Why do atheletes train at altitude?

Question

What does this do on a physiologiacal level...........I know it increases red blood cell count, but how does this give someone a better taining adaptation? Thanks

Answer 1

The body makes physiological adaptations and responds to living high. Living at altitude Increases EPO( Erythropoietin, regulates red blood cell production) and leads to an increase in red blood cell mass, This adaptation is the reason most athletes experience an enhanced performance. Many studies have indicated that 3-4 weeks is optimal for a training effect. When athletes return to sea level, EPO level is suppressed and red blood cell mass gradually decreases more blood cell mass the more hemoglobin the cell can carry and the more hemoglobin the more oxygen the cell can carry. This is why it is crucial to plan altitude training completely around your peak race. It is also important to note that not all athletes experience the same positive results from altitude training. Everyone is different and it is important to create the perfect plan to maximize the benefit. Often times, this is through trial and error.

Answer 2

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 3

Lower air pressure at high altitude means less available oxygen. If you train in low oxygen, your body responds by making more red blood cells to carry enough oxygen to your working muscles. Then, when you return to low altitude to compete, you body will be able to more easily supply its muscles with oxygen because of the extra r.b.c's.

Answer 4

Having a higher RBC count increases the body's ability to transport oxygen to the cells and to carry away the waste CO2.

El Chistoso

Answer 5

It helps lung capacity to train while breathing the thinner air.

Answer 6

bcoz there is is less oxygen at high altitutes.