Exercise-Induced Testosterone Release in Trained and Untrained Men
If you’ve ever done some research regarding the factors that influence testosterone release, you likely already know that resistance training itself helps boost this anabolic hormone, thus is a major contributing factor that helps you gain the muscular weight you see.
Upon taking a closer look though, we see that this effect applies more to some than others.
In a recent study performed out of the University of Rio Grand do Sul in Brazil, researchers looked at the hormonal response that was seen in long-term resistance trained middle-aged men with those who were just starting out (untrained).
It is important to note the subjects middle-age here as those who are in the late teens to early twenties are likely experiencing a much different rate of natural testosterone release, thus this study may not be applicable to this age group.
For those who are older though, the study proves useful.
The researchers had the 21 subjects divided into two groups, the strength trained group and the untrained group. In order to be considered ‘trained’, they would have needed at least three years of prior strength training history.
During the study, the subjects were tested on both upper and lower body strength with a one rep maximum test. Blood samples were also taken both at rest and after multiple sets of an exercise sequence was performed, with them working at 75% of their 1 rep max values.
The blood samples were assessed for levels of total testosterone, free testosterone, DHEA levels, and cortisol.
After the study was finished, it was seen that there were increases in the levels of total testosterone, free testosterone, DHEA and cortisol in the untrained group, but only free testosterone levels in the strength trained group.
These results then show that the total elevation of testosterone levels is going to be higher in those who have not had weight training experience than those who have while performing similar workout protocols. Correspondingly, this also means that in order to see the same increase in testosterone levels in those who are trained, progressively higher volume with their weight training programs will need to be followed.
Reference:
Cadore, EL. Et al. (2008) Hormonal Responses to Resistance Exercise in Long-term Trained and Untrained Middle-Aged Men. Journal of Strength Condition Research. August 14.
November 11, 2008 - 9:45 am MDT at 9:45 am
Very good site. Thanks!
November 11, 2008 - 10:21 am MDT at 10:21 am
Very good site. Thank you!!!
November 12, 2008 - 8:41 am MDT at 8:41 am
Cool site. Thanks!!!
November 6, 2009 - 12:54 pm MDT at 12:54 pm
A blood test is not an accurate way to check testosterone. A saliva test is the most accurate. There can be great differences between the two. I know from experienece. Astronauts will only have testosterone taken by saliva and not blood.
November 8, 2009 - 6:13 pm MDT at 6:13 pm
I have seen this myself. I can also tell when I have a testoerone boost as I get a few acne pimples which I never have unless I have quit a training regiment for a while or if I am starting back up
November 13, 2009 - 2:45 pm MDT at 2:45 pm
Not a surprising result. One might expect there to be at least a tapering off of T level increases as one continues to train … simply because, if it weren’t true, the sky would be the limit!
Furthermore, the description of the experiment did not make it clear how one can conclude that an increase in volume of training for the trained group might lead to T level increases that match those of the untrained group. Given what the DID find, surely this cannot be assumed to be true without being put to the test.