets the job done quicker (2-3 sessions per week is usually recommended) and it’s much easier to convince your partner about heading to the gym than sleeping in a tent.

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So now hopefully you can answer the question “Is altitude training safe?” And if you have any other questions about altitude training and memberships at Altitude, please contact us at info@altitudeathletictraining.com or book a coach consult here.

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How difficult is the hike to Machu Picchu?

by | Altitude Training Information, Hiking, Climbing and Mountaineering

By this point, you’ve likely scrolled past your fair share of social media pics backdropped by the mysterious Peruvian city in the sky—aunts and uncles communing with shaggy llamas, friends clambering up dirt paths, workmates teetering on a stone outcropping, peering down at the ancient city.

Machu Picchu is one of the most visited tourism destinations in the world. On average, it attracts close to 1.2 million visitors a year and was voted one of the new seven wonders of the world in 2007. The site has become so popular that the Peruvian Ministry of Culture, in an attempt to preserve the site, has had to set a limit of 2,500 tourists entering the citadel a day.

The site’s popularity, however, significantly underplays the effort it takes to get there. At nearly 8,000 ft. above sea level, Machu Picchu is perched amongst one of Peru’s highest mountain ranges. Meaning whichever route you take to reach the Inca Citadel, you’ll have to deal with some major altitude adjustments.

Before embarking on your Inca adventure, check out these potential pitfalls to ensure you’re prepared for the trip.

Feeling funny?

The most pressing concern when ascending to high altitude—defined as any height above 8,000 ft.—is altitude sickness. This occurs when the body doesn’t have enough time to adapt to decreased air pressure and oxygen levels. Symptoms include dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, and loss of appetite.

While not everyone who hikes to Machu Picchu will be afflicted by altitude sickness, those who are may see their Inca adventure come to an abrupt end. To prevent this from happening, take Diamox one to two days before starting your hike. The medication helps reduce symptoms and eases the adjustment to altitude.

It’s also a good idea to take the hike slow. Your body needs time to acclimatize to the altitude. To help with the acclimatization process and to make sure you have enough energy, keep yourself well hydrated and fed throughout the hike. The porters cooking your meals should help with this, but it’s still a good idea to throw a hydration pack in your bag and some high calorie snacks.

If you do start to experience symptoms, stop and rest for at least a day. If they don’t go away, it might be time for you to turn around.

Choose a trail, any trail

There are many ways to get to Machu Picchu. The most popular is the Inca Trail, a four-day, three-night hike through lush cloud forests, ancient Inca ruins, and majestic Andean peaks. In 2002, however, the Peruvian Ministry of Culture introduced permits for the trail, limiting the number of people to 500 a day (approximately 300 of those permits are allocated to cooks, porters, and guides, leaving only 200 for tourists).

To hike the Inca Trail, you have to book it months in advance. It isn’t a particularly long hike, spanning only 40 kilometres, but it is straight up some steep Andean paths. The trail hits its peak at Dead Woman’s Pass (named after the crests that resemble a woman’s supine body) standing 13,828 ft. above sea level.

If you weren’t able to secure a permit, don’t worry. There are other options. The Salcantay Route is much easier to book and just as scenic. Taking anywhere between five to eight days, this mule-assisted hike passes by the 20,500 ft. Mount Salcanty, one of the most sacred peaks in Inca religion.

You pass Mount Salcanty at an altitude of 15,000 ft. before plunging into a subtropical cloud forest, eventually passing the ancient Incan ruins of Llactapata, nearly as rewarding a sight as Machu Picchu.

If you’re looking for a more moderate hike—one that involves a train—try The Lares Route. Taking between three to five days, this trek leads you through the Lares Valley, home to Peruvian locals who still practice Inca traditions like raising herds of llamas and weaving cloth. Along the way, you pass by the 18,000 ft. Mount Veronica and a number of high-altitude Lakes. The trail ends near the Ollantaytambo ruins, only a short train ride away from Machu Picchu.

Dress for the weather…all of it

The higher you ascend, the more the air pressure decreases and the further apart the air molecules spread, causing the temperature to drop. Yet, in the case of Machu Picchu, you may also experience a scorching midday sun that has you sweating through your jacket. To deal with the swings in temperature, wear layers. This way you can shed them as you hike.

