{"id":481,"date":"2020-06-16T19:48:39","date_gmt":"2020-06-16T19:48:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ultracorepower.com\/blog\/?p=481"},"modified":"2020-06-16T19:48:39","modified_gmt":"2020-06-16T19:48:39","slug":"does-lifting-weights-increase-testosterone-in-men-lets-find-out-the-truth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ultracorepower.com\/blog\/does-lifting-weights-increase-testosterone-in-men-lets-find-out-the-truth\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Lifting Weights Increase Testosterone in Men? Let&#8217;s find out the truth."},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Testosterone is generally thought of as being the hormone that&#8217;s primarily responsible for masculine characteristics &#8211; even if it impacts both males and females.<\/p>\n<p>One of the most common question men struggling from low testosterone ask is the following: do anabolic hormones, like testosterone, that have been produced due to physical exertion, impact how muscle is built?<\/p>\n<p>Or have we all fallen into believing totally unfounded pseudoscience? Let&#8217;s take a closer look at what happens to your testosterone when you lift weights.<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #3366ff;\">How hormones work<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It&#8217;s easy to think of hormones work as the messengers of our body&#8217;s communication systems. You can juxtapose the messenger as the type of hormones and the messages they carry as the specific hormone (human growth hormone, adrenaline, etc.)<\/p>\n<p>Once the hormones are released from a gland that produces them, they travel across the body and bind themselves to a particular organ&#8217;s receptors.<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #3366ff;\">Hormonal roles in muscle communication<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Take, for instance, an example of a man going to the gym to do leg day. Once he finishes his first set, a wide array of hormones in his body are triggered to organize the body&#8217;s recovery and repair process across multiple bodily tissues.<\/p>\n<p>So, if this person does leg day again, he&#8217;ll have a little softer tissue, muscle, strength, and stamina. Hormones act as one way for the body to put together a response that communicates the messages that are required for the body to affect the recovery process.<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #3366ff;\">The link between testosterone and muscle growth<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\" wp-image-467 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ultracorepower.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Does-Lifting-Weights-Increase-Testosterone-in-Men-Lets-find-out-the-truth-2-400x276.jpg\" alt=\"testosterone and muscles\" width=\"267\" height=\"184\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ultracorepower.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Does-Lifting-Weights-Increase-Testosterone-in-Men-Lets-find-out-the-truth-2-400x276.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.ultracorepower.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Does-Lifting-Weights-Increase-Testosterone-in-Men-Lets-find-out-the-truth-2-650x449.jpg 650w, https:\/\/www.ultracorepower.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Does-Lifting-Weights-Increase-Testosterone-in-Men-Lets-find-out-the-truth-2-250x173.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.ultracorepower.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Does-Lifting-Weights-Increase-Testosterone-in-Men-Lets-find-out-the-truth-2-768x531.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ultracorepower.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Does-Lifting-Weights-Increase-Testosterone-in-Men-Lets-find-out-the-truth-2-150x104.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ultracorepower.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Does-Lifting-Weights-Increase-Testosterone-in-Men-Lets-find-out-the-truth-2-800x553.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ultracorepower.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Does-Lifting-Weights-Increase-Testosterone-in-Men-Lets-find-out-the-truth-2.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 267px) 100vw, 267px\" \/>One of the primary hormones that facilitate recovery is testosterone. Sure, injecting testosterone has been shown to increase strength and boost muscular hypertrophy (the increase and growth of muscle cells). However, the practice of doing thusly is illegal, and opens up a whole slew of risks.<\/p>\n<p>The real question is, does the increases in testosterone that are produced as a result of exercise translate into further muscle building? Let&#8217;s find out.<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #3366ff;\">The 411 on testosterone<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The exact cutoff ranges for average total testosterone in males may vary, but generally accepted to be around 280-1197 nanograms per deciliter (ng\/dl). Anything below the low range is considered to be deficient as far as the norm is concerned.<\/p>\n<p>Testosterone levels that are above the high range are above the limits of physiology because they are way above the average natural range. In general, the only way to achieve testosterone levels over the high range of the average is through injecting it.<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #3366ff;\">What is testosterone responsible for?<\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Muscle growth and strength<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Testosterone binds to receptors located in muscle cells and promotes the synthesis of protein to create muscle after trauma via weightlifting. Testosterone increases the growth hormone levels in the body which is responsible for muscle growth, recovery, and protein synthesis.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Bone growth and density<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Studies show that testosterone deficient males tended to contract double the prevalence of osteoporosis than men who had normal T levels. Testosterone reduces bone breakdown and conversely increases bone growth.