How to Train for Aconcagua
Mount Aconcagua, the tallest peak in South America,
Breathe easy; there’s now a better way to train for altitude.
We pulled from the scientifically-proven, research-backed breathwork training protocols and put them together in a 5-week training program, tested by athletes and guides, so that you can improve your endurance at altitude.
And the best part? You can train at any elevation, without major equipment.
Let’s walk through it as if you’re starting Week 1 of training.
HAS exercises make adaptations in your body like a higher CO2 tolerance (to feel less breathless) and increased red blood cell count (to increase your oxygen uptake capacity). View the research here.
RMT exercises strengthen the respiratory muscles (diaphragm, intercostals, and abdomen), which helps to keep your oxygen saturation levels higher at altitude. View the research here.
All you need to do now is choose how to integrate breathwork into your current fitness training.
Remember, this program is designed to be a complement (in addition) to your other training, and done during the pre-acclimatization block of training, i.e. the last 5 weeks before your endeavor in the mountains.
"I chose to participate in this training because I'm an endurance trail runner living at sea level, well versed in variable terrain and elevation gain, but unfamiliar with running at altitude. Since the training, I’ve seen improvements in my hill climb times and the ability to catch my breath after a steep, fast climb. While training, the biggest thing I gained is the ability to increase my pace while keeping my heart rate in my Zone 2. At Leadville 100, I felt great and performed very well. I believe there's much to gain from this training, whether as a climber, runner or biker."
“While guiding individuals who had recently trained with Recal, I was surprised at how well they were feeling – and moving quite fast for being at 5,000 meters – after not having been at any altitude months prior. The program seemed to improve their ability to keep hypoxic levels under control – which we monitored using a pulse oximeter – and an increase in oxygen uptake.
I saw, first-hand, these effects play out and was pleasantly surprised.”
“You can feel the difference – I did, emphatically. The course taught me to push through what I previously believed to be my breaking point, and on my first long trek through the high alpine, I noticed a significant improvement in my performance.
Bring on the mountains.”
— Tim Wenger, Matador, September 2024
Anthony Lorubbio is the founder of Recal. He is certified in the Oxygen Advantage, Wim Hof Method, and Peak Flow breathwork training modalities. Anthony coaches teams and individuals in applying these and other techniques to prepare for their personal mountain endeavors. He's also passionate about helping adventurous entrepreneurs like himself build mental resilience on—and off—the mountain.
This decrease in oxygen availability sets off a series of changes to your respiratory system. You may experience an increase in respiratory rate (breaths/min), increased heart rate, and decrease in oxygen uptake (VO2max).
The higher you go, you might face these challenges:
Hear from Coach Anthony as he explains the science behind your training program:
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Have you ever wondered how to train for altitude if you live at or near sea level?
With Recal’s background in breathwork-based coaching, we’ve designed a 5-week training program specifically to address this situation: one where you’re looking for a way to train for altitude….from anywhere.
Have you ever wondered how to train for altitude if you live at or near sea level?
With Recal’s background in breathwork-based coaching, we’ve designed a 5-week training program specifically to address this situation: one where you’re looking for a way to train for altitude….from anywhere.
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