Woodway USA’s Post

The Altitude of Success: UND Hockey’s Game-Changing Training Innovation Woodway recently sat down with Mark Poolman and John Fitzgerald at the University of North Dakota to discuss the Altitude Chamber that has been added to their weight room. Poolman is the head Athletic Trainer and Strength Coach of UND Hockey of 20+ years, and Fitzgerald is a tenured Sports Scientist and professor at UND. The University of North Dakota Hockey team integrated Woodway’s Altitude Chamber into their training regime, significantly altering their strength, conditioning, and recovery approach. The chamber simulates high-altitude air, pushing athletes to their physical limits, and improves anaerobic and aerobic conditioning. The team has seen improvements in repeated-sprint ability and strength gains. Two key benefits of the chamber were identified: intermittent hypoxic exposures and recovery within the chamber. Intermittent hypoxic exposures involve performing work outside the chamber and then recovering inside. This method drives hormonal changes, increasing red blood cell production and respiratory compensation. As for recovery, the chamber enhances compensatory vasodilation, increasing blood flow and aiding recovery. The team has seen a consistent increase in peak power throughout the season due to the chamber’s use. In addition to physical gains, the Altitude Chamber also offers a psychological advantage. Players feel more prepared when competing at high altitudes and are more engaged in understanding their training due to the chamber’s novelty. It has also generated interest among potential recruits, contributing to the buzz around UND Hockey. As UND Hockey continues to utilize the Altitude Chamber, it plans to focus on resistance training, aerobic conditioning, and recovery exposures. The chamber proved to be a game-changer, enhancing physical performance, boosting mental confidence, and sparking curiosity among players and potential recruits. As it continues to train at these new heights, the future looks promising for UND Hockey. To read the full article, head to our website: https://lnkd.in/eNPjqBMy