Intermittent hypoxic exposure (IHE) briefly lowers oxygen availability—similar to altitude—triggering a cascade of adaptations. Studies show EPO increases in response to intermittent hypoxia, followed by downstream reticulocyte and, over time, red-blood-cell–related changes that support oxygen transport. Compared with traditional steady altitude exposure, IHE can deliver a stronger, more concentrated hypoxic signal, which is often discussed as producing a disproportionately larger (“non-linear”) adaptive response—making it a more time-efficient way to pursue altitude-style benefits. The research base spans both endurance and high-intensity/power settings, linking hypoxic stimuli to improvements in aerobic capacity, oxygen utilization/economy, and repeatability during hard efforts.