The High Altitude Training Trend

By Sunny Singh


High altitude training is just what it sounds like "it's strength and/or cardio training at a high altitude. The reason? The higher you go into the atmosphere, the less oxygen there's available. Therefore , when you're working out in a high altitude environment, your body becomes more efficient as it's used to using less oxygen. You'll at first get gassed quicker and your cardio sessions will immediately get more intense.

Once you return to your ordinary altitude, taking in a gulp of air will feel a bit like awesome , as your body will be enjoying a lot more oxygen than it has been used to.

Many sportsmen train at high altitude in preparation before a contest or event and it has been proven to make them fitter and stronger. In the world of Mixed Martial-arts, UFC fighter Tito Ortiz originally popularised altitude fitness as he travelled to Big Bear for his training camp.

But it is tricky for all sportsmen to go to a high level environment to train. That's the reason why many mixed martial artists have turned entrepreneurs to make devices to simulate a high altitude environment.

UFC fighter Wanderlei Silva used trained while respiring through a snorkel. This naturally limited his oxygen intake and he has attested to this being a big performance enhancer.

What has massively increased awareness of high altitude training is the product recently invented by UFC fighter Sean Sherk. He and his team have invented an elevation training mask which also permits you to adjust the altitude level to simulate various levels of altitude training.

Many fighters now promote and use this training mask and it's been proven to increase cardio vascular capacities. Though grappling is not possible with the mask due to dangers connected with it clashing against your fellow partner, many fighters have been able to continue their pad and circuit exercise programmes. Fighters have reported the ease of then working out without the mask.

Although elevation training is an increasing trend, players in this sort of activity need to be aware of the associated risks. Limiting oxygen intake could well lead to you passing out if you overexert yourself. It's therefore highly recommended that you only perform high altitude training or utilize a device eg the training mask when with a training partner. If using the elevation training mask, you should take full advantage of the facility to switch to different difficultly nozzles to make sure you build up your conditioning gradually. Know your boundaries and seek medical information before joining in arduous activities.




About the Author: