High Altitude Training

• High altitude training is a technique that can improve performance in aerobic activities
• • Training at altitude means carrying out training activities in places that are 2000 m or more above sea level
• What is the benefit of altitude training ?

  • At altitude, the concentration of oxygen in the air is lower than it is at sea level
  • Less oxygen enters the blood of a performer as they train, reducing blood oxygen concentration
  • The body of the performer compensates for the decrease in oxygen by increasing the production of red blood cells
  • When the performer returns to sea level, where air oxygen levels are higher, their blood can carry more oxygen than normal, aiding performance
• What are some limitations to altitude training?

  • Altitude training is of no benefit to performers in anaerobic disciplines, e.g. sprint or long jump
  • Most performers need to travel in order to train at altitude; this may disrupt a training routine
  • Training at altitude is very challenging, and many athletes end up training less than they might do at sea level, so fitness may be lost
  • Some performers suffer from altitude sickness
  • Red blood cell count returns to normal within a few weeks of returning to low altitudes, so the benefits are short-lived