Soon after the 1968 Mexico Olympics culminated, athletes and their training staff began training at high altitudes to acclimatize themselves for future competitions at altitude. But what they discovered revolutionized future training camps as it also improved athletic performance at sea level. Today, altitude training has become a staple in most athletes’ training programs, with many traveling to far and high places for months at a time to push the body to its limits and enjoy an enhanced athletic performance.
Unfortunately, not all athletes can dedicate their time to traveling the world for training. So, how can athletes achieve the same results without traveling long distances? Thankfully, with the help of altitude simulation technology, athletes can mimic the conditions in mountainous areas and reap the benefits of altitude training even at sea level. With advancements in technology, these simulated conditions can now be replicated through altitude room conversions.
All About Altitude Room Conversions
Instead of building a new room, an extension, or an entirely new facility, any existing space can be turned into an altitude chamber with the help of altitude simulation technology. Through this technology, you can convert a bedroom to a gym space capable of holding altitude seamlessly.
Altitude room conversions begin with an evaluation of the existing room’s suitability for conversion. This will assess the room’s condition and determine whether it is able to meet certain requirements for holding hypoxic conditions or if modifications are needed. If the space has to be modified, it may require additional sealing or the installation of a prefabricated panel. Once its suitability has been established, the equipment can now be installed, ready to convert the space into an altitude training gym.
Types of Altitude Room Conversions
There are various types of altitude room conversions that can be achieved through altitude simulation technology. As mentioned above, nearly any space can be converted into an altitude training room, including;
- Hotel Room/Bedroom (convert bedroom to gym)
- Offices
- Home Gyms
- Physical Rehabilitation Centers
- Sports Training Facilities
- Fitness Gyms
- Pilates/Yoga Studios
- Military Training Facilities/Dormitories/Barracks
- Spin Centers
- Endurance Training Facilities
How Much Does An Altitude Chamber Cost?
To answer the question, “how much does an altitude chamber cost?”: the price for each room conversion differs depending on several factors. However, the Altitude Control Technology team can provide an estimate of the cost of the entire project by giving some of the following information:
- Size and type of room to be converted
- Number of estimated users (passive and active)
- Number of doorways and windows (including type)
- Type of ceiling and flooring in the room
- Desired altitude range
- Expected date of completion
How to Get a Room Altitude-Ready
While all rooms can be converted into altitude training rooms, they still have to meet specific requirements to be considered “altitude-ready” and ensure optimal performance.
- HVAC System. The air conditioning for the room must be independent of the central system or a closed-loop split system. Its capacity must be based on the volume of the space and the number of expected users within a given time to effectively maintain its temperature at a specific temperature. The room’s heating system can be radiant or electric but must not be vented.
- Lighting. A variety of lighting options can be used, but proper care must be taken to properly seal them to avoid gaps and possible leakage.
- Doors. All doors must be adequately sealed around the door frame to prevent altitude air leakage.
- Floor. The best flooring material is concrete, although options for flooring can be diverse.
- Ceiling. Drop ceiling should not be used as it allows considerable leakage. Solid plasterboard is the most recommended ceiling type. Solid tiles can also be used as they adhere to the frame, eliminating any possible gaps and leaks in the ceiling.
- Electrical Outlets. All electrical outlets are still possible sources of leakage, however small they might be. If possible, spaces to be converted should not have electrical outlets. Otherwise, electrical outlets on the wall or floor must be sealed appropriately.
Unmatched Solutions in Altitude Simulation Technology
True altitude simulation isn’t about just changing the oxygen levels inside a room to mimic high altitude conditions. Instead, the technology should employ controllers that constantly monitor all sensor inputs to control ventilation and oxygen levels for accurate altitude simulation while consistently delivering high air quality.
As the industry leader in altitude training solutions, Altitude Control Technology’s state-of-the-art smart systems incorporate advanced technology with superior engineering to deliver simulation equipment that matches your requirements. Employ our altitude training solutions in any space today. Send us a message to learn more about our services and get a free quote!