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The Advantages of High Altitude Training

High altitude training involves living, exercising and breathing at between 7,000 and 8,000 feet so that athletes are exposed to lower oxygen levels. It is used by mountaineers and endurance athletes to train their bodies to become more efficient in using less oxygen but maintaining energy levels. High altitudes are used because the level of oxygen in the air is lower at greater elevations. The athlete's body adapts itself to account for this, therefore being beneficial for their sporting activities.

  1. Increased Red Blood Count

    • Red blood cells are used to carry oxygen to muscles which is needed to generate energy. When you train at higher altitudes the kidneys excrete more of the hormone erythropoietin. This increases the supply of red blood cells so the body can carry oxygen more efficiently and quickly.

    Increased Endurance

    • The increase in red blood cells is a temporary change but lasts for up to 120 days on lower levels. This means that when athletes compete or train at lower levels, the higher red blood cell count remains in their body. This gives them an advantage because they generate more energy, owing to the increased level of oxygen in their blood, and this increases their endurance during races.

    Muscular Cell Changes

    • During training, athletes have been shown to have an increased number of small blood vessels in their muscles. Consequently, this increases the supply of enzymes such as myoglobin and mitochondria available to the muscles. These enzymes are essential for energy production, and with an increased supply energy production can be greater and more efficient for the athlete.

    Dangers

    • There also are dangers associated with high altitude training. Hyperventilation occurs due to the reduced level of oxygen in the lungs. Hypothermia is possible because the athlete's body loses too much heat during exercise and cannot keep warm. It is possible that athletes experience altitude sickness. Symptoms include nausea, headaches and dizziness. Altitude sickness is caused by the body's inability to adjust to the lower levels of oxygen. Finally, pulmonary oedema can occur whereby fluid builds up in the lungs and restricts the athlete's oxygen intake, causing acute altitude sickness.

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