For any type of exercise lasting longer than a few minutes, the body must utilise oxygen to generate energy. Without it, muscles simply become fatigued and 'lactic'.

Exposure to reduced oxygen levels (altitude or hypoxia) is a challenge to the human body because oxygen is the primary source of energy for our cells. Even a minor reduction in oxygen triggers a multitude of physiological responses within the body.  Under a state of hypoxia (low oxygen levels) the body strives to produce required amounts of energy with less oxygen available. To do so, a protein called Hypoxia Inducible Factor (HIF-1) sets off a host of reactions geared towards improving the body's ability to utilise oxygen.

These changes can include an increase in the number of small blood vessels, an increase in buffering capacity (ability to manage the build up of waste acid) and changes in the microscopic structure and function of the muscles themselves.

The physiology of altitude (hypoxic) training and it's effect on the human body is very complex. To read more about the effects of altitude training, feel free to visit Altitude Technology Solutions Science page.

Tri Alliance utilise the mask system by Altitude Technology Solutions. Our systems reach a peak of 3,400 metres and 13% oxygen.  Sufficient to train for sports performance, rehabilitation, pre-acclimatisation, health, wellbeing and weight loss.

You will undertake an initial baseline test to determine your response and tolerance to different altitude levels and to set the platform to compare your body's performance over time. This is also used to determine how and at what levels you will be trained at.

You will be provided with a structured program protocol for the duration of your block of sessions and you will be tested though out to monitor your body's response.

During each altitude session you will be monitored by a pulse oximeter that measures your blood oxygen saturation levels and heart rate. Initial responses to high altitude include increased heart rate and respiratory rate.  Training can be performed on your own bike in combination with our CompuTrainer System or on a treadmill.

A minimum of 8 weeks and a frequency of 2-3 30 min sessions per week is recommended as an introductory protocol.

Altitude training is one of the few proven, legal methods available for improving performance in elite sports people. WADA recently ruled that simulated altitude training is a permissible method. Information suggests 85% of medalists at the Athens Olympics used altitude training (real or simulated) as part of their preparation. 

Altitude is big business for elite athletes - and now you too can gain the benefits of training at altitude!

Simulated Altitude training can provide benefits in these four key areas:

SPORT PERFORMANCE

• Increased V02 max (max rate of oxygen usage)
• Enhanced power output and speed
• Improved strength and endurance
• Increased exercise-till-exhaustion (ETE) time
• Reduced recovery time after exertion
• Decreased resting heart-rate and blood pressure
• Maintenance of cardiovascular fitness when injured
• Diminished overall fatigue
• as an added bonus - it is time efficient training! (it's 20% harder to train at altitude than at seas level!)

Physiological Effects

• New red blood cell production
• New blood capillary growth
• Improved efficiency of micro organisms
• Improved heart function

HEALTH, WELLBEING AND WEIGHT LOSS

Exercise is a key part of any health or weight-loss plan. Exercise not only burns calories DURING your activity, but it also causes calories to be burned in the hours AFTER the activity, and this is where hypoxic (altitude) training can take your fitness program to new levels!

In comparison to training at sea level, training at altitude gives you greater fitness benefits in a shorter period of time. It is approximately 20% harder to train at altitude than at sea level.

The demands on your body at altitude are greater than at sea level so more fat is burned to provide more energy!

Total calories expended is more than DOUBLED over the 15 hour period following a 20 minute workout. So more calories and burned for the same effort!

Benefits:

• Burn more calories
• Improved efficiency of aerobic training
• Less stress on your joints for greater aerobic benefits
• Improved Resting Metabolic Rate
• Increased production of G 4 protein (used in glycogen metabolism and insulin regulation)
• More time efficient and less physically demanding aerobic training

Rehabilitation

Oxygen delivery to damaged muscles and ligaments is crucial to your recovery process - the more oxygen delivered to the muscles / tissues the faster the recovery. Localised oxygen treatment (ie hyperbaric chamber) is an established rehabilitation aid but unfortunately when the oxygen devise is removed, the beneficial results are also removed. On the other hand, hypoxic (altitude) training increases your individual ability to transfer oxygen to the damaged / injured area after treatment.  So when you are not doing the hypoxic training (the remaining 23 hours of the day!) you are left improved oxygen utilisation for healing - which equals a quicker recovery time!

As an added benefit, altitude training while injured helps maintain cardiovascular fitness, so you will reduce your fitness degradation while injured.

PRE-ACCLIMATISATION

Thousands of people each year make their way up a mountain somewhere in the big wide world, whether it be for a mountaineering expedition, trekking, or just a leisurely ski vacation. And Individuals spend big money on such trips. Regardless of one's physical condition, the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) or other factors preventing a successful ascent or ruining a vacation is always a big risk.

A person's reaction to high altitude is heavily dependent on genetics. Certain people are predisposed to acquiring AMS more severely than others. However, studies show that 80% of people ascending to altitudes of13000ft/4000m or higher will suffer the debilitating symptoms of AMS (headache, nausea, insomnia) to some extent. This risk cannot be completely eliminated, but it can be predicted, controlled and significantly reduced.

By exercising / training in hypoxia (altitude) before leaving for an expedition, event, climb or vacation, you can pre-acclimatise and prepare your body for exposure to these extreme altitudes.

PHYSIOLOGICAL BENEFITS

Reduced symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
Improved power and endurance
Diminished fatigue
Decreased recovery time after aerobic and anaerobic efforts

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
Money saved by minimising time spent acclimatising on site

Increased probability of a successful summit attempt

Our trainers hold a Level 1 Accreditation in Altitude Training through Altitude Technology Solutions and are also accredited Personal Trainers and Level 1 and/or 2 Triathlon Coaches.

Training can be conducted on our treadmill or on our CompuTrainer or windtrainers - using your own bike.

8 week blocks are recommended, with 2 weeks break between recommencing.

Current Tri Alliance athletes receive a 15% discount when booking.

Package	Package Includes	Initial Consultation, Baseline Test & Mask	Number of weeks	Sessions per week	Cost Per session	Total Package
8 Week Introductory	Your own personal mask Initial consultation and baseline test Training Program Protocol Re-tests at week 4 & 8	$150	8	2	$40	$790
8 Week Peak Performance	Your own personal mask Initial consultation and baseline test Training Program Protocol Re-tests at week 4 & 8	$150	8	3	$38	$1062
Baseline Test only	Baseline test and mask	$150	Consultation only	Consultation only	-	$150

CLICK HERE to book online OR Phone 1300 680 TRI (874)

To find out more on Altitude Training and our Altitude Technology System, visit: www.ats-altitude.com

Or contact us on 1300 680 TRI (874)