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A.J. Hawk and 25 other NFL hopefuls use altitude training to prepare for the Draft

Boulder, CO (April 21, 2006) - There is no comparison to A.J. Hawk in this year's NFL Draft on April 29-30. In fact, it likely has been since 2000 when Brian Urlacher was taken as the ninth choice in the first round that we have seen a linebacker this good. Hawk is projected by many to be a Top Five pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. Urlacher has gone on to lead the Chicago Bears in tackles five out of six years, earning Pro Bowl honors five times, and recently was named the 2005 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Beyond the similarities of high draft status and playing the same position, both Hawk and Urlacher slept in simulated altitude environments provided by Colorado Altitude Training to get ready for the NFL.

25 other 2006 NFL Draft hopefuls trained in CAT's Colorado Exercise Room (CER) at Speed Strength in Cleveland, Ohio. Owner, Eric Lectner, had this to say, "The CER has become an integral part of my athletes' combine preparation. Training at altitude has definitely helped decrease recovery time and has increased their ability to resist fatigue following workouts."

Studies show that time spent at high altitude increases red blood cell mass, and causes muscle cell changes resulting not only in altitude acclimatization, but also in greater VO2 max, speed, endurance, and recovery. Simply put, athletes who live or train at altitude perform longer, recover faster, generate more speed and strength, and enjoy longer careers.
A.J. Hawk's career highlights include: Sophomore '03: he led the Buckeyes with 106 total tackles, including 13.5 for loss and four sacks. Junior '04: 141 tackles, eight tackles for loss and one sack. Senior '05: 121 tackles, 16.5 TFL, 9.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and one interception. He was a two-time First-Team All-American, three-time First-Team All-Big 10 selection, and the Defensive MVP of the 2003 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.

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About Colorado Altitude Training ™: (CAT) has world headquarters in Boulder, Colorado with distributors on four continents. CAT advances altitude simulation technology by maintaining the largest research and development division in the industry. Unsurpassed research has yielded cutting edge altitude simulation products. Combine top products with the unparalleled customer service, and anyone can see why Colorado Altitude Training is the world leader in altitude simulation technology. Just ask some of their clients, including: Nike, various Olympic Training Centers, including US Speed Skating, T-Mobile Pro Cycling Team, the Philadelphia Flyers Hockey Team, and six World Ironman Champions. For further information contact: Charles D. Mitelhaus at CAT 303.440.4102 x112, or visit the website at www.altitudetraining.com.