Heat Training: Helene Marie Fossesholm's Grueling Conditioning Regimen

As Helene Marie Fossesholm grips the handles of a skating machine, she pushes herself to the limit, gasping for air with each powerful pull. Rather than the familiar chill of winter, she’s battling the sweltering heat of 38 degrees Celsius, causing sweat to pour down her face.

"You practically feel cooked alive," she quips, her resolve unwavering even as the upbeat tunes of Taylor Swift's 1989 album play in the background.

In recent weeks, Fossesholm has bravely taken on several interval sessions in the climate room at Olympiatoppen. Uniquely, she requested the temperature be cranked up to 38 degrees.

"I used to think, 'Oh my God, how boring,' but now I see it differently. I actually have no choice. This is the session I now look forward to the most each week, even though it’s absurd to look forward to something so grueling," she confides.

The Art of Voluntary Discomfort

Fossesholm’s commitment to this punishing heat comes on the heels of a recent injury. She dislocated her kneecap during a football match, and since then, she has been managing her recovery with crutches and a leg brace.

This intense training regime is more than a mere preference; it has a purpose.
Espen Spro Johansen, a consultant at Olympiatoppen, sheds light on this approach: "Endurance training in hot climates can effectively elevate heart rate while minimizing stress on the muscles, especially for someone with an injured knee."

Understanding the Climate Room

The climate room is specifically engineered to manipulate both temperature and humidity, allowing athletes to simulate various environmental conditions.
"We have this facility primarily to help athletes prepare for the specific climates they’ll encounter in international competitions, such as the intense heat and humidity faced during the Olympics in Tokyo," Johansen explains.

The Science Behind Increased Heart Rates in Heat

As the body heats up, it attempts to cool itself by increasing blood flow to the skin and converting that blood into sweat.
Professor Bent Rønnestad of Innlandet University College elaborates:
"When more blood is directed to the skin rather than the working muscles, it forces the heart to pump faster to sustain blood circulation. Essentially, this results in an increased heart rate."

Inside Fossesholm's Training Session

Fossesholm begins her session with a gentle 15-minute warm-up before diving into the more demanding segment: 5x6 minutes of intense interval training.
"I started with 1318 meters in the first round and finished at 1322 meters. The effort was quite balanced, yet incredibly taxing: the last half was utterly exhausting, but you know, it also feels a bit rewarding," she shares with a wry smile.

To keep her competitive edge, she submits herself to the grueling conditions of the heated room.

"It's the closest you get to torture. But it’s all voluntary. It really is; I’m utterly worn out afterward," Fossesholm declares.

Wiping sweat from her flushed face, she adds, "Eventually, one becomes sluggish. The mind says, 'Come on,' but the body replies, 'No.'"

Caution from Experts

Experts strongly advise against amateurs attempting Fossesholm's arduous heat training sessions. Professor Rønnestad highlights the risks involved.
"If someone chooses to engage in heat training, as Fossesholm does, it's crucial to have a thorough understanding and work with knowledgeable professionals," he cautions, echoing Johansen's advice.

"Training in high heat poses a significant risk of severe dehydration. It’s not advisable without proper guidance."

The Possibility of Surgery

Fossesholm's next challenge looms in early November when she’ll undergo a check-up to determine if surgery is needed.
"I’m feeling both excited and nervous because I hope for a positive response. However, it’s also reassuring to finally have clarity on my situation,” she admits.

With the World Championship approaching in her hometown of Trondheim this February, she knows the stakes are high. If surgery is required, it could derail her competitive dreams.
"I really don’t want to consider that scenario," she confides.

Should the news be favorable, a glimmer of hope ignites.
"Trondheim is definitely a goal for me, but for now, I need to focus on the short term. Overthinking it only exhausts me," Fossesholm muses.

The day after our interview, she pushed aside thoughts of the climate room and surgery, setting off for Athens with a friend.
"It will be absolutely lovely. Plus, it's a bit of acclimatization for that trip too," she smiles.