Altitude training
Altitude Training
Altitude training (pronunciation: /ˈæl.tɪ.tjuːd ˈtreɪ.nɪŋ/) is a method used by athletes to improve their performance by training in environments with low oxygen levels, typically at high altitudes.
Etymology
The term "altitude training" is derived from the English words "altitude", meaning height above a given level, especially sea level, and "training", meaning the action of teaching a person a particular skill or type of behavior.
Definition
Altitude training involves exercising in, living in, or otherwise moving to high altitude for the physiological benefits it brings. The main benefit is the increased production of red blood cells to compensate for the lower oxygen saturation in the atmosphere. These additional cells can enhance endurance in athletes when they compete at lower altitudes.
Types of Altitude Training
There are three main types of altitude training: live high-train high (LHTH), live high-train low (LHTL), and intermittent hypoxic training (IHT).
- Live High-Train High (LHTH): In this method, athletes live and train at high altitude. This allows their bodies to adapt to the low-oxygen conditions both at rest and during exercise.
- Live High-Train Low (LHTL): In this method, athletes live at high altitude but train at lower altitudes. The idea is to get the benefits of increased red blood cell production while still being able to train at high intensity.
- Intermittent Hypoxic Training (IHT): This method involves short exposures to high altitude, either during rest periods or during training sessions.
Related Terms
- Hypoxia: A condition in which the body or a region of the body is deprived of adequate oxygen supply at the tissue level.
- Erythropoiesis: The process which produces red blood cells (erythrocytes).
- Acclimatization: The process in which an individual adjusts to a change in its environment, allowing it to maintain performance across a range of environmental conditions.
See Also
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