Training at altitude is based on the idea of creating a training stimulus through a slight lack of oxygen (hypoxia) and thus tapping into a performance reserve. The higher the altitude, the lower the air pressure and therefore the amount of oxygen available per breath, which reduces performance.
At 2,500 metres, around 27 percent less oxygen enters the body per breath. If the body is exposed to this lack of oxygen for a longer period of time, it adapts. Breathing quickly becomes more efficient and, stimulated by the body's own hormone erythropoietin (EPO), more red blood cells are formed, which increases the oxygen transport capacity of the blood.
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