IHHT Altitude Training

A 60-minute intermittent hypoxia-hyperoxia training (IHHT) session that alternates between low-oxygen (simulated altitude) and high-oxygen breathing phases through a mask. This cellular stress protocol trains mitochondria to function more efficiently, supporting energy production, metabolic health, and cardiovascular fitness without physical exertion.

Intermittent hypoxia-hyperoxia training (IHHT) at Longevity Center Vienna delivers alternating phases of reduced-oxygen air (simulating altitudes of 2,000 to 6,500 metres) and oxygen-enriched air through a comfortable breathing mask while you recline. Each session lasts 60 minutes and is monitored with pulse oximetry to ensure safe oxygen saturation levels throughout. The mechanism targets mitochondrial efficiency. During hypoxic phases, cells with damaged or dysfunctional mitochondria are selectively eliminated through a natural quality-control process called mitophagy. During the subsequent hyperoxic phases, the body is stimulated to produce new, healthy mitochondria — a process called mitochondrial biogenesis. Over a course of sessions, this selective pressure improves the overall quality and efficiency of the cellular energy production machinery. The benefits extend beyond energy: IHHT has been studied for its effects on cardiovascular health (improved heart rate variability and blood pressure regulation), metabolic function (enhanced fat oxidation and insulin sensitivity), cognitive performance, and stress resilience. It is particularly valuable for individuals who cannot exercise intensely due to injury, age, or medical conditions but still want to derive the cellular benefits associated with altitude training. At EUR 129 per session, IHHT is one of the centre's most accessible advanced modalities. No physical exertion is required — clients simply breathe through the mask while resting. The centre's medical team reviews your health history before your first session to calibrate the hypoxic intensity appropriately.