Auckland’s altitude simulation network expands

Press release from io
Tuesday 26 June 2007

Auckland’s altitude simulation network expands

An innovative New Zealand company opened the North Shore’s first public altitude simulation centre this week, offering health, sporting and lifestyle benefits.

In a move to make the benefits of altitude simulation, formerly the domain of elite athletes, more widely accessible, the io altitude simulation programme is now available at Power-Plate fitness training centre on Takapuna’s Hurstmere Road.

This is the sixth altitude simulation centre to be opened in New Zealand, and the second to open in Auckland. The first was opened in Mount Eden ten months ago, and now moves into new premises in Fitness Station on Edwin Street.

Edward Lodge, io chief operating officer, says the company has ambitious plans for expansion in New Zealand and overseas.

“Since we launched our drug-free, tailored breathing programme a year ago, interest and client demand has steadily grown.

“Our altitude simulation programme can help people with asthma, sleep disorders and pneumonia, as well as those training for adventure and multi-sport races. A growing number of travellers acclimatising before ski trips or trekking at altitude have also noticed great results,” says Lodge.

Fitness Station founder Phil Clemas says offering altitude simulation to his exclusive client base complements his other services well.

“Most of our clients join Fitness Station seeking a fresh and more personalised approach to exercise. The combination of altitude simulation and exercise under one roof will enhance this experience and make the delivery of our respective services very convenient for our clients,” says Clemas.

“By basing the Mt Eden io Centre at the Fitness Station, we’re joining a well-run, professional fitness business and accessing a broad range of people who can potentially benefit from breathing simulated high altitude air on a regular basis,” adds Lodge.

Using state-of-the-art technology and purpose-written software, io altitude simulation works by forcing the body to react as if at altitude. By delivering high altitude air in a carefully controlled way, which is tailored to every individual’s physiology, the io programme makes the body produce more red blood cells, which in turn means the body is more efficient at transporting and utilising oxygen.

The result is a boost to energy levels and wellbeing, relief from a range of medical conditions, improved sleep and a stronger and fitter body.

To take part in an io programme clients visit their local io centre, relax in a chair and read, listen to music, surf the internet or simply take time out, while alternately breathing high altitude air and normal air through a mask.

Current io clients include Ali Williams and a number of the All Blacks, Hurricane’s winger Lome Fa’atau, freedive champion Ant Williams, Ironman Kieran Doe and champion mountain biker Scarlett Hagan.

Other national io centres are located in Wellington, Dunedin, Wanaka and Queenstown. There are plans to open an io centre in Auckland’s CBD later in 2007. International centres are located in Maroochydore and Adelaide in Australia, and an intensive development plan will see other centres open soon in the USA and in South Africa.

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