Unlocking Peak Performance at Altitude

There’s no sugarcoating it—competing or training at high altitude is a whole different beast. Whether you're an Olympic-level athlete or a biohacker chasing peak performance, the truth is this: your body isn’t getting as much oxygen up there, and that can seriously tank your performance. Luckily, there’s a powerful, science-backed tool to counteract this—supplemental oxygen.

Let’s dig into why this matters, what the research says, and how athletes are using oxygen to train smarter and compete harder.

The Oxygen Deficit: What Happens to Your Body at Altitude

Above 8,000 feet, oxygen levels drop significantly. This isn’t just a fun fact—it’s a physiological threat. Less oxygen means less cellular energy production, compromised muscle endurance, and increased oxidative stress. You start feeling the burn faster. Your VO2 max takes a hit. You gas out earlier.

This isn't just theory. At high elevations, even world-class athletes see noticeable declines in performance if they aren't acclimatized or supported with oxygen.

Why Supplemental Oxygen Works

Let’s cut through the hype: supplemental oxygen isn’t just for people with respiratory conditions—it’s performance-enhancing when used properly. Studies published in peer-reviewed journals confirm that supplemental oxygen improves aerobic capacity, reduces perceived exertion, and accelerates recovery during and after training at high altitudes.

When used strategically—before, during, or after exertion—oxygen provides the mitochondria with the raw material they need to keep pumping out ATP. Translation? You can go harder, longer.

Real-World Proof: Elite Performers Using Oxygen

Need proof beyond the lab? Here are a few standout examples:

- Mount Everest Expeditions: Climbers regularly use supplemental oxygen to accelerate ascent and reduce risk. British politician Alistair Carns is planning to summit Everest in just four days with the help of xenon gas to protect against hypoxia-induced damage.

- Olympic-Level Breathing Work: Back in 1968, the U.S. Olympic team worked with Carl Stough—a pioneer in respiratory training—to adapt to Mexico City’s elevation. His techniques are still influencing high-performance training today.

How to Use Oxygen Like a Pro

Supplemental oxygen can be layered into your protocol in a few game-changing ways:

- Hyperoxic Training: Breathe oxygen-rich air while training to push harder and recover faster.- Intermittent Hypoxic Exposure (IHE): Alternate between hypoxic and hyperoxic states to trigger adaptation and resilience.- Live High, Train Low: A time-tested method where you live at altitude (or simulate it), but do your high-intensity training sessions with oxygen to maintain intensity.

These methods aren’t theoretical—they’re backed by real data and used by athletes, military personnel, and longevity enthusiasts around the world.

Final Thoughts

If you’re serious about performance, especially in high-elevation environments, supplemental oxygen isn’t a gimmick—it’s a high-leverage tool. Whether you're racing, climbing, or even recovering faster between workouts, controlled oxygen use can shift the entire game.

Smart athletes are already doing it. The science backs it. Your mitochondria will thank you.