Intensity training big help in own right

ALTITUDE training has been around for many years now.

A number of AFL clubs have sent their team over to altitude to train as part of their pre-season preparation.

The thought process at the time was that at higher altitude athletes’ bodies are forced to adapt by creating more red blood cells and haemoglobin. As AFL players can cover distances up to 20km during a game, this made sense.

The big success story to emerge from altitude training was Collingwood, who won the 2010 AFL flag after spending time training in Arizona during their pre-season.

Recent research or methods seem to be aimed at increasing the athletes’ ability to cope with lactic acid.

Basically lactic acid is produced during high intensity exercise when oxygen levels are low.

If you have ever tried to run for as fast as you can for as long as possible, the burning in your lungs, the light-headedness and the rubbery legs can be the effects of lactic acid being produced.

So altitude training using the High Intensity Intermittent Training protocols will aim to increase sprint capacity by reducing recovery time between said intermittent sprints, promote weight loss, improve cardiovascular capacity, build lean muscle faster and burn fat quicker.

While that does sound great, HIIT by itself will help you with those outcomes.

If you can get yourself to the park, the beach or an organised training session with your mates or team, you too can get the added health benefits.

If you don’t believe me, just give it a try.

Scott Callaghan is the strength and conditioning coach for the Northern Pride.

RECENT RESEARCH OR METHODS SEEM TO BE AIMED AT INCREASING THE ATHLETES’ ABILITY TO COPE WITH LACTIC ACID