Why do some athletes train at high altitude ???

Answer 1

By limiting the amount of oxygen that can reach the muscles, altitude lowers average workout quality. Most athletes carry out both their continuous and interval workouts about 5-10 per cent less intensely at altitude, compared to sea level (here intensity is defined as speed of movement, not percentage of max heart rate). Interestingly, recent research suggests that altitude's slowing effects may begin to show up at elevations of only 2000 feet or so, far below the 4000-5000 feet mark which has usually been linked with downgraded performances. Training more slowly is hardly the way to become a better performer

Answer 2

Those of us that live around 5k feet don’t really consider it high altitude. But at this level we develop more red blood cells which help move oxygen to the working muscles. There is a trade off and when you go to high your muscles don’t get enough oxygen and you don’t get a good workout.

Ideally you want to train low and live high. Thus the altitude tents that many endurance athletes sleep in. They simulate high altitude with stimulates more red blood cell production

Answer 3

In the absense of adequate oxygen, certain factors in your plasma trigger the manufacturing of more red blood cells from the flat bones (scapulae, ribs and hips) in order to maintain proper balance for your tissues.

Consequently, training at high altitude increases RBC counts and allows the body to carry more oxygen to the muscles than normal. Higher oxygen allows the muscles to push harder aerobically (using only oxygen as fuel) and recover faster from hard anaerobic effort.

Answer 4

Athletes train in high altitude places like Denver because the air is thinner i know that may sound funny but they do it so their bodies get accustomed to getting less air and when they play in other places it will take longer for them to get tired cause their body is accustomed to working with less air

Answer 5

The thin air and smaller supply of oxygen helps the lungs adjust better and increases stamina. Then when they return to regular altitude, breathing and endurance is much better.

Answer 6

It increased their red blood cell count because of the thinner air. Then when they come down to lower altitude they can pump more oxygen because of higher count.

Answer 7

The air isnt thinner there is just less oxygen in it. So your body has to work harder to get more oxygen. When you play where there are more oxygen available your body finds it easier to use the oxygen and this kind of makes you more fit.

What it actually does is just increase your bodys output and decreases the input you need

Answer 8

it increses the way your blood cells work!
it also helps you get you rbody pumping and heart. it helps toghen you out so that you can be ready for any oppstical!

Answer 9

Great way to get extra benefit out of your workouts.