Dancing at High Altitude

Before you get here!!

DRINK WATER
Before your trip to Denver, and while you are here, drinking plenty of water is the number one way to help your body adjust easily to our higher altitude. The low humidity in Colorado keeps the air dry, like the desert, so you need about twice as much water here as you would drink at home.

MONITOR YOUR ALCOHOL INTAKE
In Denver's rarified air, golf balls go ten percent farther... and so do cocktails. Alcoholic drinks pack more of a wallop than at sea level. It is recommended that you go easy on the alcohol in the mountains and in Denver, as its effects will feel stronger here.

EAT FOODS HIGH IN POTASSIUM
Foods such as broccoli, bananas, avocado, cantaloupe, celery, greens, bran, chocolate, granola, dates, dried fruit, potatoes and tomatoes will help you replenish electrolytes by balancing salt intake.

SUPPLEMENTS & MEDICINES
Take liquid Chlorophyll supplements starting a week before your trip. Chlorophyll helps you increase your red blood cell count, so along with Ginkgo, is invaluable in helping you acclimatize. Remember that your body will be deprived of oxygen in the high altitude.

You can also ask your doctor about Diamox, which is a prescription drug that is used to hasten acclimatization.

OXYGEN
A quick way to adapt to the elevation is to carry a portable oxygen canister, taking a shot or two whenever you feel winded.  We keep a supply at our competition registration desk.

Once you arrive:

If possible plan to arrive a day or two early. This really helps to get your body ready.
Be sure to drink extra water and eat enough food. Your body burns a lot more calories in high altitude, and ironically, you likely won’t feel hungry. You may have to force yourself to eat.