Live High, Train Low (LHTL) is an altitude training strategy where athletes live at high altitudes (1.800–3.500m) to trigger natural physiological adaptations—like increased red blood cell mass—while they train at at sea level to maintain high-intensity workouts and oxygen consumption capacity.
Key Aspects of Live High – Train Low (LHTL)
The goal is to enhance hemoglobin mass for improved performance (running, cycling, swimming) at sea level.
Living in hypoxic conditions (low oxygen) stimulates the production of our natural erythropoietin (EPO), while training in normal oxygen conditions at sea level allows for higher speed, power, and intensity.
LHTL is generally considered superior to Live High, Train High or Live Low, Train High for maximizing training adaptations and performance, say the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
The composition to the air in different areas of the resort can be set to specific altitude using a simple control panel.
“Competition meets ambition in sports and business. Monte Marcella empowers athletes and entrepreneurs to perform at their peak.”
Professor at KU Leuven,
Faculty of Economics and Business Studies
Visiting Professor at Ghent University
Author of several sports business books
and our Sport & Business Watcher
In the machine room, the altitude in each individual room is controlled, and the air is channelled to the appropriate room via a network of ducts. An ingenious and patented system.
“At other altitude locations, you’re at a mental disadvantage compared to Monte Marcella. The resort’s focus on wellbeing and shared altitude spaces truly sets it apart.”
Mathieu Heijboer, Head of Performance for Team Visma | Lease a Bike
Improving by just 1% can make a huge difference.
That is Monte Marcella’s philosophy.
We believe in ‘the sum of 1%’
How many tiny steps forward can make a big difference in the long run. Top athletes know the value of ‘marginal gains’, but business leaders are also well aware of this.
Thomas More students tested training, nutrition and performance at Monte Marcella, using advanced altitude technology in a hands-on research collaboration.
This highlights Monte Marcella as a unique environment where altitude technology, applied science and practical education converge.
During a three-day residency in February 2026 at Monte Marcella, 46 students and faculty members from the Sports&Movement department at Thomas More Campus Turnhout engaged in an intensive applied research collaboration. The testing was guided by lecturer and dr. Koen Van Meervelt, PhD in high performance training & coaching.
The partnership focuses strongly on the use of Monte Marcella’s advanced altitude technology as a tool for performance and physiological testing.
Throughout the stay, extensive altitude-based tests were conducted to assess training and cognitive responses under controlled hypoxic conditions.
The availability of highquality altitude infrastructure enabled precise, repeatable and practiceoriented experimentation.
In parallel, participants made full use of the professional kitchen facilities to test nutritional protocols aligned with training and recovery at altitude.
Thanks to our close ties with top-level sports teams and performance experts in various fields (nutrition, mental health, fitness, training, etc.), we can offer a wide range of knowledge and experience.
For a third year in a row, Science & Cycling (April 2, 2026) organized their Flanders’symposium at Monte Marcella. Leading scholars and applied practitioners at the intersection of exercise physiology, performance science, and elite cycling.
David de Clerck (Team UAE), Wouter Peeters (Newcastle University, Open Universiteit), Jasper Vaeck (Team Visma – Lease a Bike), Franck Brocherie and Janne Bouten (INSEP, Paris) and Lieselot Delcroix (Team FDJ-Suez) shared insights on understanding fatigue resistance.
What can managers learn from the experience of top athletes?
Even for those who aren’t keen on high-altitude settings, Monte Marcella is the perfect venue.
Book Monte Marcella as the perfect base or as a private space for business meetings or events.
Elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea takimata sanctus est Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea takimata sanctus est Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet.
Elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea takimata sanctus est Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea takimata sanctus est Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet.
Elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea takimata sanctus est Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea takimata sanctus est Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet.
At Monte Marcella, you’ll stay in various rooms that are height-adjustable. So it’s not just your bedroom. There’s also a cardio gym area that you can adjust to your preferred height.
In our wellness area there is also a zone where the altitude can be adjusted. This means that even during periods of rest, your body is optimally ‘prepared’ to deliver top performance at normal altitude.
The air in 16 rooms can be set to the preferred altitude for each individual guest. This is done via an easy-to-use control panel, just like operating an air conditioning system.
Product launches, presentations, talks, receptions, dinners… even special occasions can be held in rooms with adjustable altitude levels.
Monte Marcella is the ideal location to reach new heights with a healthy body and mind.Many business leaders and managers balance their busy and stressful jobs with sporting activities.
The air in the restaurant and the lounge area are also altitude-adjustable. This allows you to enjoy the advantages of altitude air to the full, without even noticing it. Something you’ll appreciate even more after your visit to Monte Marcella.
• Do I have to experience everything at altitude within the resort?
No, altitude exposure is entirely optional. Guests can choose to experience it selectively, or not at all, depending on their goals and comfort. For sports teams it can simply serve as a high-quality training base camp, while management teams can individually decide whether to use altitude as an added performance or experiential benefit.
• How is the thin mountain air simulated?
The resort uses advanced altitude simulation technology to adjust the oxygen levels in communal and private indoor spaces, replicating high-altitude conditions. This enables precise, personalised control without altering the physical elevation. The system is safe and gradual, and is designed to optimise adaptation and performance.
• I’m afraid of heights. Will I be comfortable there?
Yes, absolutely. There is no exposure to physical height and thin air. The “altitude” can optionally be simulated indoors, so you remain in a normal, comfortable setting at all times. Your experience is fully controlled and can be adapted to your personal comfort level.
