| The process of the hypoxic method can briefly be described
as follows: at altitude, or in its hypoxic equivalent, the reduced partial
pressure of oxygen means that the arterial oxygen saturation (a measure
of the level of oxygenation of the blood) is reduced from its normal level
of about 98%. After several hours this triggers the body to make its normal
adaptive responses which include improved diffusability of oxygen through
the lungs, increased enzyme levels in the muscles, and improvement in oxygen
processing efficiency, greater buffering effect against lactic acid, plus
an increased rate of red blood cell production. A natural associated increase
in plasma volume means this is often achieved without the disadvantage of
thicker blood from raised haematocrit and haemoglobin levels (though we
recommend getting them checked if your sport does have an upper-end limit
on hematocrit).
Red blood cells are responsible for delivering oxygen to the tissues
(muscles) which combine with stored nutrients to produce energy. Having
more red blood cells allows one to deliver more oxygen to the working
muscles. This is the primary adaptation that translates into improved
athletic performance. In the past, the only way to obtain this adaptation
was to spend long periods of time in high altitude locations or in a reduced
pressure (hypobaric) chamber. The HRS allows you to not only create an
hypoxic environment at any location, but it also provides a number of
other physiological and logistical advantages over typical high altitude/hypobaric
training:
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