What is altitude training?

A tool for peak performance

Altitude training, also known as hypoxic training involves living and/or training in a low-oxygen environment. This can be achieved naturally by training at elevation in the mountains or artificially using altitude simulation equipment like the ones we offer at KILIMA. While traditional altitude camps - living and training high in the mountains - are popular, living and training entirely at altitude can impair training intensity, not to mention they can be expensive and time consuming. Simulated altitude training was developed to help you gain the benefits of high-altitude acclimatization without traveling to the mountains.

Sports performance

Altitude training can help you increase endurance, improve oxygen delivery, and delay fatigue. Whether you're a runner, cyclist, triathlete, or team sport athlete, hypoxic exposure can boost your VO₂ max, speed up recovery, and take your performance to the next level.

Altitude acclimatization

Simulated altitude prepares your body for real high-altitude environments. It’s ideal for mountaineers, trekkers, climbers, or anyone traveling to altitude. Training at home in low-oxygen conditions reduces the risk of altitude sickness and improves comfort and safety during your trip.

Health benefits

Altitude training isn't just for athletes. It can support metabolic health, improve breathing efficiency, aid weight loss, and benefit people with conditions like asthma or sleep apnea. It’s a natural way to enhance your overall health, energy, and resilience.

Real vs. simulated altitude

Real altitude

Occurs when you are physically at high elevations, like on a mountain. In these environments, the air pressure is lower than at sea level, which means that although the percentage of oxygen in the air remains the same (~20,9%), you get less oxygen because each breath contains fewer oxygen molecules due to lower partial pressure of oxygen. This places greater stress on the body’s respiratory and cardiovascular systems, often leading to stronger physiological adaptations, but also carries higher risks, like altitude sickness and reduced training capacity.

Simulated altitude

Mimics the oxygen-reduced environment of high altitude without changing the air pressure. Instead, the oxygen concentration in the air is reduced (e.g. from ~20,9% down to 12-15%) while pressure remains at sea-level norms. This approach triggers similar physiological responses - like improved oxygen efficiency and increased erythropoietin (EPO) production - but generally causes less respiratory strain and oxidative stress than real altitude. It offers a safer, more controlled, and more accessible alternative for training or therapeutic use.

The benefits of altitude training

By exposing the body to reduced oxygen levels, altitude training can trigger a cascade of scientifically proven physiological adaptations. These adaptations can lead to improved performance, faster recovery and better overall health - whether you're a professional or hobby athlete, a weekend warrior, or preparing for high-altitude mountaineering adventures. It can also improve a number of health conditions.

Performance benefits

Increased VO₂ Max
Improved lactate threshold and buffering
Greater power output
Enhanced mitochondrial and capillary density
Delayed fatigue, increased time until exhaustion
Reduced recovery time
Altitude acclimatization

Health benefits

Increased Red Blood Cell (RBC) production
Enhanced Hemoglobin concentration
Better heart and circulation
Easier, deeper breathing
Boosted metabolism and fat burning
Improved body composition
Stronger energy levels

Altitude training simply means exercising, sleeping or resting in low-oxygen air. This hypoxic stimulus can trigger a range of useful adaptations - but the exact benefits depend on how you use it and on your individual physiology.

Hematological changes (more red blood cells and hemoglobin) occur mainly when total daily exposure is long enough - typically with “LIVE HIGH” protocols. If you only train in hypoxia and live at sea level, these blood-based gains are usually modest.
Regardless of red-blood-cell response, hypoxia can still deliver performance gains: muscles become better at using oxygen and clearing lactate, capillary networks expand, mitochondria grow, and many athletes report faster recovery and improved fatigue resistance.
Individual responses vary by sport, training history, iron status and genetics. Some athletes see rapid progress; others adapt more slowly. That’s normal.

Ready to find out what benefits altitude training will give you?

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Discover the tools and the altitude training models you can use to take your performance to the next level!

Our altitude system Training models

Who is it for?

Whether you're an endurance athlete looking for an edge, a mountaineer preparing for high-altitude adventures, or simply someone who wants to improve fitness and recovery, simulated altitude training can help you reach your goals. Wanna crush your races and set new PRs? Let’s get started!