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New
New
Year 10
AQA

Altitude training

I can explain the benefits and limitations of altitude training as a form of aerobic training.

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New
New
Year 10
AQA

Altitude training

I can explain the benefits and limitations of altitude training as a form of aerobic training.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. High altitude training involves exercising at over 2000m metres above sea level where there is less oxygen in the air.
  2. The benefits of altitude training include increased red blood cell production and improved oxygen carrying capacity.
  3. The limitations of high altitude training include temporary benefits, the risk of altitude sickness and the cost.

Keywords

  • High altitude training - training at over 2000m above sea level where is less oxygen.

  • Oxygen carrying capacity - the ability of the blood to transport oxygen and carbon dioxide, influenced by factors such as haemoglobin levels and red blood cell count.

  • Red blood cells - cells in the blood that contain haemoglobin and transport oxygen and carbon dioxide.

  • Altitude sickness - a condition caused by exposure to high altitudes where decreased oxygen levels can lead to symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and dizziness.

  • Cardiovascular endurance - the ability of the heart and lungs to supply oxygen to the working muscles.

Common misconception

Training at high altitude leads to permanent change in the body to support performance of an endurance athlete.

Adaptations to altitude are lost very quickly when returning to sea level. Therefore, an endurance athlete needs to plan carefully when to access altitude to be at optimal performance.


To help you plan your year 10 physical education lesson on: Altitude training, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Use this topic to practice the skill of 'evaluate' and 'discuss'.
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Teacher tip
equipment-required

Equipment

Images of high altitude environments and current trends of technology to mimic being exposed to high altitude.

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Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which pigment is found inside red blood cells?
Correct answer: haemoglobin
carbon dioxide
myoglobin
iron
Q2.
Which of the following athletic events is largely based on cardiovascular endurance?
high jump
400m sprint
sprint relay
Correct answer: marathon
Q3.
Which sport includes swimming, cycling and running.
duathlon
Correct answer: triathlon
sprinting
trial running
Q4.
Cardiovascular endurance is the ability of the heart and lungs to supply to the working muscles.
Correct Answer: oxygen, O2
Q5.
Which of the following are regarded as endurance sports?
Correct answer: long distance swimming
Correct answer: rowing
netball
handball
skiing
Q6.
acid is a by product of anaerobic respiration.
Correct Answer: lactic, lactate

6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following is a description of high altitude training?
Correct answer: reduced oxygen in the air
increased oxygen in the air
over 1000m above sea level
increased density of oxygen
associated with flat ground
Q2.
Which of the following are benefits of high altitude training?
slower gaseous exchange
Correct answer: increased cardiovascular endurance
Correct answer: higher tolerance to lactic acid
reduced red blood cells
increased carbon dioxide
Q3.
Which are limitations of high altitude training?
Correct answer: temporary benefits
Correct answer: accessibility
cheap
Correct answer: detraining of other fitness components
less time required
Q4.
Which activities will benefit from high altitude training?
Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
Q5.
During high altitude training, the body adapts and compensates by making red blood cells.
Correct Answer: more, lots, increased
Q6.
Headaches and dizziness occur at high altitudes and are symptoms of altitude...
Correct Answer: sickness, sick