#182: The Science of Altitude Training & Elite Insights from Mike Peyrebrune

Mike Peyrebrune, coach and sports scientist at Loughborough University, joins us to share expert insight into altitude training and warm weather camps. Drawing on his experience working with Olympic swimmers, Mike explains how elite athletes use these environments to fine-tune performance - and what that really looks like in practice.

We explore the science behind altitude training, from the physiological adaptations to the realities of living and training in a low-oxygen environment. What benefits are swimmers actually chasing? How are altitude camps structured across a season? And where do the marginal gains really come from?

Crucially, we bring the conversation back to club and masters swimmers. Is altitude training realistic, or even worthwhile outside the elite system? We discuss the trade-offs, the limitations, and the alternatives, including heat training and warm weather camps.