Both the lack of physical activity and excessive physical activity (over training) will result in decreased
levels of testosterone. Exercise effects testosterone directly by stimulating the pituitary gland and the
testes and it probably also raises levels by slowing down the normal breakdown of testosterone.
The duration, intensity and frequency of exercise will determine the circulating levels of testosterone.
Testosterone levels increase most with short intense bursts, while it decreases with prolonged activity
especially that of frequent endurance training. During endurance training, testosterone is needed to maintain
muscle but frequent extended training doesn’t allow for repair and recovery of testosterone and tissue
damage occurs.
Studies show that testosterone levels will elevate with exercise for about 45 to 60 minutes. After this time
period, cortisol levels begin to increase and testosterone levels will decline. This decrease has been
detected for up to 6 days.
Because you require testosterone for repair and growth, do not train for more than 45 to 60 minutes at a
single session. If you feel like you want to exercise or train more, split sessions are recommended. Also
do not lift weights and perform aerobic training at the same time. It is also a good idea to vary your
workouts and cycle them throughout the year.
Construction workers provide a real life example of these concepts. It has been observed for many years
that men who lift moderate loads all day are frequently listless and tired as well as not as strong and
muscular as their co-workers who perform less frequent but more intense activity.
1 comment:
I do ride hard and for longer periods than the article recommends, usually several times per week. I've noticed that, as it suggests, I need longer recovery periods and I'm listless more often.
Will alternating long rides with weight lifting (long exercise periods interspersed with short exercise periods) balance testosterone levels?
Also, I used to take creatine to help with both energy levels during long rides and recovery afteward. I really liked the results specific to that. But, I stopped because I noticed I was having . . . anger management problems that I believed (and still do) were related. But would taking a low dose of creatine help to balance testosterone?
I don't compete against anyone but myself and at 44 it's unlikely I ever will. So there's no ethical issue with my using creatine.
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