One of the groups showing an interest in altitude training is people who are planning mountain expeditions, for instance to Mount Kilimanjaro or Everest
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Exercising for 15 minutes in a hypoxic environment is equivalent to a normal 45 minute workout
“We like to include features in our clubs which people don’t necessarily find elsewhere, but which have real practical use, and are founded in robust sports science or consumer insight” Colin Waggett, Third Space
TURNKEY SOLUTION Third Space is not the only health and fitness operator to be offering altitude training. Virgin Active has two chambers at its Walbrook Collection Club in Cannon Street, which were installed by hypoxic specialists, The Altitude Centre. The company runs a facility in central London, as well as offering an installation and set-up service, an accredited course
for coaches and the rental of portable oxygen chambers to the home market. According to Sam Rees, manager at The Altitude Centre, interest and participation is growing year on year, as more people want to train like sport and fitness professionals. The facility was opened in 2012, by Richard Pullan, who experienced altitude training in New Zealand. Initially aimed at
elite athletes, the centre has worked with many big name clients, including Alistair Brownlee, England Football, UK Athletics and England Rugby, however, now it’s broadening its reach. According to Rees, there are now three clear markets beyond elite athletes. “Ambitious amateur athletes, such as runners, cyclists and triathletes, who want to improve their times and are happy to invest in this. Then, people who are planning mountain expeditions to the likes of Mount Kilimanjaro or Everest base camp. And, thirdly, those with no particular sporting goal, but who want to stay fit and healthy and like the fact that you can get better results out of a 30-minute class.” A single session in the pod costs £29, but most people buy in blocks, or take out an unlimited use membership. Rees says, in general, the best way to gain the full benefit is to have two HIIT sessions
©Cybertrek 2019 healthclubmanagement.co.uk January 2019
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