Testosterone, a hormone made by the testicles, functions primarily to fuel a male’s sex drive as well as his overall physique. In addition, testosterone encourages the development of lean muscle mass and bone density. Finding natural ways to boost its production could definitely prove worthwhile for clients suffering from “Low-T”. Read on to discover how personal trainers can help alleviate symptoms for male clients.
Far-Reaching Touch Of Testosterone
Testosterone plays a primary role in the following human processes:
- Muscles: Increases protein synthesis, muscle mass, and strength
- Body Fat: Blocks the uptake/storage of fat and increases the number of fat burning beta-adrenergic receptors
- Brain: Improves cognition, memory and sex drive
- Heart: Increases blood flow/ cardiac output.
- Bone: Increases red blood cell production and maintains bone density
- Male Sex Organs: Supports sperm production and viability
- Skin: Supports collagen and hair production
- Kidneys: Produces erythropoietin (EPO), which stimulates red blood cell production.
While recognizing the importance of appropriate levels of testosterone in a healthy body, serious athletes and competitive bodybuilders often strive for any “edge” that might provide an advantage in their sport.
Many will turn to illegal substance use in an effort to reap the benefits of excess testosterone. We now know that choosing specific exercises can also ignite the body’s hormone-boosting capabilities. Trainers can easily implement this strategy as we help clients suffering from what is commonly referred to as “Low T”.
Hit The Sprints
Sprinting is often included in such workouts. Research demonstrates that testosterone levels increased significantly in participants who performed a series of very short but intense 6-second sprints. Interestingly, these elevated testosterone levels tended to remain high even after a full recovery period.
When creating such a program for clients, trainers might choose to include several sprints on the treadmill after concluding the weight-training portion of the workout. 5-10 short sprints, no longer than 15 seconds in duration, are an ideal place to begin.
Always ensure that the client achieves full recovery after each sprint, which typically translates to an “active rest” (walking) 3-4 times longer than the sprint’s duration. For optimal results, this workout can be performed 2-3 times a week.
More Joints, More Power, More Hormone
According to Thomas King, M.S., C.S.C.S., Strength and Conditioning Coach at JK Conditioning in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada, multi-joint exercises that utilize the body’s largest muscle groups also show great promise in boosting testosterone.
King suggests adding squats, deadlifts, Olympic lifts, bench presses, lunges, rows, pull ups and overhead presses to a client’s program. “These exercises work because they recruit a significant amount of muscle mass, and the amount of muscle mass recruited during an exercise has been shown to be an important factor in the release of testosterone,” King says.
In his book The Exercise Cure, Sports Medicine physician Jordan Metzl states, “In general, all types of exercise stimulate the release and production of testosterone. But there is data to suggest that lifting weights and high-intensity work might stimulate the greatest release of testosterone.”
Forced Repetitions Workouts
Depending on each individual experience and strength, a client can execute heavy full-body exercises using 85%-95% of his 1-rep max. While this range shows promise in optimizing muscle growth and circulating levels of testosterone, some studies focused on how forced repetitions can have a more potent effect on hormone levels than a traditional resistance-training workout.
This protocol involves the client executing as many reps as he can without assistance, followed by 1-5 additional reps with help from the trainer. Once again, multi-joint, large motor movements are the best choice when performing forced reps.
Time of Training Does Matter
Testosterone levels vary throughout the day, often peaking in the morning and dropping in the afternoon. Scientists have shown that strength-training workouts may have a bigger effect on testosterone when performed later in the day.
Endocrinologist Scott Isaacs, MD, of Emory University, suggests that the brief testosterone boost experienced post-exercise might play an even more significant role if clients visit the gym after work as opposed to before their morning commute.
Power Versus Endurance
Endurance sports, such as cycling and marathon running, seem to diminish testosterone levels. A client preparing for a triathlon or an Ironman, therefore, may have to settle for slightly lower circulating hormone levels. However, appropriate training/rest/nutrition/guidance will enable him to succeed regardless, since this potent hormone does not define an athlete’s abilities.
Honor Your Scope of Practice
If a client attempts to engage you in a conversation regarding the use of steroids to boost a low testosterone level, I would suggest referring him to an endocrinologist. These specially trained physicians can then assess the client from a medical point of view rather than merely sports enhancement. Men who exhibit low testosterone levels tend to have higher rates of heart disease, depression, and dementia…all the more reason to combine these workouts with a primary healthcare provider.
Check out this article, also!
The Hormonal Influence Link from Exercise and Diet
References
- https://www.mensjournal.com/health-fitness/7-exercises-naturally-increase-testosterone-men/1-deadlift-4/
- https://www.mensjournal.com/health-fitness/workout-boost-your-testosterone/
- https://www.muscleandfitness.com/workouts/workout-tips/8-ways-be-alpha-male-tomorrow-0
- https://www.webmd.com/men/features/exercise-and-testosterone#1
- https://www.bodybuilding.com/content/all-about-testosterone.html
- https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/health-fitness/mens-health/6-ways-to-increase-testosterone-with-exercise
- https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000722.htm#:~:text=Certain%20health%20conditions%2C%20medicines%2C%20or,therapy%20may%20help%20reduce%20symptoms.
