The Ups and Downs of Altitude and Hypoxic Training : A Practical Guide for Athletes and Coaches

This book provides an in-depth examination of altitude and hypoxic training, uniquely combining scientific insights with practical coaching perspectives. The chapters cover a wide range of topics, including the physiological mechanisms of oxygen dynamics, the body's adaptations to low-oxygen environments, and the practicalities of both natural and artificial altitude training. Readers will explore the "live-high, train-low" model, the benefits of hypoxic training for strength, and the importance of individualized training protocols. The book also addresses the challenges of monitoring athletes' responses and the specific considerations for female athletes undertaking altitude training. With contributions from elite athletes and coaches, this book provides practical recommendations and real-world insights into the application of altitude and hypoxic training. The authors' combined expertise ensures a balanced approach, making complex scientific concepts accessible and actionable for practitioners.

Drawing on decades of research and practice at Lincoln University in New Zealand, the book offers a comprehensive guide to these advanced training methods. It is an essential resource for athletes, coaches, and students of sport and exercise science. The book offers valuable guidance for those seeking to enhance performance through innovative training approaches and provides a solid scientific foundation for understanding the physiological changes induced by altitude and hypoxic training.

Professor Michael J. Hamlin (Mike) is Professor of Exercise and Sport Science, Department of Tourism, Sport and Society, Lincoln University, Christchurch, New Zealand as well as Director of the Lincoln University Sport and Exercise Science Laboratory. He has over 30 years’ experience in teaching and research working with professional groups and individuals. Professor Hamlin is the author of 2 books, along with over 150 published research articles and book chapters. He has also presented over 140 conference papers and given many invited lectures. A member of numerous professional societies including fellowships with the American College of Sports Medicine, the European College of Sports Science, and Sport and Exercise Science New Zealand, Professor Hamlin received his BPhEd degree (1990) in exercise prescription from Otago University, Dunedin, his MHMS degree (1995) in exercise physiology from the University of Queensland, Brisbane, and his PhD (1999) from Otago University Dunedin. Professor Hamlin is a section editor for the Journal of Sport and Exercise Science New Zealand, and Archives of Allied Health. His research areas include the general fields of exercise physiology and sport science, but more specifically the health effects of physical activity, health and performance benefits of altitude and hypoxic training, and the training and performance of rugby players. He has worked with many different team and individual athletes including professional netball and basketball players, professional cyclists, and members of the New Zealand and other international Olympic teams.

Dr. John (Johan) Hellemans is a distinguished, recently retired sports medicine practitioner, elite triathlon coach, author, and speaker, with a career spanning over four decades in medicine, coaching, and high-performance sport. Born in Groningen, The Netherlands, in 1953, he immigrated to New Zealand in 1978, where he became a permanent resident and significantly influenced the country's endurance sports landscape. After earning his medical degree from the University of Groningen, Dr. Hellemans pursued further qualifications in sports medicine and general practice in New Zealand. He played a pivotal role in establishing key sports medicine institutions, including SportsMed Canterbury and Active Health QEII. His expertise was instrumental in founding the New Zealand Triathlon Academy in 1995, emphasising altitude training and athlete development. As a coach, Dr. Hellemans has mentored numerous elite athletes, such as Erin Baker, Andrea Hewitt, Kris Gemmell and most recently Dylan McCullough, guiding them to world championship titles and Olympic participation. He also served as the head coach for the Dutch National Triathlon Team from 2010 to 2013, leading athletes like Rachel Klamer and Maaike Caelers to international success. An accomplished athlete himself, Dr. Hellemans is a six-time New Zealand Open Triathlon Champion and an eight-time World Masters Triathlon Champion. He represented New Zealand at the 1990 Commonwealth Games and completed the Hawaii Ironman in 2013. His contributions to sports and medicine have been recognised with numerous accolades, including the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2020 and the Canterbury Legend Award in 2025. Currently retired from medical practice and coaching, Dr. Hellemans continues to contribute to the field as a freelance writer and adjunct research associate at Lincoln University. He shares his insights through publications like Endurance Essentials and has authored several books.