Altitude training is an exercise done by some of the endurance athletes for a number of weeks at a high altitude, mostly over 2,500 m or 8,000 ft above the sea level. At such high altitudes the percentage of oxygen reduces and the body may get used to the lack of oxygen. It can do this either by increasing red blood cells and hemoglobin, or by changing the muscle metabolism. This helps the athletes to get a competitive advantage, especially when they compete in events that are held at lower altitudes. It helps them to maintain high concentration of red blood cells for about 10 to 14 days.
Altitude training helps individual looking to get a competitive advantage in endurance events. Training at high altitudes for a long period of time can help increase in speed, strength, stamina, and recovery. Altitude training works effectively because of the difference in the atmospheric pressure at sea level and at high altitude. The air is denser at sea level as compared to that at higher altitude. Because of the low atmospheric pressure and less dense air at high altitude, the body undergoes different of physiological changes. These physiological changes are mainly responsible for performance gains.
An athlete's exposure to high altitude improves his or her capacity to exercise. When a body is exposed to high altitude it gets acclimatized to lower level of oxygen. Once the body gets accustomed to this condition it is capable of delivering the required amount of oxygen to the muscles that will enable a better performance. When one exercises for a longer period, the body uses oxygen to generate energy, without which the muscles will seize and cause considerable damage. Human body is capable of naturally producing a hormone called erythropoietin (EPO) that intensifies the production of red blood cells which in turn carry oxygen to the muscles. The more number of blood cells one has, the more oxygen they can deliver to the muscles.
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