Fit in the Rockies.

What are the benefits of altitude training?

Ever notice just how winded you feel as you hike the 100 m (or so) to the top of delirium dive? Or, just how short of breath you are from walking the gentle slope from the top of our gondola to Standish Chairlift?

The shortness of breath is a result of our elevation.

For years, Olympic athletes of various summer and winter disciplines have booked training camps at Sunshine Mountain Lodge to train at altitude. For elite athletes, training at altitude improves their bodies endurance and capacity for exercise. Athletes on the Canadian Olympic team credit altitude training for their edge over the competition.

For a workout to be considered “altitude training,” the exercise needs to be performed at an elevation of 7000 ft to 8000 ft above sea level.

While elite athletes will spend weeks in the mountains, training, for the average recreational athlete training at altitude can help you break through a fitness plateau and help you reach your fitness goals faster.

7 BENEFITS OF ALTITUDE TRAINING:

1. Training at Elevation Improves Endurance

When you sweat at elevation, your body needs to work harder to acclimatize to the higher ground. For the elite athlete, training at altitude can help them keep pace longer. For the average, “every-day” athlete, training at elevation can aid in the stress of getting through the errands of every day. 

2. Training at Elevation Increases Oxygen in the Blood Stream

Because there is less oxygen at higher altitudes, training at a higher elevation can help promote the oxygen concertation in red blood cells. For the everyday sports lover, a higher oxygen concentration can increase energy.

3. Training at Elevation Promotes a Healthier Respiratory System

Remember as a kid, when you would try to hold your breath for as long as you could? Or when you would compete against your friends to see who could swim the longest underwater? For the everyday athlete, training at altitude can improve your respiratory system, which allows your body to perform on reduced oxygen supply.  

4. Training at Elevation Helps Reduce Stress

Sweating at an elevation of 8,000 ft. above sea level puts some additional stress on our bodies in a controlled manner. When we push ourselves at altitude, we ask more from ourselves in a workout, and we simultaneously teach our bodies to function with ease in everyday high-stress environments.

5. Training at Elevation Results in Longer Lasting Metabolic Benefits

A workout at elevation can supercharge your fitness goals. Especially when it comes to burning fat. Training at altitude improves your post-workout metabolic rate. Post-workout, in the mountains, your body will burn through calories at a faster pace for the next 12-15 hours.

6. Training at Elevation Gives You More for Less

At elevation, a 30-minute workout is equivalent to a 1-hour workout at a lower elevation. (Or a one-hour barre class is equivalent to a 2-hour class.)

7. Training at Elevation Makes Your Usual Workout Seem Easier

At elevation, even the easiest of jumping jacks feel harder. As you work through class, stay motivated with thoughts of just how easy those heel clicks will feel back at your normal elevation.

This summer, take your workout to new heights and join us for a sweat session at 8,000 ft. Enjoy the breath-taking views of Sunshine Meadows as you flow through your workout.  This summer we’re excited to offer both yoga and barre classes at our Standish Viewing Deck.

To learn more about Barre in the Meadows, or Yoga in the Mountains, visit our Events Calendar.