Network of altitude simulation centres growing

Press release from io
Tuesday 20 March 2007

Network of altitude simulation centres growing fast

Ten months after its Queenstown launch, ambitious altitude simulation company io will open its fifth New Zealand premises in Wanaka.

io altitude simulation offers lifestyle, health and sporting benefits. Current clients include people with asthma, chronic sleep disorders, pneumonia, those training for adventure and multi-sport races, and a growing number of travelers acclimatising before ski trips or trekking at altitude.

National io Centres are located in Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin, Wanaka and Queenstown, and there are plans to open an io Centre in Christchurch.

New Zealand’s fifth io premises complements a rapidly expanding global network, which opened its doors recently on Australia’s Sunshine Coast and soon Adelaide, with plans for centres in Canada, the US and other countries on the horizon.

Edward Lodge says rapid international expansion is part of the company’s plan to turn io into a strong global brand.

“We have developed what we believe to be the most sophisticated and accessible way to deliver the benefits of altitude simulation, previously only available to elite athletes, to the general public. Our programme has a global reach and awareness is rising fast.”

Based at ProActive Health and Fitness Centre, the new Wanaka io Centre offers greater flexibility to io members across the region who will be able to experience the benefits of altitude simulation at three local centres, including its Queenstown headquarters and Dunedin Centre. The Wanaka io Centre will open on 3 April 2007.

“Wanaka, with its typically active and health-conscious community, was a logical choice for io’s natural and drug-free programme. Local clients can now boost their health and wellbeing, as well as save time and money by cutting out the drive to Queenstown,” said io chief operating officer, Edward Lodge.

“Wanaka is teeming with mountain-bikers, runners, climbers and adventure sports enthusiasts, not to mention people who relocate there for a clean, green, healthy lifestyle. io can offer a boost to nearly every one of these people.”

The io Centre in will be run by licensed operator and Wanaka entrepreneur, Andrew Thompson.

“I started using io as a client to assist with my triathlon training and was very impressed by the results, so much so, I decided to buy into the company,” said Thompson.

“By basing the Wanaka io Centre at ProActive gym we’re joining a well-run, professional group of businesses offering physiotherapy, osteopathy, massage and now altitude simulation from one single location. In tandem with the gym, we’re offering a total physical health solution.

"Altitude simulation is something that benefits serious athletes by boosting stamina, performance and recovery, but it’s also going to make your weekly 18 holes of golf more pleasurable.”

io altitude simulation works by forcing the body to react as if at altitude. By delivering high altitude air in a carefully controlled way, the io programme makes the body produce more red blood cells, which means the body is more efficient at transporting and utilising oxygen. The result is a boost to energy levels and stamina, relief from a range of medical conditions, improved sleep and a stronger and fitter body.

To take part in an io programme clients visit their local io Centre, relax in a chair and read, listen to music, check emails, surf the internet or simply take time out, while alternately breathing high altitude air and normal air through a mask.

Current high profile io clients include champion mountain biker Scarlett Hagan, Ironman Kieran Doe, Hurricane’s winger Lome Fa’atau, freedive champion Ant Williams, a number of the All Blacks and some current Black Ferns.

- ends -

© Scoop Media