The Navy SEAL Physical Fitness Guide - Uniformed Services ...

Chapter 11Training for SpecificEnvironmentsPhysical training in extreme conditions, such ashot, cold, or high altitude environments, presents special challenges. Even highlyaccomplished athletes can be quickly overcome by “environmental exposure” injuries ifproper preparation is overlooked or if signs and symptoms of impending illness areignored. To compound matters, many extreme environments tend to be isolated anddifficult to access. Proper planning and preparation before entering such areas can helpensure safe and beneficial training.One way of adapting to a new environment is “acclimation”. Acclimation isdefined as the continuous or repeated exposure to heat, cold, altitude, or some newenvironment so as to provoke physiologic or biochemical changes that allow you to bettertolerate the new environment. Thus, acclimation is the gradual change the body goesthrough as it adapts to a new environment. This chapter will focus on training underenvironmental conditions which require acclimation, and also under confined spaces.The Navy SEAL Physical Fitness Guide 185