Late into 2019 we completed our latest Altitude Training Camp and saw some great results. But what did the clients have to say? We caught up with a few of them to find out how they found their experience over the last 6-weeks! How did you find the quality of the training sessions? 1. Some of the treadmill sessions have been absolutely brutal. Some of it’s really difficult and I remember getting off the treadmill sometimes having zero left. It’s massively aided my training. 2. I have always enjoyed challenging myself physically and mentally and the altitude centre has allowed me to go to places I have never been before - and made me realise my potential away from rugby. 3. I enjoy training here very much. I find the fact that I can check my data live on the screen very motivating as well, almost as much as when the trainers encourage us! The staff are fantastic, the facilities were great. It is a very relaxed place to exercise, and push yourself. What was the part you enjoyed the most about training at The Altitude Centre? 1. I have the possibility to train more efficiently, and save time on my schedule, so I can improve my fitness without having to necessarily train longer, which reduces my risk of injury. 2. The team are lovely and provide the necessary motivation for the mid winter early morning sessions which can be pretty tough! 3. I get a lot of highs being at altitude. I feel so good when I leave. I think mentally I am stronger, as I have more confidence in what I can achieve. That is not just in my running, but also in my day to day life. Most of the barriers we put up are in the mind, and this 6 weeks have shown that it is possible to remove the limits. Have you noticed the increase in performance when training or racing away from The Altitude Centre? 1. Yes 100%. I am finding my running on the road easier now for sure. 2. I have really found the HIIT sessions to be excellent. My other sessions feel somewhat easier running at the same speeds as usual. 3. My recovery has improved dramatically, and while playing rugby I have been able to smash 80 minutes more efficiently, improving my overall game. I can clearly see a conditioning improvement from training here. After the training camp, the level of perceived effort for the same run got far lower – it definitely feels easier. I'm keeping this place a secret!!

It's that time of year again. It's time to build on those winter miles (or lack of if you had some time off) and get yourself in wheely good shape ready for the new season. Whether you are tackling crit races, your first big sportive, or you just want to ensure you are keeping pace on those long rides, we have something you won't want to miss out on. What does the camp involve? Pre & Post Camp Performance Testing It's important to measure your baseline performance levels when you go into any training block, to ensure the hard miles you are putting into the saddle are rewarding you with positive improvements on the road. We will put you through your paces in our comprehensive Power Profile at the start of the camp, and follow up your training with a repeat test to see just how far you have come. As part of the results, we will calculate your heart rate, and power zones ready for you to start your training - making sure you are ready to train SMARTER not just harder, and keeping you on track to meet your 2020 goals. Unlimited access to The Altitude Centre For the duration of the camp (two months), you will have unlimited access to The Altitude Centre classes, Solo sessions, and our IHE sessions to maximise your performance benefits. We recommend getting 2-3 sessions in each week to reap the real benefits, but if you can fit a few more - you are only going to get quicker. What can I expect to achieve as part of the camp? Cyclists love numbers, and so do we. Over a period of 6-weeks, we have seen improvements of ~10% in FTP in trained, and untrained cyclists. Check out the previous case study summary here which highlights key results seen across a range of cyclists over a 6-week period.

Bike Radar Videographer Joe Norledge report on the Altitude Centre from The Altitude Centre on Vimeo.

