Enhance your metabolism, calorie-burning and overall health via simulated altitude training
All you fitness freaks, working out is your religion and there’s no doubt you’re a devout worshipper. But then there comes a time when you’re bored of the same old rituals and want to try something new, something to further enhance your path to fi tness glory. What if you could burn 200 per cent more calories through your workout? And continue to burn calories hours after you’re done working out? Sounds very enticing, doesn’t it? Well, welcome to the world of simulated altitude training.
Altitude training
Altitude training also known as hypoxic training, involves exercising in environments with a reduced level of oxygen. Reduced levels of oxygen is found at high altitude regions, above 2,200 metres above sea level. Usually, athletes undertake high altitude training as the air is thinner, meaning fewer oxygen molecules per volume of air. The reason being, to compensate for the decrease in oxygen levels, one of the body’s hormones, erythropoietin (EPO) triggers the production of more red blood cells to aid in oxygen delivery to the muscles. By training at high altitudes, athletes aim to allow their bodies to produce extra red blood cells. Aft er this, they head to a competition at lower elevations to take advantage of their changed physiology. With the help of technology, one can experience this sort of training, without having to go mountainous regions. How cool is that? One can do this by working out in a simulated altitude environment, for example, The Pilates & Altitude Training Studio in the city.
What is it?
Fitness expert Samir Purohit, and co-owner of The Pilates & Altitude Training Studio, says, “Our simulated altitude training studio room measures about 150 to 160 square feet in size, wherein low oxygen is pumped in via imported machinery. This recreates atmospheric changes, not in terms of atmospheric pressure but only in the oxygen levels. The oxygen content in the air at sea level is approximately 20.9 per cent. Whereas, in the training room, the oxygen percentage is approximately 13.5 to 14 per cent. This translates to the oxygen levels found at high altitudes of 3,000 to 3,500 metres above sea level like that of Leh-Ladakh.” In the simulated altitude training studio, there’s a treadmill, cycle,
elliptical and Power Plate (this machine works out the body under vibrations). Though the primary focus in this artificially created highaltitude room is on cardio, the trainers also conduct functional and strength training there.
How does it work?
In the simulated altitude training studio, because your body is taking approximately 7 per cent less oxygen, it causes certain physiological changes like increase in the metabolic rate. Hence, one burns 200 per cent more calories, than at sea level. So weight loss is much faster. Due to altitude training, the effect of the workout lasts for 12 to 15 hours. A single altitude session lasts for a duration of 40 to 45 minutes. This means, one continues to burn calories even after he/she is done working out, doing cardio. Purohit says that his team’s goal is to train people to put in minimum effort with maximum benefits.
Health benefi ts
Traditionally, sportspersons undertake altitude training to enhance their endurance and performance. But why should it only be restricted to them? “Anybody can undertake altitude training. Training in high-altitude like environment is great for individuals who want to lose weight. Some health studies conducted abroad say that it also beneficial for diabetics. It is great for individuals suffering from asthma and cardiac problems too (always take a doctor’s permission before undertaking any kind of training),” says Purohit. If just health reasons isn’t enough to motivate you ladies, there’s beauty benefits too, by adding a better glow. In fact, majority of the clientele here are women between the ages of 30 to 45, belonging to the showbiz industry.
WHERE : The Pilates & Altitude Training Studio, 301 - 304 Business Plaza, Gazdar Bandh Road, opp. Gurdwara Sports Ground, Santacruz (W)
CALL: 9821154492 / 02226600096 (appointment is mandatory)
Another Simulated Altitude Training Center will be starting soon at: Panchsheel Plaza, Behind Dharam Palace, opposite Motor House Hughes Road
CALL: 9820098283 / 02226600096 (appointment is mandatory)
WHEN: Monday to Saturday, 7 am to 9 pm
COST: `10,000 for 12 sessions in a month (three days a week)
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