225: Is There a Benefit to Altitude Training? - with Dr. Peter Hackett and Jon Jonis
Jul 21, 2022
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Explore the benefits and drawbacks of altitude training for athletes, emphasizing individual responses, optimized altitudes, and combining high-altitude living with low-altitude training. Discover how physiological adaptations at altitude affect hematologic responses, cardiovascular adjustments, and recovery metrics. Learn about the importance of sleep quality, nutrient levels, and personalized approaches to maximize performance outcomes.
Altitude training impacts individuals differently based on genetic factors and environmental influences.
Strategic planning and monitoring are essential for effective altitude training camps to balance benefits and risks.
Training specificity and individual responses are crucial for optimizing altitude training outcomes for enhanced athletic performance.
Deep dives
Altitude Training: Responders and Non-responders
Altitude training affects individuals differently, with some being responders and others non-responders. Responders experience a significant increase in EPO, red cell mass, and hemoglobin levels, contributing to improved performance. Non-responders fail to show substantial adaptations, highlighting genetic and environmental factors at play. Research aims to identify genetic polymorphisms affecting altitude response, emphasizing the need for tailored training approaches.
Optimizing Altitude Training Camps
Effective altitude training camps require strategic planning and monitoring. Balancing benefits and risks of high-altitude exposure is key, as improper training can lead to detraining effects and suboptimal results. Athletes must carefully manage their intensity levels, adjust training based on blood work and hemoglobin mass, and consider individual genetic factors to maximize the benefits of altitude training.
Practical Considerations for Altitude Training
Altitude training's impact on athletic performance varies based on specific event demands and athlete characteristics. Training specificity plays a crucial role, with torque-oriented events requiring different adaptations than purely aerobic sports. Balancing altitude and sea-level training, as well as incorporating supplemental oxygen for intense intervals, can optimize training outcomes. Understanding individual responses to altitude and adjusting training strategies accordingly is essential for maximizing performance gains.
Optimizing Altitude Training Programs
Altitude training programs focus on living low, training low, which leads to improved recovery scores after an initial drop. Athletes require around 3-4 weeks at an altitude of 8,000 feet, incorporating lower altitude intensive training, proper nutrition, and maximizing sea level training. Prioritize health, avoid overtraining, and build competitive acclimatization through experience before important events.
Using Altitude Tents for Adaptability
Measuring adaptability to altitude through hemoglobin testing before engaging in altitude training is crucial. Individuals should ensure optimal iron levels for efficient altitude training benefits. The duration of altitude training, ideally 3 weeks, allows for physiological adaptation and performance enhancement. Timing post-altitude training boosts is critical for maximizing adaptation, providing a measurable improvement in performance for serious athletes.
Not everything that happens to us at altitude is positive, nor do we all respond the same way. We discuss the ins and outs of altitude camps, and how to make sure you benefit from them.