The Gold Coast SUNS will soon arrive in Flagstaff, Arizona for their third annual 2XU High Performance Camp.
Reuniting with Thursday’s forward party at the University of Arizona, the Gold Coasters will hit the athletics track for a light recovery and familiarisation session, enjoying what little time of rest they have left before embarking on what promises to be one of the most gruelling, and physically challenging training camps.
The 18-day high altitude program, will include trekking through the Grand Canyon, scaling the icy slopes of Mount Humphrey’s and plenty of conditioning training at the University of Arizona all in the sub-zero temperatures and at 2500 metres above sea level.
Training at altitude increases red blood cell counters - enabling the players to obtain a higher oxygen intake in the lungs.
The end result will mean the players are able to maintain high exertion for increased durations, delivering more oxygen to the working muscles and removing waste products more effectively, resulting in improved performance.
It is a pre-season training ritual that is highly-regarded in the AFL.
GC SUNS CEO Travis Auld, who is currently hosting seven of the SUNS corporate staff in Flagstaff, told News Limited the annual high-altitude tour remained an important program for the club’s pre-season training.
“It is an extremely intense training program.”
"It is also an opportunity for the players to go away together and bond."
Reconvening at 9am tomorrow (MST time), the playing group will turn in their first conditioning session before going in for athletic development at the campus gymnasium.
goldcoastfc.com.au will provide extensive coverage of the Gold Coast SUNS 2XU High Performance Camp.