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Increased red blood cell count<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Red blood cell counts are increased by testosterone, allowing for better transport of oxygen through the body. This is beneficial for reducing the strain on the heart, and thusly reduces the risk of contracting heart attack and stroke.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Metabolism of fat deposits<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Testosterone may help control body fat and increase metabolism.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Improved cognitive function<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Testosterone is also thought to increase cognitive function, such as improving spatial abilities and logical reasoning. A study has shown that men with higher testosterone levels were less susceptible to Alzheimer&#8217;s disease.<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #3366ff;\">What factors influence the impact of testosterone in the body?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It&#8217;s known and accepted that performing strenuous compound exercises may produce a higher concentration of acute testosterone &#8211; but the fact of the matter is that there is yet work to be done in determining if this incremental increase in testosterone actually leads to more muscle growth.<\/p>\n<p>The fact of the matter is, research is still being undertaken to determine the full effects of testosterone and exercise on the body. While we do know that exercise is responsible for acute testosterone production while training, we know that this doesn&#8217;t last for long, and it is yet unclear as to how this momentary spike in testosterone benefits performance.<\/p>\n<p>Here are the four main factors that influence the effects of testosterone on the body:<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Weight<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Lower body fat percentage has a direct correlation to high testosterone levels. Testosterone has been found to directly inhibit the production of fat cells in the body.<\/p>\n<p>Testosterone production starts to decrease at around age 30 and progressively thereafter. Exercise increases testosterone levels in older men. Lower testosterone levels have also been linked to an increased risk of dementia.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Current fitness levels<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>If your fitness levels are not up to speed, then you are likely to experience an increase in acute testosterone levels in response to exercise. As your body adapts to your routine, the testosterone response will have diminishing returns.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Time of day<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Even <em>when <\/em>you exercise plays a role &#8211; testosterone levels are at its peak in the morning, so the most potential for testosterone response is when you train in the evening, when testosterone levels are lower.<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #3366ff;\">Get the right amount of exercise for increased testosterone levels<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>To maximize your returns on exercise and its testosterone boost, try the following:<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Compound movements<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Compound movements like chest presses, squats, and rows trigger multiple muscle groups and are thought to promote enhanced testosterone release than isolated exercises.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\" wp-image-466 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ultracorepower.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Does-Lifting-Weights-Increase-Testosterone-in-Men-Lets-find-out-the-truth-1-400x287.jpg\" alt=\"heavy weights\" width=\"251\" height=\"180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ultracorepower.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Does-Lifting-Weights-Increase-Testosterone-in-Men-Lets-find-out-the-truth-1-400x287.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.ultracorepower.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Does-Lifting-Weights-Increase-Testosterone-in-Men-Lets-find-out-the-truth-1-650x466.jpg 650w, https:\/\/www.ultracorepower.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Does-Lifting-Weights-Increase-Testosterone-in-Men-Lets-find-out-the-truth-1-250x179.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.ultracorepower.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Does-Lifting-Weights-Increase-Testosterone-in-Men-Lets-find-out-the-truth-1-768x551.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ultracorepower.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Does-Lifting-Weights-Increase-Testosterone-in-Men-Lets-find-out-the-truth-1-150x108.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ultracorepower.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Does-Lifting-Weights-Increase-Testosterone-in-Men-Lets-find-out-the-truth-1-800x574.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ultracorepower.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Does-Lifting-Weights-Increase-Testosterone-in-Men-Lets-find-out-the-truth-1.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 251px) 100vw, 251px\" \/>Go heavy<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>The ideal is to lift heavy weights that tire you out after less than 12 repetitions, and perform three sets of each. The heavier, the better &#8211; but always train within your limitations and never overdo things lest you suffer an injury.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Take your time off<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Rest days are absolutely important for testosterone response. That&#8217;s why you should give your body time off, and take at least 48 hours off before working the same set of muscles.