Benefits of altitude training

The reason for the performance-enhancing effect of high-altitude training is easy to explain: the lack of oxygen at high altitudes forces the human organism to adapt to the conditions. Primarily affected are breathing, the cardiovascular system and the blood. The adaptation process occurs on more than one level: breathing, the cardiovascular system and blood are stimulated in order to supply the body with sufficient oxygen despite the reduced oxygen pressure at high altitude.

The increase in red blood cells is also of significance. The blood cells also change the way they function and produce more energy in an anaerobic manner, i.e. without the use of atmospheric oxygen. For athletes this means that alone the fact of staying at high altitude provides a minor training effect. The ideal altitude is between 1,500 and 2,200 m above sea level. Training sessions at high altitude have a more intensive effect than those at low levels.