The Elevation Edge

THANKS TO NEW TECH FOR ALTITUDE SESSIONS COMING TO STUDIOS NEAR YOU, IT'S NOW POSSIBLE TO GET IN ON THE BENEFITS OF "TRAINING HIGH."

- Jennifer Nied

I'm cruising along, breathing is a breeze, and my running legs feel limitless. It's not a dream, but it's close. I've just returned home to New York City from a few weeks running and hiking between 6,000 and 10,000 feet in Colorado-and the gains are so real. Next, I'm researching how to accomplish that same performance phenom at sea level, all the time. Perhaps you've heard of a pro runner or cyclist who has relocated to a high elevation to train with the goal of improving overall fitness and getting an edge. Or maybe you've wondered if it's a coincidence that so many podium toppers live in the mountains. (Psst, it's not!)

Altitude training is not only for the pros; exercisers like you and I can also maximize our fitness by taking a page from the altitude playbook. Training at elevation positively impacts everything from breathing efficiency and cardio endurance to overall performance, shows a growing body of research.

If you're thinking, Must be nice to pack up and head to the mountains, don't fret. Tech companies and fitness studios are bringing you simulated altitude training or intermittent hypoxic training, if you wanna feel fancy-no airplane ticket or new zip code required.

"Once you make it accessible to everyone, you notice that everyone can benefit from it," says Varun Varadaraj, owner of AirLab, a simulated altitude training studio in Miami. Interest "peaked" yet? Let's dig in....

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