What is Altitude Training?
Altitude training is a game-changer for athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike. It involves training in an oxygen-deprived environment, forcing your body to adapt and become more efficient at utilizing oxygen. The result? Increased stamina, endurance, and performance gains that translate to real-world improvements in any sport or physical activity.
At Portland Physical Therapy and Fitness, we take altitude training to the next level with our state-of-the-art Climb Station, a 10-foot-high motorized climbing tread wall situated inside our altitude training room. This powerful combination allows you to amplify the benefits of climbing while simultaneously experiencing the physiological adaptations of high-altitude training.
How Altitude Training Enhances Athletic Performance
When you train in an oxygen-deficient environment, your body adapts by increasing the production of erythropoietin (EPO), which in turn stimulates the generation of red blood cells. These cells play a vital role in oxygen transport, meaning your muscles receive more oxygen during physical exertion, improving endurance, power, and recovery times.
Key benefits include:
- Increased Aerobic Fitness – Your body learns to operate efficiently with less oxygen, boosting overall endurance.
- Enhanced Strength & Power – Oxygen-deprived training stimulates mitochondrial production, leading to increased muscle output.
- Pre-Acclimation for High Altitude Travel – If you’re planning to climb or hike at high elevations, altitude training prepares your body in advance.
- Faster Recovery – Reduced muscle fatigue and increased capillary density lead to quicker recovery post-exercise.
- Injury Rehabilitation – Maintain fitness levels even while recovering from injuries.
- Improved Fat Metabolism – Encourages your body to burn fat more efficiently as an energy source.
Myths About Altitude Training
Let’s break down some common misconceptions about altitude training:
Myth: I might pass out.
- Reality: While altitude training is an intense workout, your SpO2 levels are monitored. If you feel light-headed, stepping out of the room restores normal oxygen levels immediately.
Myth: It’s only for elite athletes.
- Reality: Not at all! Altitude training benefits anyone looking to improve cardiovascular endurance, strength, and even weight loss. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned athlete, it can elevate your performance.
Myth: I don’t need altitude training if I’m not going to high elevations.
- Reality: Even at sea level, altitude training significantly enhances oxygen efficiency and athletic output. It’s about improving your body’s ability to use oxygen, no matter where you train or compete.
Myth: I have to wear a mask.
- Reality: No masks required! Our entire 650-square-foot altitude training room is oxygen-controlled, so you get the full benefits without wearing any equipment.
Myth: I don’t have time.
- Reality: Major performance gains have been recorded with just three hours of altitude training per week for a month. Even with a busy schedule, this level of training can yield impressive results.
Scientifically Backed Benefits
Altitude training isn’t just a trend—it’s grounded in science and has been used by elite athletes for decades. The Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs has a similar high-altitude room where athletes prepare for competitions in varying environments, including sea-level locations like Rio de Janeiro. Now, YOU can experience those same advantages right here in Portland.
Proven physiological benefits of altitude training include:
- Higher Oxygen Efficiency – More red blood cells mean more oxygen delivered to muscles.
- Increased Capillary Density – Enhanced circulation ensures better endurance and muscle recovery.
- Boosted Mitochondrial Production – More mitochondria equal greater energy output at the cellular level.
- Optimized Fat Metabolism – Burn fat as an energy source more efficiently.
- Improved VO2 Max – The gold standard for measuring aerobic endurance.
- Faster Injury Recovery – Maintain cardiovascular fitness while recovering from physical setbacks.
Other Altitude Training Rooms
Yeah we are the ONLY Altitude Training Room in Portland. But we are NOT the only facility offering Altitude Training.
- True North Cryo in SoCal.
- Elemental Altitude Training Center in GA.
- Team USA Olympic Altitude Training Center in CO.
- More links coming.
New! Altitude Schedule
Our Altitude Training Room will adhere to the following general schedule so you can plan your training appropriately. Follow us on Facebook to keep updated on the schedule!
- Monday/Tuesday – 10,000′
- Wednesday/Thursday – 11,000′
- Friday/Saturday – 12,000′
- Sunday – 13,000′
References
- Bateer S, Tsuneo W, Sohee S, Tamotsu Y, Masao T and Toshio M, 2013. Effect of Hypoxic Training on Inflammatory and Metabolic Risk Factors: a Crossover Study in Healthy Subjects.
- Czuba M, Waskiewicz Z, Zajac A, Poprzecki S, Cholewa J, Roczniok R, 2011. The Effects of Intermittent Hypoxic Training on Aerobic Capacity and Endurance Performance in Cyclists.
- Galvin H, Cooke K, Sumners D, Mileva K, Bowtell J, 2013. Repeated Sprint Training in Normobaric Hypoxia.
- ISSN 0362-1197, Human Physiology, 2007, Vol. 33, No. 2, pp. 199–206. © Pleiades Publishing, Inc., 2007. Changes in Autonomic Response and Resistance to Acute Graded Hypoxia During Intermittent Hypoxic Training.
- Kon M, Ohiwa N, Honda A, Matsubayashi T, Ikeda T, Akimoto T, Suzuki Y, Hirano Y, Russel A, 2014. Effects of Systemic Hypoxia on Human Muscular Adaptations to Resistance Exercise Training.
- Meeuwsen T, Hendriksen I, Holewijn M, 2001. Training-induced Increases in Sea-level Performance are Enhanced by Acute Intermittent Hypobaric Hypoxia.
Train for an hour on us.
New clients at Portland Physical Therapy and Fitness get a FREE one hour trial in the Altitude Training Room (local residents only). Give us a shout here or just come in and get you one hour trial. Remember, we’ve eliminated initiation fees and membership fees, you have NO obligations.
Everest Summit II
Rental of the Hypoxico Everest Summit II generator. This allows you to train in the primary gym space (cardio or strength training options) at simulated altitude of up to about 20,000 feet. Unlike our 650 square foot Altitude Training Room (where NO MASKS are required), you do need a mask to use the Summit II. They are available for purchase at the front desk for $65. A supplemental waiver will also need to be signed, also available at the front desk. Call 971-236-7610, Reserve time on the unit online reservations available.
Training in our Altitude Training Room unlocks a world of performance-enhancing possibilities. Whether you’re an endurance athlete, a rock climber preparing for high-altitude ascents, or simply someone looking for an edge in their fitness journey, our cutting-edge facility is designed to push your limits and expand your potential.