Combine Air high altitude gyms reveal Sydney expansion, opening Paddington venue

You don’t have to climb up a mountain to reap the benefits of a high-altitude workout or exercising with low oxygen, according to two entrepreneurs determined to change Australia’s fitness landscape.

Doing burpees and squats at the equivalent height of Mt Kosciuszko, plus a 1000m ladder, might seem a little too much to bear but that is the height one inspired group of gym-goers regularly reach — or so their lungs think.

The views might not be as spectacular but the cardiovascular effect is much the same for members at Combine Air, Australia’s first mainstream high altitude training club.

Co-founders Peter Hickey and Scott Reynolds say they’ve unlocked the science that elite athletes have been using for more than 50 years to take the benefits of high altitude training to regular fitness enthusiasts.

The business partners have been in the high altitude space since 2014 with their company and Combine Air predecessor, Peak Altitude Training, which was targeted at professional athletes and adventure travellers.

They have revealed they’re opening a new Combine Air club in Paddington in Sydney’s east in September, after opening their first studios in Rozelle and Concord in 2020. And they have grand plans to expand the franchise further, first across Sydney’s east, then nationally and eventually internationally.

Combine Air’s training room and altitude chamber. Picture: supplied

“Sydney and more specifically the east is certainly an area Combine Air is planning on opening several clubs,” Mr Hickey said.

According to Mr Hickey, high altitude classes help people “train like an athlete without having to be an elite athlete”. He said due to the reduced oxygen members burn more calories in every session than regular workouts, which leads to burning more fat for longer.

The tank reduces oxygen levels sto 11 per cent. Picture: supplied

“The altitude also helps build more lean muscle with greater release of growth hormone, which can lead to strength and power benefits unmatched at sea level,” he said.

So what exactly does high altitude training look like? Just like any other gym, from inside the actual training room. But outside the room is a different story.

The training room is connected to a big industrial compressor, or what Mr Reynolds often calls a big air conditioner.

He said the compressor filters out about six per cent of oxygen to bring levels down to 11 per cent, while pushing in more nitrogen, which simulates the altitude of 3500m above sea level.

A SpO2 reader reports blood oxygen levels via an oxygen saturation measurement. Picture: supplied

Combine Air director and co-founder Scott Reynolds. Picture: supplied

While the oxygen is reduced, members take on usual gym classes such as High Intensity Interval Training, strength and cardio sessions, usually lasting 50 minutes and costing $40 per casual session or $59 a week for three sessions.

And while working out with 11 per cent oxygen sounds tough, Mr Hickey said it was not that hard for people with a basic level of fitness to learn.

“Most of our members are your everyday health and fitness enthusiasts, however, due to the unique environment we offer we also attract both elite athletes looking to gain that competitive advantage,” he said.

The science behind high altitude training helping average people with weight loss and increased fitness is mixed, given the trend is only emerging.

Combine Air Co-Founder Peter Hickey. Picture: supplied

Combine Air’s new Paddington gym will also have a recovery site with an infra-red sauna. Picture: supplied

A US-based study in the Journal of Applied Physiology found there may be some cardiovascular benefits for athletes who aren’t usually training at high altitude. But it found the benefits would likely require athletes to spend quite a lot of time at the higher altitude to properly adapt, do so regularly and work out just as hard as they would at sea level to reap the potential benefits.

Mr Reynolds provided a fact sheet of 10 small to medium scale peer-reviewed studies across Australia which suggested high altitude training — under certain circumstances — could burn more calories, extend fat afterburn and help build muscle compared with sea level exercise.

But of course, potential participants should do their own research to decide if the workout is for them.

Lily Finati is a Combine Air member and Iron woman. Picture: supplied

Alison Gelonesi says Combine Air has helped her fitness in various ways. Picture: supplied

One of the elite athletes who got on board the Combine Air wagon is Lily Finati, a surf sport Iron athlete who has competed at national levels in surf swimming, board paddling and surf ski paddling.

“High altitude training has helped me significantly, particularly at the end of tough races when most athletes are fading, and I have that bit extra to finish strong,” she said.

“My race finishes have become my strength and I owe much of that to Combine Air. Altitude training has also strengthened me mentally, just knowing you have what’s needed to win and you can push through at the end is an advantage in itself”.

Meanwhile, bakery owner Alison Gelonesi joined Combine Air to increase her calorie burn in a short amount of time and increase her general fitness.

“I enjoy the variety of classes that increase fitness, agility, strength and co-ordination,” she said. “The most challenging part for me personally is keeping up with all the young guns,” she added, joking that she is “not competitive at all”.