What’s the Deal with Altitude Training?

I often hear the term “altitude training” when it comes to Olympic athletes' training.

By training in high-altitude areas where the air is thin, athletes increase the number of red blood cells in their blood.
This allows them to demonstrate greater endurance when they return to lower altitudes.
As for lazy ol’ me—I don’t need endurance! lol

Red blood cells carry oxygen through the blood.
At high altitudes, there’s less oxygen, so the body reacts by producing more red blood cells to transport oxygen more efficiently.
That’s why when you come back down to lower altitudes, your body is better at carrying oxygen than a normal person’s.
Kind of superhuman, huh? lol

This is especially effective in endurance sports like marathons, where muscles need a lot of oxygen.
Because with more red blood cells, more oxygen can be delivered.
I think Olympic athletes take full advantage of this.
It’s not cheating! lol

Besides altitude training, there are now even tents that simulate low-oxygen environments.
By sleeping in a hypoxic tent, you can get similar benefits to altitude training.
Marathon runners and swimmers might want to give it a try.
I want to join too, but I can't afford a tent.lol