Altitude training
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain the benefits and limitations of altitude training as a form of aerobic training.
Key learning points
- High altitude training involves exercising at over 2000m metres above sea level where there is less oxygen in the air.
- The benefits of altitude training include increased red blood cell production and improved oxygen carrying capacity.
- 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.
Teacher tip
Use this topic to practice the skill of 'evaluate' and 'discuss'.
Equipment
Images of high altitude environments and current trends of technology to mimic being exposed to high altitude.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which pigment is found inside red blood cells?
Q2.Which of the following athletic events is largely based on cardiovascular endurance?
Q3.Which sport includes swimming, cycling and running.
Q4.Cardiovascular endurance is the ability of the heart and lungs to supply to the working muscles.
Q5.Which of the following are regarded as endurance sports?
Q6. acid is a by product of anaerobic respiration.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is a description of high altitude training?
Q2.Which of the following are benefits of high altitude training?
Q3.Which are limitations of high altitude training?
Q4.Which activities will benefit from high altitude training?
Q5.During high altitude training, the body adapts and compensates by making red blood cells.
Q6.Headaches and dizziness occur at high altitudes and are symptoms of altitude...
To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Altitude training, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Altitude training, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom.
Explore more key stage 4 physical education lessons from the Physical training: methods of training unit, dive into the full secondary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.