It's no wonder the gymnasium in the Palais des Sports et des Congres (the leisure centre) here in Alpe d’Huez is used by some top sportsmen and women as the benefits of altitude training are well documented – higher red blood cell count, greater muscular endurance and increased vaso-dilation to name but a few.
Add to this that it's a great gym that is really well equipped with a good selection of cardio machines, resistance machines and a big free weight areas as well.
Already this winter in the gym I have seen mountain bike legend Julien Absalon (5 times World Champion and double Olympic champion), local girl Ophelie David (4 times X-Games ski cross champion and former world champion), the first team squad from Grenoble Rugby Club and last week the players from Seysinns Rugby Club.
A couple of summers ago Chris Robshaw and his Harlequins Rugby team mates also used the gym as part of a pre-season training camp.
If you have a Carte Premium is free to use, otherwise you can pay 9€ for a single session or alternatively buy a 6 day gym pass for 39€ - so why not work out in the gym used by the pros?.....
