Denver, Colorado, known as the “Mile High City” due to its elevation of 5,280 feet above sea level, has long been a hub for high-level athletes, particularly in combat sports like Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). The advantages of training at altitude have been embraced by many top fighters, contributing to the city’s growing reputation as an ideal destination for those seeking an edge in their athletic performance.
But why exactly does training in Denver, at such a high altitude, provide such a unique and beneficial experience for MMA athletes?
1. Improved Cardiovascular Endurance
One of the most significant advantages of training at high altitude is the impact it has on cardiovascular endurance. At higher altitudes, the air contains less oxygen, meaning your body must work harder to transport oxygen to your muscles. This forces the body to adapt by producing more red blood cells and increasing oxygen efficiency.
For MMA athletes, whose sports demand high levels of cardiovascular fitness, this is crucial. Fighters must maintain their stamina for long periods, especially during intense rounds of grappling and striking. Training in a low-oxygen environment forces the body to adjust, leading to greater endurance and stamina when competing at sea level, where oxygen is more abundant.
2. Faster Recovery and Adaptation
The increased stress placed on the body in high-altitude environments also helps athletes recover faster once they return to lower altitudes. When training in Denver, fighters experience higher levels of fatigue due to the lack of oxygen, but the body eventually adapts by increasing its ability to efficiently utilize the oxygen it has. Once these adaptations occur, and athletes descend to lower altitudes, they can recover more quickly from intense physical activity.
This accelerated recovery is vital for MMA fighters who often face grueling training camps and frequent competitions. Training at high altitude can speed up the body’s recovery processes, helping athletes stay in peak condition over longer periods.
3. Mental Toughness and Resilience
Training at high altitude is not just physically demanding, but it also builds mental toughness. Athletes must learn to push through fatigue and discomfort caused by low oxygen levels. The challenging environment requires fighters to stay focused and disciplined, attributes that directly translate to success in the octagon.
Mental resilience is a crucial component of MMA, where the pressure of competition can be overwhelming. Fighters who have trained under tough conditions, like those in Denver, often have the edge when it comes to handling the stresses of big fights. The psychological benefits of enduring high-altitude training build the type of grit and toughness that can make the difference between winning and losing in a close fight.
4. Enhanced Lung Capacity and Efficiency
Denver’s high altitude forces athletes to breathe more deeply and efficiently. Over time, this leads to an increase in lung capacity and overall respiratory efficiency. For MMA fighters, who rely on explosive bursts of energy and need to manage their breathing during intense exchanges, this can be a game-changer.
Fighters who have developed more efficient breathing patterns during training in Denver will be able to regulate their oxygen intake more effectively in competition, reducing the risk of gassing out during a fight. This improvement in lung capacity is particularly beneficial during long, grueling bouts that test the limits of an athlete’s endurance.
5. Exposure to Elite MMA Gyms and Trainers
Denver has attracted some of the best MMA gyms and trainers in the world, thanks in part to the altitude and the city’s growing reputation as an athletic training center. Fighters like Curtis Blaydes and Cory Sandhagen, known for their elite-level cardio and endurance, have honed their skills in Denver.
Gyms like Elevation Fight Team, based in the Denver area, offer fighters access to top-notch coaching, sparring partners, and the high-altitude training environment that maximizes their physical potential. The combination of advanced training methods, a supportive fight community, and the natural advantage of altitude makes Denver an ideal location for MMA athletes.
Training at high altitude in Denver provides a myriad of benefits for MMA athletes, from improved cardiovascular endurance and faster recovery times to enhanced mental toughness and respiratory efficiency. The city’s thriving MMA scene, combined with the natural advantages of altitude, creates an environment that pushes fighters to their limits and prepares them for the physical and mental challenges of competition.
For fighters looking to gain a competitive edge, Denver offers the perfect blend of altitude, elite training resources, and a fighting culture that has produced some of the sport’s top talent. By choosing to train at high altitude, athletes can give themselves the tools they need to succeed at the highest levels of MMA competition.
