Best High Altitude Training Methods for Endurance & Performance

Best High Altitude Training Methods for Endurance & Performance

High altitude training has long been used by elite athletes to gain a competitive edge. The reduced oxygen levels force the body to adapt — increasing red blood cell count, improving oxygen delivery, and boosting endurance.

But what are the best high altitude training methods, and how can you make the most of them — even if you don’t live in the mountains?

Let’s break it down.

🧬 Why Train at High Altitude?

At altitudes above 1,500–2,000 meters (5,000–6,500 feet), oxygen levels drop, placing stress on your cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Your body responds by:

• Producing more red blood cells

• Increasing hemoglobin concentration

• Improving oxygen delivery and utilisation

This leads to improved performance once you return to sea level — if managed properly.

🏔️ Best High Altitude Training Methods

1️⃣ Live High, Train Low (LHTL)

• Live at high altitude, but train at lower elevations

• Maximises oxygen adaptation while maintaining workout intensity

• Often considered the gold standard for elite endurance athletes

2️⃣ Train High, Train Hard (TH)

• Complete all sessions at altitude

• Works well for acclimating to races at elevation

• Can compromise intensity and recovery if not managed carefully

3️⃣ Altitude Camps

• Short-term stays (2–4 weeks) at elevation

• Boosts red blood cell count and VO2 max

• Combine with tapering and recovery post-camp for race-day benefit

4️⃣ Intermittent Hypoxic Training (IHT)

• Uses altitude masks or hypoxic chambers

• Mimics elevation during key intervals or recovery sessions

• Accessible option for sea-level athletes

5️⃣ Simulated Altitude Supplementation

• Boost oxygen efficiency with tools like EI8HT Oxygen Sachets

• Delivers bioavailable oxygen directly to muscles

• Helps replicate altitude benefits without relocating

• Ideal for sea-level athletes or post-altitude recovery

💨 Why Oxygen Support Matters at Altitude

Even trained athletes can struggle with fatigue, slower recovery, and brain fog at altitude due to reduced oxygen availability.

EI8HT Oxygen Sachets can:

• Support oxygen delivery when oxygen saturation drops

• Reduce lactic acid buildup

• Aid recovery from high-altitude sessions

• Help maintain focus and energy on multi-day treks or events

A great companion before or after sessions — or as a backup if you’re not adapting as quickly as expected.

🧭 Who Should Try Altitude Training?

• Endurance athletes: runners, cyclists, triathletes

• HYROX and CrossFit competitors seeking a stamina edge

• Hikers and mountaineers preparing for high-altitude adventures

• Anyone looking to improve VO2 max or oxygen efficiency

🏁 Final Thoughts

The best high altitude training methods depend on your access, goals, and how well you manage recovery. Whether you’re heading to the mountains or training smart at sea level, improving oxygen delivery is key to unlocking performance.

Train at any altitude. Recover at every level.
Power your aerobic system with EI8HT Oxygen Sachets — science-backed support for high-performing athletes.