<\/p>\n<p>The best gains are achieved when compounding your efforts at the gym with a reasonable, testosterone-boosting diet filled with lean proteins (fish and poultry), whole grains, fresh produce, and healthy amounts of fat.<\/p>\n<p>Think of what you put in your body as the fuel with which you conquer your workouts. 3 quarter pounders wouldn&#8217;t be appropriate fuel all the time, would it? Additionally, avoiding refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, and sugars will help complement your diet and supporting a healthy weight and lifestyle.<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #3366ff;\">Never, never, NEVER overdo weightlifting<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>You know what they say: too much of a good thing is harmful. The same is true for the body. Exercise puts the body through stress, and overdoing it can have far-ranging negative consequences on your testosterone levels.<\/p>\n<p>Athletes who train for endurance have been found to have lower testosterone levels than other athletes, as well as higher cortisol levels (the &#8220;stress&#8221; hormone). Cortisol is linked to inhibited testosterone production, and is something you&#8217;ll want to avoid by avoiding overtraining altogether.<\/p>\n<p>Try to find the right balance of challenging yet reasonable exercises &#8211; no one benefits from overtraining.<\/p>\n<p>That said, if you feel like your athletic performance is slipping, and you feel aches and pains more often than you normally did, or find it hard to recover after a grueling exercise, pause for a minute and ask yourself honestly if you are overtraining.<\/p>\n<p>You might just find yourself experiencing the hallmark symptoms of low T such as lessened sex drive, poor sleep habits, depression and mood swings, a decrease in muscle mass, and inability to keep the pounds away, consult your medical practitioner &#8211; you might just be suffering from low testosterone.<\/p>\n<div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultracorepower.com\/male-enhancement\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\" wp-image-333 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ultracorepower.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Purchase_Section_V2-1-400x172.jpg\" alt=\"https:\/\/www.ultracorepower.com\/male-enhancement\" width=\"602\" height=\"259\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ultracorepower.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Purchase_Section_V2-1-400x172.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.ultracorepower.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Purchase_Section_V2-1-650x280.jpg 650w, https:\/\/www.ultracorepower.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Purchase_Section_V2-1-250x108.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.ultracorepower.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Purchase_Section_V2-1-768x331.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ultracorepower.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Purchase_Section_V2-1-1536x662.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.ultracorepower.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Purchase_Section_V2-1-2048x883.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.ultracorepower.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Purchase_Section_V2-1-150x65.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ultracorepower.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Purchase_Section_V2-1-800x345.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ultracorepower.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Purchase_Section_V2-1-1200x517.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.ultracorepower.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Purchase_Section_V2-1-1600x690.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.ultracorepower.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Purchase_Section_V2-1-2000x862.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 602px) 100vw, 602px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<!--CusAds0-->\n<div style=\"font-size: 0px; height: 0px; line-height: 0px; margin: 0; padding: 0; clear: both;\"><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Testosterone is generally thought of as being the hormone that&#8217;s primarily responsible for masculine characteristics &#8211; even if it impacts both males and females. One of the most common question men struggling from low testosterone ask is the following: do anabolic hormones, like testosterone, that have been produced due to physical exertion, impact how muscle [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":465,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"amp_status":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ultracorepower.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/481"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ultracorepower.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ultracorepower.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ultracorepower.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ultracorepower.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=481"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.ultracorepower.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/481\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":482,"href":"https:\/\/www.ultracorepower.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/481\/revisions\/482"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ultracorepower.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/465"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ultracorepower.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=481"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ultracorepower.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=481"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ultracorepower.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=481"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}