FROM CARDIFF TO EVEREST: HOW VIVIAN COLE MASTERED THE MOUNTAINS WITH ALTITUDE TRAINING

Hey Cardiff Wellness family, As the spring air begins to warm up around Bute Park this April, we’ve been reflecting on the incredible journeys our community members take. Some are looking to reset after a long winter. Others are pushing the absolute limits of human endurance. Today’s story firmly sits in that second category. We are beyond proud to share the journey of Vivian Cole. If you’ve spent time in the Lounge over the past year, you might have seen him in our altitude room, mask on, heart rate up, fully locked in on one goal: standing at the base of the highest mountain in the world. We’re thrilled to share that Vivian has now completed the legendary Everest Base Camp trek (5,364m) as well as the Annapurna Circuit. This wasn’t luck. It was the result of a year of focused preparation, science-backed training, and relentless consistency right here in Cardiff.

Why Train for the Himalayas in South Wales?

You might be wondering: “How do you prepare for the thin air of the Himalayas when you’re living at sea level in Cardiff?”

Usually, trekkers just fly out and hope for the best, often spending the first week of their trip feeling like they’re breathing through a straw. But Vivian wanted to do it differently. He wanted to enjoy the journey, not just survive it. That’s where our Exercise with Oxygen Therapy (EWOT) and Intermittent Hypoxic Training (IHT) came into play.

By using our specialised altitude equipment, Vivian was able to simulate the low-oxygen environment of the mountains right here in the city. This process triggers the body to produce more red blood cells, improves mitochondrial efficiency, and: perhaps most importantly: builds the mental resilience needed to keep moving when your lungs are screaming for air.

The Roadmap: 19+ Sessions to the Peak

Vivian’s preparation wasn’t a last-minute sprint. It was a marathon. Starting in March 2025, he committed to a year-long protocol that saw him complete over 19 sessions at The Wellness Lounge. It all began with an initial Testing for hikers at altitude session, giving us a clear picture of how his body handled the stress of reduced oxygen before we mapped out the rest of the plan.

From there, his journey was shaped around three distinct session types, each one building on the last and helping him prepare for the very real demands of trekking at altitude.

Phase 1: Building the Base with Intermittent Hypoxic Training (March – June 2025)

Vivian started with Intermittent Hypoxic Training (IHT) to build his base. These early sessions were all about exposing the body to controlled low-oxygen conditions and seeing how he adapted over time.

This phase gave us a baseline, helped us track his response to altitude stress, and laid the foundations for everything that came next. By June, he’d already begun building the kind of physiological and mental resilience needed for long days in thin mountain air.

Phase 2: The Contrast Phase (July 2025 – February 2026)

With that base in place, Vivian moved into what we call the Contrast Phase. This was our High Low Protocol, taking him from Intermittent Hypoxic Training (IHT) straight into Exercise with Oxygen Therapy (EWOT) in one seamless transition, creating a deliberate shift between low and high oxygen exposure.

That contrast is a key part of building recovery and resilience at altitude. The IHT element continued to challenge his system under reduced oxygen, while Exercise with Oxygen Therapy (EWOT) formed the second half of the protocol, helping him move, recover, and adapt more effectively. It became a vital part of his preparation as the trek got closer.

Phase 3: Altitude Training for Hikers (Early 2026)

In the final few months leading up to the trip, Vivian focused on our Altitude Training for Hikers protocol — specialised 1-hour sessions designed specifically for the demands of the trek.

Each session combined advanced Peloton biking with optional dumbbell exercises to simulate altitude conditions and enhance endurance. This final phase was all about making the training more trek-specific. We fine-tuned his preparation around the realities of long climbs, sustained effort, and thinner air at serious elevation. By the time he packed his bags in Cardiff, Vivian wasn’t just generally fit; he was properly prepared for the specific challenges waiting for him above the 5,000m mark.

The Moment of Truth: EBC and Annapurna

The photos Vivian sent back speak for themselves. While many trekkers struggle with altitude sickness (AMS), Vivian navigated the trek to Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna circuit in fantastic health.

Reaching that iconic boulder at 5,364m is a dream for many, but Vivian didn't stop there. He tackled the Annapurna circuit, one of the most beautiful yet physically demanding treks in the world. The combination of snowy slopes, rugged terrain, and the sheer persistence of climbing day after day is enough to break the most seasoned travellers.

But Vivian had the "tank" to do it. His Everest Base Camp training had paid off. He wasn't just gasping for breath; he was able to take in the views, connect with his fellow trekkers, and truly experience the spiritual majesty of the Himalayas.

The Long Journey Home and the Power of Recovery

Even the strongest adventurers need to recover. We were so touched to receive a message from Vivian while he was still nestled among the peaks, telling us how much he was looking forward to getting back to Cardiff and hopping into the HBOT (Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy) tank.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a game-changer for post-expedition recovery. After weeks of physical strain and low-oxygen environments, HBOT helps to saturate the body’s tissues with 100% oxygen to reduce inflammation and speed up recovery after the physical strain of the trek, while also supporting muscle repair and helping the nervous system "reset" after the intensity of the climb.

Vivian knows that the journey doesn't end at the summit: it ends when you’ve successfully recovered and integrated that experience back into your daily life. We can't wait to hear his stories in person while he relaxes in the lounge.

Are You Ready for Your Own Ascent?

Vivian’s story is a testament to what is possible when you combine a big dream with a smart, scientific approach to preparation. You don’t have to be a professional climber to benefit from what we do here. Whether you’re planning a trek to Snowdon, preparing for a marathon, or just want to feel more energised in your daily life, our oxygen therapy in Cardiff is designed for you.

We offer a range of services to help you reach your personal "summit":

• Altitude Training: For those looking to boost their red blood cell count and endurance.

• Exercise with Oxygen Therapy (EWOT): To flood your cells with life-giving oxygen during a workout.

• HBOT Cardiff: For deep cellular recovery and healing.

If you’re feeling inspired by Vivian’s trek, why not come in and see how we can help you prepare for your next big adventure? You can check out our pricing plans here or book an introductory session to get started.

Vivian, from all of us at The Wellness Lounge: huge congratulations. You’ve shown us all that with the right prep, the sky (or at least 5,364m) is the limit!

We’ll see you in the lounge soon for that well-deserved recovery session. 🏔️☕

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Want to start your own journey? Head over to our booking page to schedule your first altitude assessment.