When you book your trip, be wary of the time of year. End of November to beginning of April is Peru’s rainy season. Many of the trails are closed between these months, but in case you do manage to book a hike during this time of year, bring a waterproof rain jacket and tent fly. You never know when you might get caught in a downpour. Starting each morning’s hike soaking wet is a surefire way to catch a cold.

Get in shape!

This one should be obvious, but if you’re going to attempt a four-day hike at high altitude make sure you’re physically prepared. You don’t want to be the person gasping for breath after the first couple hours. Not only will it ruin the experience but it will hold back the group.

In order to prepare for the hike, focus on cardio exercises like running, walking, and swimming. Try to introduce these exercises into your daily routine a few months before your trip. And if you really want to be prepared, come in for a workout at Altitude Athletic Training in Toronto.

 

We can help make sure you’re training effectively to resist fatigue and maintain high energy on your trek. Exposure to the altitude environment will help you pre-acclimate to reduce and prevent symptoms of altitude sickness. You can find some more benefits here: Hiking, Climbing and Mountaineering. Machu Picchu will feel like a walk in the park after working out with us.

See Results Faster – Why Altitude is Great for the Busy Professional

by | Altitude Training Information, General Fitness

altitude training for the busy professional

With many of us back to the office – we can no longer be as generous with our lunchtime workouts. If you can squeeze a lunchtime workout in, often it’s less than an hour — which isn’t much if you factor in transit time to the gym and showering after the workout. So, how do you get the most out of your workout in the shortest amount of time and see faster results? Training at altitude presents an ideal solution to this dilemma.

It's What's in the Air That's Different

Efficiency is one of the greatest assets of altitude. Training in an environment with less available oxygen triggers physiological adaptations (changes in the body) that can lead to fitness and performance benefits. And due to the unique demands altitude puts on the body, results can be seen in less time than the same workout at sea-level. Adaptations include: 

  • Increased Mitochondrial Density: Hypoxic conditions stimulate the production and density of mitochondria within muscle cells. Mitochondria are responsible for aerobic energy production. With more mitochondria, muscles can generate energy more efficiently, leading to improved endurance and performance. This efficiency means athletes can achieve the same or greater physical output with less effort and in less time compared to training at sea level.

  • Enhanced Capillary Density: Exposure to hypoxic environments promotes the growth of new capillaries that deliver oxygen-rich blood to muscles. This increase in capillary density enhances oxygen delivery and nutrient exchange, improving muscle endurance and recovery. As a result, athletes can sustain higher-intensity efforts for longer periods without experiencing as much fatigue, ultimately making their workouts more productive in less time.
  • Improved Muscle Buffering Capacity: Muscles adapt to hypoxic stress by improving their ability to buffer and remove metabolic byproducts like lactate. This adaptation delays the onset of muscle fatigue during intense exercise, allowing athletes to maintain higher workloads and intensity levels throughout their training sessions. By reducing the recovery time needed between sets or intervals, athletes can complete more effective workouts in a shorter total time.
  • Enhanced Oxygen Extraction and Utilization: The body becomes more efficient at extracting oxygen from the bloodstream and using it within muscle cells. This efficiency improvement supports higher aerobic capacity and optimizes energy production during exercise. Athletes experience improved stamina and can perform more work per unit of oxygen consumed, maximizing the effectiveness of each training session.
  • Increased Respiratory Efficiency: Training in hypoxic conditions strengthens respiratory muscles and enhances lung function. This improvement in respiratory efficiency allows athletes to breathe more effectively during exercise, taking in more oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide more efficiently. As a result, athletes can sustain higher-intensity efforts for longer periods without becoming as breathless, ultimately improving overall workout efficiency.

You will be working harder at altitude. For instance, your heart rate will be elevated and your cardiovascular, pulmonary and oxygen utilization systems will be working harder to meet the energy demand required with less oxygen available.

Higher Efficiency, Lower Impact

Despite being harder in some aspects, people are often surprised to learn that altitude training is much easier on the joints. You can work at a lower impact with less wear and tear on the body, and get the same if not better benefits than sea-level training in less time.

While commonly praised for its physiological benefits among professional athletes, an adaptive approach to exercising at altitude can enhance anyone’s overall fitness. Efficient in burning more calories during a given amount of time than at sea level, the time-crunched gym-goer can get a great workout completed in as little as 30 minutes — a reasonable amount of time to squeeze in to busy days.