What are the details? The 2020 early season cycling camp will kick off during the week commencing 27th January, beginning with pre-testing completed with a member of The Altitude Centre Team, and scheduled in for a time that suits you. If you aren't sure it is for you, you can sign up for our induction which includes a trial session for just £10! When you are ready to take on the camp, we will get your account set up, get you booked in for the pre-testing, and the results sent over once it is done, ready for you to attack the two months that follow. When: 27th - 30th Jan through until 27th - 31st March How much: £350 (split into two monthly instalments of £175) - RRP: £608 How do I sign up? Signing up is as easy as 1-2-3. 1. Click the link here. 2. Select your start date as January 27th 2020 3. Follow the steps on screen! FAQs 1. I am away for a week during the middle of the training period. Does that make a difference? A: No! We actually encourage clients to take an 'easy' week or a reduced training week to maximise recovery from the training. It's easy enough for us to help you tie that in around your travel schedule, no problems there. 2. How often do I need to train each week to really see the benefits? A: There are benefits to be had from incorporating just one visit a week to The Altitude Centre, but as with many types of training, the more time you can dedicate, the better benefits you will be able to see. Just be sure to talk to the team about managing your training, as rest & recovery days are often overlooked, but vitally important! 3. Do I need to be a cyclist to take part in the camp? A: You don't need to be a cyclist to take part, anyone can join. The testing is based around cycling performance, but if you have a different goal in mind, speak to your trainer as we may be able to throw in some extra tests for you! There are great benefits to be had from training at altitude, that aren't just limited to performance improvements. 4. Isn't altitude training just for elite athletes? A: Altitude training is for elite athletes - they pretty much all do it - but it's not just for elite athletes. Altitude training can provide the marginal gains that elite athletes are looking for in their training, but for those not at the elite level, the room for improvement is far greater, and the gains far from marginal! Check out the case study results from last year here.

If we are talking about bucket list goals, Kilimanjaro is usually up there for many, and we help many of you tick it off each year. Well why not help a few more? Climb Kilimanjaro with The Altitude Centre! This year we are heading out to Tanzania with our friends at City Mountaineering to take on the famous mountain again, and you can join us! Kilimanjaro stands at a whopping 5895m above sea level, and is the tallest free-standing volcano on the planet. It’s also the the highest point on the continent of Africa, making it one of the Seven Summits of the world. So it’s easy to see why you would want to scale it, right?

The Altitude Centre - Comic Relief Kilimanjaro 2019 from The Altitude Centre on Vimeo.

What does it involve? Kilimanjaro is a 7-day trek, taking you through rainforests and many different eco-systems, challenging you physically and mentally each day. One of the best things about Kilimanjaro, is the fact that you don’t need any technical climbing experience, as the climb only involves trekking on defined trails – but don’t let that lull you in. You will be pushed to your limits, and rewarded with the most spectacular sunrise you will likely ever see, as well as the overwhelming sense of achievement you get from standing on top of one of the world’s tallest mountains. Seen enough? Click here sign up now by paying your deposit! What is included? Well first and foremost – you are getting three months of unlimited altitude training here at The Altitude Centre. We want to make sure that everyone that signs up, has the opportunity to prepare right for the mountain. So the journey doesn’t start when you reach the airport, it starts 3-months prior. As part of the trip, we also include: – Local guides and a highly experience and qualified mountain leader – 1-night in Moshi town – before and after the hike (including breakfasts and dinners) – Park fees – Porters and chefs – Ground transportation in Africa – 7-days/6-nights on Kilimanjaro – 10% off any UK-based City Mountaineering trip prior to departure Not included in the trip: – Flights (currently £450 rtn from London) – Visa – Personal hiking equipment – Tips for the local crew – Personal travel insurance So when are we going? The trip this year, as with every year, will take place over the August Bank Holiday weekend, minimising the days required as annual leave! We’ll be flying out on Thursday 27th August, before landing back in the UK on Sunday 6th September. We don’t include flights in the trip, as many of our clients like the flexibility of heading out a couple of days earlier, or staying a few days later, allowing them to head on Safari, or for a trip to the relaxing beaches of Zanzibar. Whatever you decide, we can help you with logistics. Dates: 27th August 2020 – 6th September 2020 Price: £2450 (includes 3-months unlimited altitude training) I’m ready to join, where do I sign up? If you have any questions at all, we’re more than happy to help. Just get in touch on city@altitudecentre.com. If you’re ready to take on the adventure of a lifetime, you can sign up simply by paying your deposit! What are you waiting for… let’s kickstart your adventure of a lifetime! Click HERE to sign up now!