Tips and Tricks for Training/Fighting in Altitudes

[Chas]

Hey Guys

I know everyone has their own tips and tricks for training and fighting in higher altitudes. I was just wondering what everyone else's were? Since last year in Denver I witnesses many fighters experience symptoms of higher altitudes, including myself at one point.

Thanks guys. DD

[DCAmateurBoxing]

Hey Guys

I know everyone has their own tips and tricks for training and fighting in higher altitudes. I was just wondering what everyone else's were? Since last year in Denver I witnesses many fighters experience symptoms of higher altitudes, including myself at one point.

Thanks guys. DD

Found this interesting and may help http://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/ac ... itude.html

http://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/VO2max.html

[surleyburley]

I was told from a world class strength and conditioning coach that training at high altitudes is great for low intensity aerobic training, but is very harmul over a period of time for high intensity work load. Too much muscle tear or breakdown.

[Dennis]

Simple answer - be in great shape.

[DCAmateurBoxing]

Simple answer - be in great shape.

Yes, that's it pretty much. If competing at a significantly higher altitude than normal, make sure that you are in significantly better shape. That does make it easy.

So, Jordan didn't do anything different other than step up overall training? Or is that an Michigan secret that you don't want to get out?

[Dennis]

Simple answer - be in great shape.

Yes, that's it pretty much. If competing at a significantly higher altitude than normal, make sure that you are in significantly better shape. That does make it easy.

So, Jordan didn't do anything different other than step up overall training? Or is that an Michigan secret that you don't want to get out?

He trains at altitude all the time in Michigan - 640 ft! It is 1/10th as high as Colo Springs. LOL.
If you aren't in shape, you will really notice a difference. If you are in shape, it isn't a big deal. Now if the bouts were held at the top of Pike's Peak that would be a whole different story. The air is really thin up there.
I would say acclimation is a good thing so if you can be in the springs for a few days before the competition begins you will feel better. I know that all the experts say that you need more time than that, but the first couple of days always seem the hardest for me, my family, other coaches and boxers at the camp. Ideally, it would be great to get there a week or more ahead of time, but I would highly recommend at least a couple of days.

[Dennis]

In 2009, Jordan won the NGG at an altitude of 4,226 ft and the USA Nationals at an altitude of 6,035 ft. He got to both locations a day early so it wasn't ideal. He was in great shape so a small oxygen deficit didn't have much effect.

[Chas]

Simple answer - be in great shape.

Yeah I understand the great shape thing..I only felt the altitude change the first day. When I fought, it had not bothered me at all.

I just remember being in the car with the Zanesville coach on the way to the OTC he was talking about ways they had prepared such as using a bandanna and such. So I was just wondering about things like that, seeing as I'll be doing some of my training in altitudes this year, and everyone says it's a guaranteed minute added to our 2 mile time for the first month or so.

[DCAmateurBoxing]

Simple answer - be in great shape.

Yeah I understand the great shape thing..I only felt the altitude change the first day. When I fought, it had not bothered me at all.

I just remember being in the car with the Zanesville coach on the way to the OTC he was talking about ways they had prepared such as using a bandanna and such. So I was just wondering about things like that, seeing as I'll be doing some of my training in altitudes this year, and everyone says it's a guaranteed minute added to our 2 mile time for the first month or so.

I know some boxers train with a surgical/painters mask on the simulated harder breathing. Have also seen the use of a snorkel (yes that kind) w/ nose plugs. I think that's the kind of stuff you are talking about. BTW, I have no idea how effective or safe either of those were. I just know it's been done. :)

[Dennis]

Those tricks are just going to limit your training intensity. Not a good idea in my book. Look up the theory of living at high altitude and training at low altitude. That is what some athletes do by sleeping in a chamber that simulates high altitude, but then they do their training at low altitude so they can train harder and for a greater duration without any unnecessary limitations.

[DCAmateurBoxing]

Those tricks are just going to limit your training intensity. Not a good idea in my book. Look up the theory of living at high altitude and training at low altitude. That is what some athletes do by sleeping in a chamber that simulates high altitude, but then they do their training at low altitude so they can train harder and for a greater duration without any unnecessary limitations.

Yes, I was reading about that too. There are so many cases made for and against depending on the sport and type of results desired and a bunch of other different factors. I like ur original idea of just be in really good shape because it seems to be a short term benefit. Reading some of those studies makes my head hurt http://jap.physiology.org/cgi/content/full/100/1/203

[Dennis]

DC - just avoid reading that crap then. LOL.

[DCAmateurBoxing]

DC - just avoid reading that crap then. LOL.

I call myself trying to be informed. That's what the hell I get.