HOW TO:
CONVERT A ROOM
TO ALTITUDE
I
n a recent interview,
Craig Mac caught
up with mechanical
engineer and specialist
Chris Chatto from Xtreme
International (Altitude by
Design), to discuss what’s
involved in converting
an existing and perhaps
underutilised room in your
gym or studio, into a fullly
functioning simulated
altitude training (SAT) room.
Craig Mac: XTREME have been at
the forefront of simulated altitude
technology for over 10 years now.
Why do you think altitude training
has become a popular add-on or
supplementary service offered by
gyms and studios?
Chris Chatto: The fitness and
wellbeing marketplace has
never been more competitive.
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Businesses are looking for a point
of differentiation to attract and
retain valued clients. Simulated
altitude technology, with purposely
designed training programs and
education, offers a viable solution
for time-poor clients (you burn
approximately 25% more calories
at altitude than at sea-level) and
enables businesses to introduce
another chargeable service to
maximise the return on investment.
CM: Rather than an extension on the
premises or building a completely
new room, I now know that I have an
option to convert an existing room
into an altitude training facility. Are
there some basic rules or guidelines
for a gym owner to consider when
selecting an area for a conversion to
an altitude environment?
CC: Well, it’s easier than you think.
Whatever space you have selected
for the conversion, you need to get
it ‘altitude ready’. Here are some
basic tips:
1. Door Entrance: The door needs
to close flush to the frame with
door seals added, to create a
better contacting surface. The
door gap to the floor should
have a knife edge seal to
prevent altitude air leakage.
2. Air Conditioning: The AC system
requires an independent air
conditioner unit to the central
system.
3. Roof Type: Its preferable you
have solid plasterboard to
create the best seal. If tiled, we
suggest a change to solid tiles
which secure to the frame.
4. Lights: Ensure lights are sealed at
the back to prevent altitude air
leakage.
CM: A simulated altitude training
room is powered and regulated by
a compressor which pushes ‘altitude
air’ into the room. Are there any
guidelines for caluclating what you
require?
CC: A ‘flow rate’ is required for every
person you have in your altitude
room. The basic rule is to have
100lpm (lires per minute) of altitude
air flow per person.
WHAT’S NEW IN FITNESS - SUMMER 2018