Endurance athlete Bianca Somavilla
She won the 27th Ischgl Ironbike Marathon in 2022, took first place at the Salzkammergut Trophy in 2023 and secured victory at the Mountain Attack 2024 in Saalbach: the exceptional athlete Bianca Somavilla.
The sportswoman, mother of two and marketing specialist has been a successful racing cyclist, mountain biker and ski mountaineer for several years. In preparation for her next sporting challenges, the athlete relies on the IHHT training and regeneration programme at Park Igls.
IHHT: The alternative to time-consuming altitude training
A strategy for sporting success
In preparation for a racing season, many endurance athletes complete an altitude training camp lasting several weeks. Because the body adapts to the lower oxygen content at higher altitudes, endurance and performance improve. However, these altitude training programmes cannot be integrated into the busy calendar of an athlete and mother.
During a stay at Park Igls, however, Bianca Somavilla achieves the same effects with IHHT training (interval hypoxia-hyperoxia training) and finds the regeneration that is the prerequisite for further success under the sports medical supervision of Park Igls.
"In sport, I rely on structured training to achieve my goals in the best possible way. Breaks and regeneration are just as important as the training itself. At Park Igls, I found the perfect programme for me to improve my training, my recovery and my general state of health."
Advantages of IHHT Trainings
The effects at a glance
- The production of erythropoietin (EPO) is stimulated.
- The body's maximum oxygen uptake capacity is increased.
- The formation of red blood cells is promoted. These transport oxygen to the muscles. An increase improves oxygen uptake and oxygen transport capacity. This leads to improved endurance performance.
- By specifically challenging the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, the body's ability to utilise oxygen is increased. Athletes can therefore maintain a higher intensity for longer.
- The targeted increase in oxygen supply during the hyperoxia phases promotes mental clarity and stress resistance.
From hypoxia to hyperoxia - how IHHT training works
From hypoxia to hyperoxia - how IHHT training works
IHHT Cell Training is based on the targeted variation of oxygen levels. Using a breathing mask, you inhale air with a low oxygen content (hypoxia) and then air with a high oxygen content (hyperoxia) in alternating cycles. During the hypoxia phases, the oxygen content simulates high-altitude air.
"For me, IHHT training is all about regeneration and the associated stress reduction. To summarise, I can say that IHHT is not only aimed at physical performance, but also has a positive effect on mental aspects and my regeneration. This makes it an ideal complementary training method for me in preparation for the competition season."
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About the person
Bianca Somavilla
In 2021, Bianca Somavilla, who lives in Tirol, came third in the Ötztal Cycling Marathon just a few months after the birth of her second son. Her passion for long distances led her to the Austrian runner-up title in ultracycling in 2022. Further successes followed. The athlete works hard to achieve them and balances her training, family and career.
Park Igls Blog
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