FAQ’s about IHT

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2. -What is simulated altitude training? What does 'simulated' mean? 
   

3. -Simulated altitude training or intermittent hypoxic training (IHT)  is a means of improving the body's oxygen delivery and utilization systems. Oxygen is necessary for energy production. in short there are three stages in oxygenating the muscle tissues ; they are absorption, transportation and perfusion.
   

4. -red blood cells and more specifically,the haemoglobin are responsible for the 2nd stage - transportation. it is the first and third stages in this chain that is most often ignored by athletes. IHT is the first realized method of increasing the economy of these steps.  The more oxygen an athlete can breathe in and utilize, the faster that athlete can swim, bike, and/or run. Simulated altitude training involves having an athlete breathe air low in oxygen levels which stimulate the oxygen transport systems within the body.
   

"Simulated" means that the altitude training is actually done right here at sea level.

Go2altitude is a patented machine that artificially alters the amount of oxygen in the air we breathe. True altitude training can only occur at high elevations, typically in mountainous areas. intermittent hypoxic training, however, can be done anywhere with the right technology.

1. -How does IHT benefit me?
   

The science of IHT is still in its infancy. The results of studies examining the effectiveness of IHT show mixed results. However, subjective feedback from athletes having experienced SAT show any or all of the following:

- lower heart rates (both at resting, and while training)

- faster speeds while training at the same relative intensity

- improved recovery from workouts

- better sleep

1. -an enhanced feeling of health and wellness
   

2. -
   

3. -What level of athlete uses IHT?
   

Any athlete interested in improving their performance can benefit from the use of IHT in their training. However, athletes nearing their potential will experience greater (i.e., more noticeable) benefits from IHT than the beginning-to-intermediate athlete. Put quite simply, there is no substitute for proper physical training. IHT doesn't outweigh the benefits of proper training... but it can certainly add to those benefits.

1. -When would I perform IHT?
   

You would benefit from IHT sessions in the month before your peak race. It is during the first few weeks you use IHT when you'll experience quite an effect. There is a longer lasting effect that can last for a couple of months. As such, some athletes perform a maintenance phase of IHT throughout the season.

1. -What does IHT feel like?
   

During an IHT session, you sit down and relax for the 60 to 90 minute duration. Breathing is alternated between normal room air for five minutes and low oxygenated air through a mask for five minutes. The mask covers your nose and mouth. You won't feel anything different while breathing the air through the mask than you would while breathing normal air. Some athletes, however, do describe feeling slightly drowsy. This is typically due to the slow, relaxed breathing patterns they tend to adopt while breathing through the mask.

How does IHT fit into my regular day?

An IHT session lasts for 60 to 90 minutes. An entire block of IHT should be composed of 15 to 25 hours. These hours are spread over the course of a three to four week block. Thus, you would be breathing on the IHT system once per day, five to six times per week, for three to four weeks. IHT is best done at least two hours before, or two hours following, your daily training session(s).