What is an altitude chamber?

An altitude chamber is an enclosed space where part of the oxygen is filtered out. The amount of oxygen can be adjusted. The higher you are in the mountains, the less oxygen you absorb per breath. This means you can train at a specific altitude in an altitude chamber. The chamber is set to an efficient altitude for you.

Is an altitude chamber only for elite athletes?

Training in an altitude chamber provides significant improvement at every level, provided the chamber is used correctly. Expert guidance is essential. Training in the Woest altitude chamber is therefore suitable for every athlete, for example, to give yourself a boost in your training, regardless of the season. Or to prepare for a specific competition, or if you want to quickly return to your old level in a responsible way after an injury.

Which sports can be trained in the chamber?

You can benefit from training in an altitude chamber for almost all physical sports. However, not all sports can be specifically trained in a chamber. Javelin throwing and bowling, for example, are difficult. But even for those sports, you can benefit from training in an altitude chamber. The most common are running and cycling, but we also see significant progress in research for team and field sports after a few visits to an altitude chamber. We are happy to tell you more about it.

Can I also train in the chamber according to my own schedule?

We will discuss the content of the training sessions with you (and your coach if you have one). The training sessions will always be adapted to how you respond to training in the altitude chamber. To get the most out of the chamber, it is important to provide the right training stimuli. This requires specific knowledge about training in an altitude chamber. We have that knowledge and are happy to share it with you, as this valuable training methodology can also help you progress. We train based on certainties: scientifically proven methods with which we already have a lot of experience.

What equipment is available in the chamber?

The chamber contains 2 high-quality treadmills, 2 Wahoo Kickr Bikes, and a Tacx NEO bike. These bikes can be adjusted for each person to achieve a perfect riding position, just as you are used to on your own road bike. You can also use your own bike and ergometer (e.g., Tacx or Wahoo) if you prefer.
In addition, there are accessories to make training in the chamber more pleasant, such as Wahoo Kickr Desks and Wahoo Kickr Headwinds fans near the bikes. You can also listen to music or watch TV, but experience shows that this is usually not necessary, as the training sessions are certainly not boring. And of course, there is also Wi-Fi in the chamber, so you can immediately upload your training data to Strava.

What training packages are offered?

If you come to train with us in the Woest altitude chamber, you almost always start with a 5-day training program. This means you train in the chamber for 5 consecutive days (or possibly with 2 rest days in between). A running training session is approximately 1 hour per day, and a cycling training session is 1.15 hours. During these 5 days, we observe you closely and guide you through all aspects of altitude training. This is also a basic course in altitude training for you. After a 5-day course, you can repeat it a few months later, or you can, for example, choose a period where you train at altitude once a week. Everything is tailored to your (training) schedule.
It is also possible to experience an altitude chamber in a single session, for example. If you have other wishes for the use of the altitude chamber, we can certainly discuss them.

What are the costs?

The costs depend on the number of people in the chamber. The chamber is large enough for 3 athletes to cycle at a safe distance from each other. For 3 people, the cost is €299 per person for a 5-day training block. This includes intensive guidance from our experts and the use of equipment (ergometers, treadmills, etc.). For 2 people, this is €399 per person, and if you come alone, it costs €499. Since we currently have 2 treadmills, we can guide a maximum of 2 runners at a time in the chamber.

Does it get hot in the altitude chamber?

The chamber is cooled by air conditioning and fans to ensure an optimal sporting climate. However, when you are exercising, you can still get quite warm. Therefore, always bring a towel for sweat and a water bottle with drinks.