Breathwork for Mountaineering Performance

breathwork for mountaineering performance

Breathing is one of the most overlooked—and most powerful—performance tools in the mountains. In this recorded webinar, Anthony Lorubbio, founder and head coach of Recal Training, takes a deep dive into evidence-based breathing techniques designed specifically for high-altitude athletes. Drawing on years of research and real-world experience working with climbers on Denali, Aconcagua, and Kilimanjaro, Anthony breaks down how intentional breathwork can improve oxygen efficiency, strengthen respiratory muscles, sharpen focus, and support both acclimatization and recovery.

Whether you’re preparing for your first climb of Mount Rainier or fine-tuning your performance for a larger expedition, this is practical training you can apply immediately—both in your daily life and on the mountain—when things start to feel hard.

If you’re not sure where to begin, Anthony recommends starting with the Recal Breath Index (RBI) assessment:
👉 https://assessment.recal.training/

This quick assessment helps you understand how well you breathe and identifies specific areas where you can improve—making it a perfect first step.

For more information on breathwork training, education, and resources, visit:
👉 https://recal.training/

And for those looking to add a breathing tool into their training, here’s the Altitude SportsMask Anthony recommends:
👉 https://oxygenadvantage.com/products/sports-mask?ref=98

ALPINE ASCENTS BLOG

  • Grams, Gear, and Gastronomy

    Submission by Alpine Ascents Guide Max Lurie Let’s talk mountain cuisine and hydration, but more specifically cups, bowls, spoons, and other accoutrements. Climbers, mountaineers, and alpinists agonize over every gram of equipment, yet that meticulous planning often stops at the cook tent. Much like pasta shapes pair with specific sauces, changing our perception of flavor, […]

  • Cascades Conditions Report 6/10/2026

    While the calendar technically says June, the Cascades have recently been reminding climbers that winter is not quite ready to let go. Over the past week, Mount Rainier received nearly two inches of precipitation at Paradise in 36hrs! Much of that precipitation falls as as snow at the higher elevations. Alpine Ascents guides reported significant new […]

  • Cascades Conditions Report 6/3/2026

    The Cascades climbing season continues to move forward, with teams enjoying generally favorable weather and good climbing conditions throughout much of the state. Guides are beginning to observe the seasonal changes that come with warmer temperatures and longer days.  The current forecast suggests continued periods of stable weather intermixed with typical spring systems moving through […]

Partners & Accreditations

Alpine Ascents International is an authorized mountain guide service of Denali National Park and Preserve and Mount Rainier National Park.
© Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved. Alpine Ascents International