In this conversation of Finding Elevation, host Lisa Thompson interviews Nick, an exercise physiologist specializing in hypoxic training. They discuss the physiological changes that occur at altitude, the adaptations that can be achieved through hypoxic training, and the importance of pre-acclimatization strategies. Nick emphasizes the role of genetics in altitude tolerance and the need for proper assessment and preparation for climbers. They also explore different hypoxic training methods, common mistakes made during acclimatization, and provide advice for first-time climbers. The conversation concludes with reflections on the future of hypoxic training and personal stories from Nick's experiences in the climbing world.

Takeaways

• Hypoxic training stimulates red blood cell growth and enhances oxygen efficiency.
• Physiological changes at altitude include adaptations in blood saturation and oxygen transport.
• Pre-acclimatization can reduce the risk of altitude sickness for climbers.
• Genetic factors play a significant role in an individual's tolerance to altitude.
• Proper assessment of risk is crucial for climbers preparing for high altitudes.
• Common mistakes include underestimating the challenge of climbing and overexerting during training.
• Eating, drinking, sleeping, and pacing are essential for success at altitude.
• Hypoxic training can be done through prolonged exposure or intermittent exposure methods.
• It's important to match altitude training to the specific goals of the climber.
• The mountains remain a place of mystery and respect, despite advances in technology.

Anthony Lorubbio shares his journey from aspiring professional athlete to breathwork coach. He discusses how he got into breathwork and the power it has to change our state of mind and body. He emphasizes the importance of breathing through the nose, breathing slowly, and breathing low into the diaphragm for optimal breath efficiency. Anthony also introduces his high altitude breathwork training program, which helps mountain athletes acclimate and perform better at high altitudes. In this conversation, Anthony Lorubbio discusses the high altitude simulation breathwork training program and its benefits for improving performance at high altitudes. The program focuses on two key areas: training carbon dioxide tolerance and increasing hemoglobin concentration. By manually changing chemoreceptor sensitivity to carbon dioxide, individuals can feel less breathless and breathe more optimally through the nose. Increasing hemoglobin concentration leads to a higher VO2 max and improved oxygen uptake. The five-week training program includes exercises for proper breathing mechanics, high altitude simulation breathwork protocols, and respiratory muscle training. Maintenance recommendations include regular breath assessments and the practice of breathe light exercises.

Takeaways

• Breathing through the nose, breathing slowly, and breathing low into the diaphragm are key for optimal breath efficiency.
• There is a mismatch between our bodies' adaptation to natural environments and the modern world we live in.
• Anthony's high altitude breathwork training program is a pre-acclimatization addition to mountain athletes' training, helping them improve their breath efficiency and respiratory muscle strength.
• Proper breathing mechanics, acclimatization time, and training are all important for mountain athletes to perform better at high altitudes. High altitude simulation breathwork training can improve performance at high altitudes by training carbon dioxide tolerance and increasing hemoglobin concentration.
• Feeling breathless at high altitudes is often due to increased carbon dioxide levels, not lack of oxygen.
• The five-week training program includes exercises for proper breathing mechanics, high altitude simulation breathwork protocols, and respiratory muscle training.
• Maintenance recommendations include regular breath assessments and the practice of breathe light exercises.
• Breathing through the nose, breathing slow, and breathing low are key principles for optimal breathing.

Engagement Link

• The Story of the Human Body by Daniel E. Lieberman
• Oxygen Advantage
• Buckle Up with Simon and Brian: An Ultrarunning Conversation (Ep. #20 with Anthony Lorubbio from Recal)
• Learn How to Train for Altitude with Breathwork
• Instagram: Recal Travel
• Instagram: Anthony Lorubbio