Testosterone - The male hormone of physical performance
Sports research is in many respects a painfully constrained field, and most of the most cutting-edge data is still kept secret. Hormones play crucial roles in numerous processes, including development and metabolism. They have the potential to alter one's state of mind, well-being, and even training. Hormone levels fluctuate not only at different points in our lives, but also in response to changes in our habits. Depending on the sport, players test either before or after competition, or sometimes both. Because monitoring specific hormone indicators facilitates optimal preparation for (and recuperation after) competition.
One of these myths is that increased testosterone levels are necessary for optimal performance. Instead, you should aim to consume the quantity that is optimal for your body, which will often be determined by factors like as your genetic make-up, blood volume, and muscle mass. While it is a frequent myth that testosterone can give you superhuman sports abilities, it does play a role in regulating your bone density, fat distribution, muscle density, and strength. In addition, despite the fact that testosterone is most commonly associated with men, women should not disregard its significance. However, low or falling testosterone levels, together with low testosterone symptoms, may need medical attention1,2.
Benefit of Testosterone for physical performance3,5:
Muscle and strength, as well as the distribution of fat and bone density, are all aided by testosterone in men. It also has a significant impact on how a person feels and how good their life is.
A man's testosterone levels begin to decline at age 30, and continue to do so at a rate of about 1 percent every year thereafter. For male athletes, this information is crucial because low testosterone levels have been linked to a variety of negative health outcomes, including loss of muscle mass and strength, weight gain, and a weakened skeleton. Clearly, no athlete wants to gain fat while losing muscular mass, strength, and bone density.
In fact, research indicates that an increase in lean body mass leads to the development of strength and power, in addition to speed, quickness, and agility but more body fat can impair stamina, stability, coordination, and movement capacity. Athletes can benefit from having strong bones because they provide a stable foundation for their muscles and organs.
It has been hypothesised that testosterone may increase athletic performance, not only because of its long-term androgenic actions, but also through immediate influences on behaviour. Meanwhile, a different study reveals that high-testosterone individuals are more motivated to compete in sports due to testosterone's positive effect on dominance striving, also known as power motivation.
How to Boost Testosterone for Better Endurance6,7:
Exercise, especially prolonged, strenuous strength training, raises testosterone levels. This heightened state could persist for anything from 15 minutes to an hour. When compared to morning strength training, the increase in testosterone levels experienced by men after an evening session tends to be bigger and last for a longer period of time.
Make healthy meal selections to supplement your time spent exercising. Choose lean meats like poultry and fish, whole grains, fresh veggies, and healthy fats like olive oil, avocados, and almonds. If you make these adjustments to your diet, your exercises will benefit greatly. Supporting a healthy weight is another benefit of avoiding added sugar, processed carbs, and saturated fats.
Testosterone boosters, often known as testosterone supplements, can assist stimulate the natural production of testosterone in the body. Muscle gain, more energy, better mood, more libido, and a more youthful appearance are just some of the possible outcomes of using a testosterone booster.
Refrance
- Hormones For Sports Performance. Learn more.
- How Your Hormones Affect Athletic Performance and Why You Need to Start Testing | ZRT Laboratory. Learn more.
- Testosterone and How It Effects Athletic Performance | SIXSTAR. Learn more.
- Handelsman, D. J., Hirschberg, A. L. & Bermon, S. Circulating Testosterone as the Hormonal Basis of Sex Differences in Athletic Performance. Endocr Rev 39, 803–829 (2018).
- Storer, T. W. et al. Effects of Testosterone Supplementation for 3 Years on Muscle Performance and Physical Function in Older Men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 102, 583–593 (2017).
- Pickering, C. A Quick Lesson on Testosterone for Athletes and Coaches. SimpliFaster Learn more (2017).
- Can Exercise Increase Your Testosterone?: Men’s T Clinic®: Testosterone Replacement. Learn more.