Altitude training benefits go far beyond making workouts feel harder. At Combine Air, we train at simulated altitudes of 3,500 metres above sea level, where oxygen levels are reduced to approximately 14%. This hypoxic environment forces the body to adapt faster, work more efficiently, and deliver greater results compared to training at sea level.

Whether your goal is peak performance, fat loss, or overall fitness, the CA Effect amplifies the return on every session. Here’s why our Training Arenas are scientifically a step above.

A Metabolic Advantage

One of the most powerful altitude training benefits is its impact on metabolism. Training in reduced oxygen conditions increases the body’s demand for energy, meaning more calories are burned for the same amount of work.

Research by Camacho-Cardenosa et al. (2018) shows that high-intensity interval training performed in hypoxia leads to significantly greater fat loss compared to identical training at sea level. With less oxygen available, the body relies more heavily on stored fat as a fuel source, increasing fat oxidation and accelerating weight loss.

In simple terms, your body works harder to produce energy, and that effort comes at a higher metabolic cost.

Burn More Calories Every Session

Simulated altitude training increases physiological strain, which means each session burns more calories than traditional training. The body must adapt to lower oxygen availability by improving cardiovascular efficiency and muscular endurance.

Studies by Czuba et al. (2011) found that intermittent hypoxic training significantly improves aerobic capacity and endurance performance. That increased demand translates into higher calorie expenditure during workouts, helping you reach fitness and body composition goals faster.

Every session works harder for you.

The Afterburn Effect: Keep Burning Calories Post-Workout

Another key altitude training benefit is enhanced Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption, or EPOC. After training at altitude, the body continues to burn calories at an elevated rate as it works to restore oxygen balance and recover from the increased stress.

Kelly and Bassett (2017) demonstrated that hypoxic conditions amplify post-exercise fat oxidation. This means your body continues breaking down fat long after the session ends, increasing the total calorie burn without additional training time.

It’s not just what happens during the workout. It’s what happens after that counts.

Training Your Body to Use Fat as Fuel

Over time, simulated altitude training improves the body’s ability to utilise fat as a primary energy source. Sustained exposure to hypoxic environments encourages long-term metabolic adaptations that support fat loss and endurance.

Mayo et al. (2018) found that resistance training under hypoxic conditions significantly improved fat loss and physical performance in elite athletes. Wiesner et al. (2010) also showed improvements in metabolic health markers and fat loss in overweight individuals training in hypoxia.

These adaptations don’t just support weight loss. They improve efficiency, energy levels, and overall fitness capacity.

Performance Gains That Translate to Sea Level

Altitude training benefits aren’t limited to calorie burn and fat loss. Research consistently shows improvements in both aerobic and anaerobic performance when athletes return to sea level after training at altitude.

Czuba et al. (2017) demonstrated improvements in endurance, strength, and speed following hypoxic training protocols. Manimmanakorn et al. (2013) also found enhanced muscle function and resilience, allowing athletes to perform more effectively under stress.

Nishimura et al. (2010) further highlighted that resistance training in hypoxia increases muscle hypertrophy, meaning greater muscle growth compared to standard sea-level training.

The result is a rare combination of fat loss, muscle gain, and performance enhancement.

Escape the Ordinary with Altitude Training

At Combine Air, our simulated altitude environment isn’t a gimmick. It’s a proven performance tool. Every session burns more calories, drives greater fat loss, and builds stronger, leaner, more resilient bodies.

Whether you’re an athlete chasing performance gains or someone looking to accelerate fitness results, altitude training delivers outcomes that traditional training environments can’t match.

Train smarter. Recover stronger. Elevate your results with the CA Effect.

Scott Reynolds
Head of Fitness
Combine Air