Why altitudes between 1200 and 1800 meters are a special zone for the body
A few more meters of altitude. The landscape opens up.
The view expands. The mind calms.
And somewhere in the background, the body begins to work.
Invisible.
Silent.
With every meter of altitude, the air changes slightly. The oxygen content remains the same – about 21 percent. However, the air pressure drops. As a result, slightly fewer oxygen molecules are available to the body with each breath.
Not dramatic.
But enough for biology to react.
The Mid Altitude Zone
In altitude physiology, this is referred to as Mid Altitude.
This zone begins at approximately 1200 meters and extends to about 2000 meters. The range between 1200 and 1800 meters is particularly interesting for adaptation processes. Here, the organism begins to adapt to the slightly reduced oxygen supply.
A central hormone plays a role in this: Erythropoietin – or EPO.
It stimulates the production of red blood cells. More red blood cells mean:
- more oxygen transport
- more endurance
- more energy production in the cells
- the body becomes more efficient in handling oxygen
Why Athletes Seek Altitude
Many endurance athletes deliberately train at moderate altitudes.
Well-known training locations such as St. Moritz, Flagstaff, or Iten in Kenya are usually between 1600 and 2200 meters. The higher Erythropoietin (EPO) concentration promises better performance.
Some training concepts even combine this:
Living at altitude – intense training slightly lower down.
Other programs rely entirely on training directly at altitude. In both cases, competitive sports utilize the same effect:
The body becomes more efficient in handling oxygen.
The Energy of Mountain Air
My Mountain Moments is located at approximately 1300 meters in the Mühlwaldertal, a small side valley of the Ahrntal. Here, the road ends at the main ridge of the Alps, at the foot of mighty 3000-meter mountains. There is no through traffic.
Around 1400 people live in this valley.
Scattered settlements.
Individual farms.
Small hamlets.
Above them, forests, alpine pastures, and mountain ridges.
The entire Ahrntal is a clean air zone.
The air is clear. Nights are dark enough to see an extraordinary starry sky. On some trails here, it is still possible to hike all day without encountering anyone.
Back to basics – simple and beneficial:
Altitude.
Cool air.
Movement in nature.
Stimuli to which the human organism has always reacted.
Sometimes the body doesn’t need more. A few meters of altitude. Slightly less air pressure. The body begins to adapt.
At My Mountain Moments, we call this state
MID ALTITUDE MAGIC
Your
stay grounded and enjoy every moment
Next week in MMM Magazine:
FOREST FREQUENCY – Why forest air calms our nervous system
How about a micromoment for yourself in the meantime?
MICROMOMENT OF THE WEEK
Today we seek altitude
FIND YOUR ALTITUDE
Go to the highest point near you. Perhaps treat yourself to an excursion to a nearby recreational area that is a bit higher up.
A hill.
A viewpoint.
A mountain path.
Stop for a moment.
Breathe calmly through your nose.
Feel how your breath changes.
If you have the opportunity to get high enough, you will now experience Mid Altitude Magic live.
If you live somewhere where that’s not possible, your next vacation will surely come, where you can try it out.
Sources:
Levine & Stray-Gundersen (1997)
Living High – Training Low: Effects of Moderate Altitude
Journal of Applied Physiology (2013)
Altitude Training and Oxygen Transport Adaptation
Max-Planck-Institut (2020)
Physiological Adaptation to Moderate Altitude
edubily (2023)
Oxygen, Mitochondria and Energy Regulation
