Youtuber Will Tennyson is known for pushing his physical limits, but his latest experiment might be his toughest yet. 

Located at a staggering 10,361 feet above sea level, Alma’s Gym in Colorado is the highest gym in North America. Tennyson decided to take on a series of grueling fitness challenges at this extreme altitude to see just how much harder it is to perform in thin air.

The Science Behind High-Altitude Training

Training at high altitude isn’t just about battling the weight on the bar; it’s about battling the environment itself. 

At this elevation, the air is thinner, meaning there’s less oxygen available. This forces the body to work harder to deliver oxygen to muscles, often leading to increased heart rates and quicker fatigue. 

For someone like Tennyson, who is used to training at sea level, this change can be a shock to the system.

Before starting his workout, Tennyson’s blood oxygen levels were checked, and the results were concerning. 

His oxygen saturation was 20 points lower than normal, indicating just how much his body was struggling to adapt to the altitude even before he began exercising.

Challenge 1: 10-Rep Max Bicep Curl

The first challenge on the list was a 10-rep max bicep curl. This exercise, which might seem straightforward at lower elevations, became a test of willpower at Alma’s Gym. Tennyson quickly realized that the lack of oxygen made every rep feel like he was lifting far more weight than he actually was. 

Despite this, he pushed through, managing to complete the set, though he noticed the usual muscle pump was completely absent—a clear sign of the oxygen deprivation his body was experiencing.

Challenge 2: 5-Rep Max Bench Press

Next up was the bench press, a staple in any strength-training regimen. However, what’s normally a numbers game turned into a battle for survival. Tennyson loaded the bar with 315 pounds, a weight he’d normally handle with relative ease. 

But as soon as he started, the effects of the altitude became undeniable. His heart raced, and every press felt significantly heavier than it should. Despite these challenges, he managed to complete the set, though the physical toll was beginning to show.

Challenge 3: Max Rep Pull-Ups

The third challenge was to complete as many pull-ups as possible. Typically, Tennyson can knock out 23 or 24 pull-ups, but this time, he found himself struggling much earlier than expected. His heart rate soared, and his breath became increasingly labored. 

After reaching 23 pull-ups, he had to stop, feeling the effects of the altitude more intensely than ever before. The gym’s owner, Cody, even suggested using an oxygen concentrator to help him recover, a stark reminder of just how tough these conditions were.

Challenge 4: 8-Rep Max Squat

As Tennyson moved on to the squats, the physical and mental strain of the previous challenges began to weigh on him. With 347.8 pounds on the bar, this was set to be one of his best attempts. However, each rep felt like a mental battle as much as a physical one. 

By the fifth rep, his breath was hard to control, and he fought to stay calm, knowing that panicking would only make things worse. Despite the struggle, he pushed through all eight reps, though the exertion left him seeing double and feeling lightheaded.

Challenge 5: 20-Rep Max Overhead Press

The fifth challenge, a 20-rep max overhead press, turned out to be one of the toughest. Tennyson attempted 140 pounds, but the altitude made it almost impossible to complete the set. 

His breathing became increasingly labored, and he eventually had to stop short, unable to finish the reps. This failure hit hard, and Tennyson could feel the cumulative effects of the altitude weighing down on him.

Challenge 6: 225 lbs Deadlift for 60 Seconds

Deadlifts are always a test of strength, but with a 60-second time limit, they become a brutal cardio challenge. Tennyson knew this would be his weakest event, and as expected, the combination of heavy lifting and limited oxygen made it feel like a never-ending struggle. 

He managed 18 reps, but by the end, his heart was racing, and his breath was short. The deadlifts left him feeling as though he’d just finished an intense cardio session, rather than a strength exercise.

Challenge 7: 500-Meter Row

Moving into the cardio portion of the challenge, Tennyson attempted to beat the gym’s record for a 500-meter row. He started strong, on pace to set a new record, but quickly hit a wall. 

The lack of oxygen made it difficult to maintain his pace, and he began to hyperventilate, forcing him to slow down. He finished with a time of 2:02.5, far from his personal best, but a respectable time given the extreme conditions.

Challenge 8: 1,000-Meter SkiErg

Having learned from the row, Tennyson approached the 1,000-meter SkiErg with a more measured pace. He aimed to maintain a consistent speed throughout, and this strategy paid off. 

Despite the difficulty, he managed to beat the gym owner’s time by 20 seconds, finishing in 4:20.5. The effort left him completely drained, his heart pounding and his breath ragged, but the victory was a small boost to his morale.

Challenge 9: 1-Mile Assault Bike

The penultimate challenge was a one-mile sprint on the assault bike, a notoriously grueling exercise. The time to beat was 1:57, and Tennyson came out of the gate at record pace. 

But as the mile wore on, the altitude and fatigue caught up with him. He finished with a time of 2:21, far short of the record, but a valiant effort considering the circumstances.

Challenge 10: 500 Steps on the Stairmill

The final challenge was 500 steps on the self-propelled stairmill, a brutal test of endurance and mental toughness. Tennyson’s body was near its breaking point, and each step felt like an insurmountable task. 

Despite his best efforts, his body began to shut down, refusing to go any faster no matter how much he willed it. After what felt like an eternity, he completed the challenge, but the exertion left him in tears, overwhelmed by the physical and emotional toll.

Conclusion

In the end, Tennyson’s name went up on the board at Alma’s Gym, a testament to his perseverance. While he didn’t break any records, he pushed his body to its absolute limits and gained a new appreciation for the challenges of high-altitude training. 

For those looking to test their own limits, Alma’s Gym offers a unique opportunity to see what you’re truly made of. If you’re up for the challenge, head to Alma’s Gym and see how you measure up.

You might not break any records, but you’ll definitely leave with a story to tell.