Mechanical Ergogenic Aids

Many legal ergogenic aids take a mechanical form. Mechanical aids include the following:

Altitude Training can stimulate the body to increase the concentration of red blood cells and haemoglobin in the blood, as it adapts to lower oxygen levels in the air. Athletes mayc ontinue to have a higher concentration of red blood cells for 10 – 14 days after returning to sea level.

Heart Rate Monitors are a form of mechanical aid which allows the user to measure their heart rate while they’re exercising. They have a chest strap transmitter and a wrist receiver.

Computers can be used to analyse technique, test results, and VO2 max, which is the maximum amount of oxygen in millilitres that your body can use in one minute per kilo of body weight. The fitter you are, the higher your VO2 max value.

Video recorders can be used to analyse technique.

Tyre towing can be used to develop strength.

Weights can also develop strength.

Hypoxic Tents, or altitude tents, simulate high altitude, and have the same effects as altitude training.

Nasal Strips are placed over the bridge of the nose to hold open the nostrils and increase nasal-route breathing.

Parachutes are used to develop strength.

Elastic cord (pulling) is used to develop speed.

Elastic cord (restraining) can develop strength.

Downhill running (3° to 5° slope) develops speed.

Uphill running (5° to 10° slope) develops strength.

Treadmills increase endurance.

Weighted vests (5% to 8% of body weight) develop strength.

Sports clothing, footwear and equipment can improve performance.

Timing equipment is useful for monitoring performance.

Vibration Training uses a power plate to violently vibrate your body at key frequencies, which fools the muscles into contracting 30-50 times per second, speeding up the exercise process.