Live High, Train Low.
Through a combination of sleeping in normobaric hypoxia every night and moderately working out in this environment 2-3 times per week, athletes can boost performance to otherwise unachievable levels. The human body is genetically geared to adapt its systems to challenges and changes in environment. Exposure to reduced oxygen levels (high altitude or hypoxia) creates such a challenge to the human body because oxygen is the primary source of energy for all of our cells.
The following physiological reactions have been shown to occur as a result of hypoxia training:
- Am
plified lung oxygen absorption - Boosted production of Erythropoietin Hormone (EPO) by the kidneys, stimulating the generation of Red Blood Cells (RBCs) and enhanced oxygen transportation through the body
- An increase in the number of end point blood vessels in tissues for greater oxygen delivery to the tissues, muscles and the brain
- Enhanced production and rejuvenation of mitochondria (the human cell’s hub for aerobic energy production) and mitochondrial enzymes, allowing more efficient use of oxygen for energy production and superior enzymatic anti-oxidative defenses.
Athletes can expect to gain the following benefits from the discussed physiological effects:
- Increased V02 max (max rate of oxygen usage)
- Enhanced power output and speed
- Improved strength and endurance
- Increased exercise-till-exhaustion (ETE) time
- Reduced recovery time post workout
- Faster recovery between games and shifts
- Decreased resting heart-rate and blood pressure
- Maintenance of cardiovascular fitness when injured
- Diminished overall fatigue