Simulated Altitude Training

This all sounds great – but this whole time you may have been wondering how on earth you are going to get up to altitude if you live in a sea-level city, like Toronto. That’s where simulated altitude training comes in.

Altitude training is exercising in, sleeping in, or simply inhaling the oxygen-reduced air that you find at high altitudes. Simulated altitude gyms are one of the best methods for replicating high altitude conditions at sea-level. Picture a gym that is fully-equipped with treadmills, bikes, squat racks and dumbbells but encased in a high-altitude chamber.

personal training, science and analysis

It's All in The Science

The latest research on simulated altitude training shows greater improvements in body composition, overall fitness and health factors for the same amount of training at sea-level. In one study, participants saw a greater increase in muscle mass with 7 weeks of altitude training compared to participants doing the equivalent sea-level training. The altitude group saw an increase in muscle mass of 1.80% compared to the sea-level group, which saw an increase of just 0.38%. Also, the altitude group saw a significant decrease in fat mass of 6.83% compared to the sea level group, which actually increased their fat mass by 1.26%.  To read the full study, click here.

By leveraging these physiological adaptations through hypoxic training, busy professionals can achieve greater fitness gains and performance improvements in less total workout time. The combination of enhanced energy production, improved endurance, and reduced fatigue translates into more effective training sessions that yield measurable results sooner than traditional sea-level training methods.

It’s time to see faster results. For more info on training at Altitude, check out our memberships and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Climbing Kilimanjaro? Here’s Why You Should Be Doing Simulated Altitude Training

by | Altitude Training Information, Hiking, Climbing and Mountaineering

Kilimanjaro Summit Image

You’ve decided to climb Kilimanjaro. At 5,895 m, you’ll be tackling the tallest mountain in Africa. Are you ready?

Being physically prepared is critical to a successful climb. You want to think back on your trip with fond memories of reaching the summit and feeling good, not turning back early. For most of us, these trips are an expensive, once-in-a-lifetime kind of thing. Having to cut your trip short due to altitude sickness, lack of fitness or both is a shame. Especially because there are tools out there to help prevent that from happening.

 

Simulated Altitude Training for Climbing Kilimanjaro

If you live at sea-level and can’t easily access the mountains, you may want to consider what’s called ‘simulated altitude training’. Simulated altitude training is exercising in or breathing air with less oxygen to replicate the thinner air you find up in the mountains. Simulated altitude is created by decreasing the percentage of oxygen in the air below 20.9% oxygen (the amount of oxygen in the air at sea-level).

From sleeping in an altitude tent to lifting weights at an altitude gym, simulated altitude training methods can be used to get you ready for Kilimanjaro. We break down the two most commonly used methods below:

 

Method 1: Intermittent Hypoxic Training

Intermittent Hypoxic Training (IHT) is living at sea-level and exercising at altitude. If you’ve got a stationary bike or treadmill at home, you can use a simulated altitude training mask to breath hypoxic air while you’re training. Otherwise, there are special gyms that can actually simulate altitude with no masks needed. 

These shorter duration workouts at simulated altitude are designed to provide a greater training intensity. They trigger physiological adaptations that can improve overall health and performance. These adaptations require a minimum training period of 4-6 weeks, 3-4x per week. Sessions should last around 60 minutes.

 
Simulated Altitude Gym – Intermittent Hypoxic Training

Perform Better at High-Altitude

IHT optimizes the body’s ability to use and process the oxygen available to it. Why does that matter to you as a hiker preparing for Kilimanjaro? Because when your muscles and tissues use oxygen more efficiently, you can sustain longer periods of exertion. This becomes especially important when there is less oxygen available to you at high altitudes.

Another good thing about training your body to use oxygen more efficiently? You’ll reduce reliance on supplemental oxygen. Usually, climbers do not need supplemental oxygen to climb Kilimanjaro or reach the summit. But, if you find yourself in a position where you do need it, training at altitude can help extend the life of your oxygen tank.

 

Delay Fatigue and Recover Faster Between Treks

The more you can push away the start of fatigue during your trek, the better. In altitude environments, metabolic by-products associated with fatigue build up quicker with less oxygen available to the muscles. (Think of that burning feeling in your legs during a hard spin class). Training at simulated altitude can reduce and delay the onset of fatigue during physical activity by increasing the buffering capacity of metabolic by-products. We’re essentially making our bodies better at pushing away these fatigue-causing by-products.

