Which is Better for Acclimating?

[nyker]

Note that there are no mountains with elevators

This is categorically false. Whiteface Mountain in New York has an elevator.

That elevator on the last bit to the summit has been out of order so you'll have to walk that last hundred vertical feet for those driving up to the parking lot.

[mikefromcraig]

I am not gonna address the hypothetical bc you are discounting the effort required to climb up and down. Also, you are building in rest time in option 1. Of course rest always helps, just not for the reason you are implying.

"Acclimatization is a process whereby you break down and then build back stronger." - I am not sure you understand what happens to the body in altitude. Our blood cells become more efficient at transporting oxygen around. It's a complex adaptations not yet 100% understood, but you are not being built back stronger. You are just better at shuttling oxygen around. Also, this adaptation eventually goes away. How do you call that?

I created a hypothetical that focuses exclusively on the acclimatization issue we are discussing by removing the other variables and you refused to answer (likely after acknowledging that you agreed with me as to what the correct option was).

Despite your refusal to answer my question, I will attempt to answer yours. After stating how the benefits of acclimatization eventually go away (I agree), you asked, "How do you call that?" This implies that you believe there is something inconsistent with my position and the fact that acclimatization goes away with time. I have no idea how you arrived at this conclusion. If anything, I suppose this makes my weightlifting analogy more apt because those gains go away with time as well.

In the end, I'm confident that anyone capable of navigating a discussion board will be able to arrive at the proper conclusion based on reading the exchanges we have had so I'll give you the final word.

[mtree]

Apparently, there's a disagreement. We'll just have to agree to agree that Mike is wrong.

And smoke more weed.

[dan0rama]

Option 1 would be better but for different reasons. Just like your previous recommendations were right, just for different reasons.

Let's say I am flatlander and my only goal is to acclimatize to 14k. What is a surefire way to succeed? Get dropped off at 14k and stay there for a long time. That's all. Of course, there are individuals who for reasons not yet fully understood are never able to fully acclimatize, but let's ignore them. Among those who can acclimatize, some have an easier time than others. Some suffer more than others. Some can't fall asleep, some have terrible migraines, etc. For those whose side-effects are very manageable, going up and down in altitude is no better than just staying at that altitude. For others, going up and down offer a more paced acclimatization process. It allows them a chance to maybe catch up on sleep, improve appetite, etc. I like HikerGuy's answer, he put it well "...just ways of managing the side effects of hypoxia as your body adapts".

On the other hand, in bodybuilding, you always need recovery days. If you moved into a gym and weightlifted 24h/day, you would never grow muscle mass.

[LetsGoMets]

This thread delivers.

[speth]

Welp, this went off the rails.

[SkaredShtles]

<snip> We'll just have to agree to agree that Mike is wrong.

We'll all be able to agree on this.

Well, except for Mike.

[Matt]

And smoke more weed.

User name checks out

[speth]

bsears95 - I change my recommendation from “exercise and hike more” to “I did the research, and modern technology will deliver you to the summit.”

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Also comes in Pink Grapefruit flavor - thank me with a summit photo when you conquer your first 14er!

Boost Oxygen Canned 5-Liter Natural Inhaler Canister Bottle for High Altitudes, Athletes, and More, Grapefruit (6 Pack)