How Altitude Training Works

While "living high, training low" has conclusively been demonstrated to result in greater performance gains in comparison to "high-high" or "low-high" training regimens, a number of factors come into play in terms of individual response to altitude training. In order to achieve the best result from your altitude training you must determine the optimal dose of altitude exposure for your specific needs. The components of altitude "dose" include:

• The length of daily exposure

• The requisite number of consecutive days of exposure to achieve a maximal effect

• "Stair stepped" altitude acclimatization

• Maximum altitude


CAT's systems simulate high altitude environments regardless of the elevation at which they are used. This simulation is accomplished using a high-flow hypoxic air delivery unit and a semi-sealed enclosure. The air unit draws in ambient room air and separates the oxygen molecules from the nitrogen molecules, creating the hypoxic or oxygen reduced air. This separation is done in a special filter called a molecular sieve bed.

Molecular sieve beds are chambers filled with a naturally occurring tetrahedral substance called zeolite. When air is passed through a sieve bed under pressure, the oxygen molecules are trapped in the zeolite, while the nitrogen molecules are allowed to pass through. This trapped oxygen is exhausted while the hypoxic air is pumped into the semi-sealed enclosure to create the environment where there is less relative and absolute oxygen. Simulated altitudes of 14,500 feet can be achieved, and can be controlled to within 100 feet accuracy using CAT's proprietary digital control system.

The second major component of the CAT system is the hypoxic enclosure itself. The enclosure receives the hypoxic air from the air unit and contains it within a semi-sealed space. Hypoxic air is continuously pumped into the enclosure at rates as high as 150 liters/minute to maintain the hypoxic environment. Because of the high flow through rates, carbon dioxide, heat, and humidity diffuse from the tent creating a comfortable environment within the enclosure. These features allow CAT to offer the largest enclosures in the industry allowing the greatest convenience and comfort.


CAT-150™ Portable Tent

With this new tent system, you can sleep comfortably in a portable, yet remarkably spacious tent. The 60" X 80" tent can either be set up on the floor, or alternatively right on top of the Queen bed. In both cases with the mattress inside. The highest air exchange rate in the industry ensures a fresh interior. Add the new CAT exercise mask kit and enjoy additional gains from altitude workouts on your indoor trainer.

CAT's new CAT-150, replaces our earlier portable tent system with a more powerful altitude-air generator that is now compatible with our exercise mask kit. The CAT-150 offers a more spacious tent, yet remarkably costs LESS than the earlier systems.

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