 

Method 2: Live High, Train Low

Live high train low (LHTL) is living at high altitudes and training at lower altitudes (close to sea-level). Living in an altitude environment stimulates changes in the blood that can lead to improved performance and help with pre-acclimation.

If you live at sea-level, it’s not easy to just pack up and move out to a place like Flagstaff, Arizona where you can live at 2100m and a short 30-minute commute can get you to 950m. An easier option? Sleep tents and larger altitude tents can be set up at home, so you can get 6+ hours of high-altitude exposure and then be back down to sea-level in seconds. This strategy requires a minimum of 3-4 weeks. However, 6-12 weeks is better so that the altitude can be ramped up slowly.

 

Reduce Risk of Acute Mountain Sickness

LHTL can lower the age of red blood cells and increase hemoglobin mass (hemoglobin is an oxygen-carrying protein). These changes in the blood can help reduce and prevent symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Also, many people struggle when sleeping at altitude. Fatigue will increase the risk of something going wrong on the mountain. Sleeping at altitude in the weeks leading up to your trip will help your body get used to the reduced oxygen and improve quality of sleep.

 

Final Thoughts

Climbing Kilimanjaro is a physical challenge. Many people underestimate the fitness required for this mountain. (Or say they would have enjoyed the trip more had they been in better shape). Simulated altitude training will not only help you get in shape for the climb, but also prepare you for the altitude. Then, your hard work will be rewarded by a beautiful, peaceful and enjoyable climb.

 

 

References:

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Altitude Athletic is Toronto’s first and one of the largest altitude training facilities in the world. We’re here to help you prepare for your next big climb, event or meet your health goals. Click here to learn more about what we do at Altitude.

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Altitude Training Rooms – The Evolution

by | Altitude Training Information, General Fitness

Altitude training, once the secret weapon of elite athletes, has evolved dramatically over the years. The concept of training in reduced oxygen environments to enhance performance has a rich history dating back to the mid-20th century. Today, altitude training rooms, often referred to as hypoxic chambers, have become accessible to a wider range of athletes and fitness enthusiasts. In this blog post, we will explore the evolution of altitude training rooms and how they have revolutionized the way athletes prepare for peak performance.

 

The Early Days of Altitude Training:

The history of altitude training can be traced back to the 1940s when it was first used as a method to improve athletic performance. Initially, athletes had to travel to high-altitude locations to benefit from the reduced oxygen environment. These high-altitude camps were remote and often inconvenient, making altitude training accessible only to a select few.

 

The Emergence of Hypoxic Chambers:

The next major development in altitude training was the creation of hypoxic chambers or altitude training rooms. These rooms, equipped with specialized equipment, allow individuals to simulate high-altitude conditions without leaving the comfort of their training facilities. This marked a significant shift, making altitude training more convenient and accessible.

altitude training toronto

Altitude Training Rooms Today:

Modern altitude training rooms have come a long way from their early iterations. They are now equipped with advanced technology that allows for precise control of oxygen levels, temperature, and humidity. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts can customize their altitude training experience to suit their specific goals and training regimens.

 

Benefits of Altitude Training Rooms:

  1. Enhanced Endurance: Training in reduced oxygen environments helps the body adapt by increasing red blood cell production, leading to improved oxygen-carrying capacity and enhanced endurance.
  2. Faster Recovery: Altitude training can accelerate the recovery process, allowing athletes to train harder and more frequently.
  3. Increased Stamina: Athletes can build greater stamina, vital for endurance sports, by incorporating altitude training into their routines.
  4. Mental Toughness: Altitude training not only enhances physical capabilities but also strengthens mental resilience, a key component of success in sports.
  5. Accessible to All: With the availability of altitude training rooms, this powerful training method is no longer limited to elite athletes and is accessible to individuals of all fitness levels.

 Conclusion:

The evolution of altitude training rooms, from the early days of high-altitude camps to the advanced hypoxic chambers of today, has revolutionized the way athletes prepare for peak performance. These rooms offer a controlled and convenient environment for athletes and fitness enthusiasts to harness the benefits of altitude training. As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more precise and effective altitude training methods in the future. This technology will help individuals push their physical and mental boundaries to achieve their fitness and performance goals.