Rugby league players at Wigan Warriors are looking to train even harder and longer by using Oxyfit, a new sports technology product that allows them to breathe oxygen enriched air.
The already formidable athletes, at the UK’s most successful rugby league team, are using the product to tackle the effects of their punishing training regime, with the aim of gaining a performance edge over their rivals.
Oxyfit is supplying the 2010 Engage Super League champions with its cans of pure oxygen – and there are already signs of positive benefits, with enhanced power outputs during intensive training.
Oxyfit counters the problem of oxygen debt during intensive physical activity by rapidly replenishing oxygen in red blood cells.
Two of Wigan Warriors’ international stars, props Stuart Fielden and Andy Coley, are already using Oxyfit as they train hard in the gym while recovering from injury.
Great Britain International Fielden says: “Fast recovery from oxygen debt is vital in sport, so it makes sense to use Oxyfit. I feel very positive about trying it. If it allows me to recover more quickly, then play harder, I’m all for it.”
The Warriors are the first Engage Super League team to use the product. Research has found that Oxyfit accelerates recovery during and after exercise, allowing athletes to train harder and for longer.
Mark Bitcon, head of sports science at Wigan Warriors, says he is excited by its potential: “We heard about the benefits other athletes say they experience using Oxyfit, such as in triathlon and ultra endurance, so we were keen to try it ourselves.
“We are still at the early stages, but we’re already seeing some promising results over the first few weeks with enhanced maximum power outputs during intensive training.”
Bitcon is now preparing to conduct studies to assess how best to use Oxyfit in elite rugby league.
He adds: “Our research will take several months. If Oxyfit gives us an edge, even a small one, it will be extended to wider use in the club.
“Oxyfit has the potential to be one of a range of nutritional performance products we regularly use. It’s well packaged, safe and easy to use, which is ideal for our players.”
Oxyfit is available from www.oxyfit.co.uk
