Altitude Training

Training at high altitude has become a cornerstone strategy for elite athletes seeking a competitive edge, particularly in endurance sports like long-distance running, cycling, and swimming. Altitude training involves working out in environments with reduced oxygen levels—typically 1,800 meters (6,000 feet) above sea level or higher—which forces the body to adapt by producing more red…

Altitude training—where athletes train at elevations typically above 2,000 meters (6,500 feet)—has become a strategic edge in endurance sports like marathon running, cycling, and swimming. The thin air at high altitudes contains less oxygen, prompting the body to produce more red blood cells to carry oxygen efficiently. When these athletes return to sea level, their…