A NEW £100,000 Whitefield-based simulated altitude training centre will literally take your breath away!

Now, sports clubs and athletes are queuing up to use the facilities which have been established by New Zealand businessman and former soccer coach Chris Kavanagh.

Whitefield has been selected as the first location in Europe to pioneer the training centre set up by Chris's io company based at the town's Total Fitness Club in Bury New Road.

Chris (33), explained: "Simulated Altitude Training (SAT) using io's simulator works by reducing the oxygen supply to an individual, giving the body the hardest cardiovascular workout available. At sea level, humans breathe 20.9 per cent oxygen to fuel the body.

"However, our simulator reduces the oxygen intake to nine per cent, forcing the body to work much harder. The positive benefits of altitude training are proven. It improves oxygen utilisation, meaning better speed, endurance and faster recovery from exercise."

He added: "Many top Olympic athletes travel to high altitude to achieve these benefits. But the time and cost involved is a major constraint. io's simulated altitude training is drug free and endorsed by the International Olympic Committee as a natural training enhancer."

The facility is also the only multiple person, multiple level simulator in the world outside New Zealand. The All Blacks, keen to boost their strength and squad fitness, already use io's simulated altitude training programme.

Chris continued: "The SAT programme does not interfere with normal training. The full benefits of the programme are achieved by breathing five minutes reduced oxygen air followed by five minutes normal air. Each session takes 55 minutes per day for 15 days only."

The businessman is delighted that sportsmen and women and sports clubs are travelling to Whitefield to harness the facilities.

"We are currently working with the Salford Reds Rugby League and Sedgley Park Rugby Union clubs to boost player fitness."

But the benefits are much wider, he says. "Using the power of oxygen to boost the body's performance is excellent for asthma sufferers as it reduces the symptoms and reduces the dependency on medication. We are doing extensive trials in New Zealand on the benefits for asthma sufferers."

The businessman launched the company in his native New Zealand before coming to the UK last year. He now hopes to extend the centres throughout the country via franchises and other means.