Fitness

How Exercise Really Affects Your Testosterone, According to Doctors

Published

1 month ago

December 6, 2024

How Exercise Really Affects Your Testosterone, According to Doctors

Working out regularly has a profound effect on all aspects of your health, including your heart and mental health. Exercise may also play a role in your testosterone levels—but exactly how it does that is a little complex.

‘Testosterone levels are affected by exercise but ongoing work is needed to really understand what is happening,’ says Edward Cherullo, M.D., chair of urology at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.

What we do know so far is that the relationship between exercise and testosterone depends on several factors. One is the type of workout you choose, says Brian McNeil, M.D., chief of urology at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University. Over time, strength and resistance training have been shown to increase testosterone levels while cardio might not have as much of an effect.

It also depends on how intensely you’re working out and for how long, explains Anthony Hackney, Ph.D., D.Sc., a professor of exercise physiology and nutrition at the University of North Carolina, who’s studied exercise and testosterone for decades.

Testosterone, the main male sex hormone that’s produced by the testicles, is anabolic and does help you build muscle, Hackney says. (That’s one of its functions, anyway; it has many others.) But other hormones also contribute to muscle building and endurance.

‘While testosterone is important, it’s not the only way the body decides to create an anabolic response,’ Hackney adds.

Exercise affects testosterone in other ways, too, Dr. McNeil adds. When you work out, you’ll improve your overall health and reduce your body fat, which he says can improve testosterone. Obesity is linked to low testosterone and other health problems.

‘All of these things put you in the best shape possible,’ he says. Here’s a closer look at how exercise affects your T levels.

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Does Working Out Affect Testosterone Levels?

Exercise does impact testosterone levels, but research suggests that the actual effect depends on several factors.

‘Certain types of exercise done at certain volumes and intensity can lead to an elevation in testosterone, but you can also have certain types of exercise, certain volumes of intensity that can reduce testosterone,’ Hackney says. ‘So, there isn’t a universal, ‘Oh, I’m exercising, and I’m always going to see this testosterone response.”

Many studies looking at different types of exercises—including cardio, cycling, running, swimming, and weightlifting—and their effects on T levels have found different outcomes, explains Ahmed El-Zawahry, M.D., a urologist at the University of Toledo Medical Center.

‘If we are going to summarise the results of these studies in one easy statement, exercises do not significantly change testosterone level,’ he says.

Still, some exercises, especially weightlifting, can temporarily boost testosterone. But, Dr. El-Zawahry says the surge doesn’t last long.

Body composition and fitness level factor into how exercise affects your testosterone, too. A small 2016 study found that obese and overweight men saw a boost in their T levels when they increased their physical activity, more so than when they solely restricted calories.

A 2018 study suggested that some male elite athletes had low testosterone concentrations, but the low T may be linked to higher cortisol levels in the blood from working out. The athletes studied are typically in good physical condition, with a lean body and no symptoms of low testosterone (which doctors say is often more important than your actual levels).

People with higher percentages of body fat and higher body weights are more likely to have low testosterone and experience symptoms, Dr. El-Zawahry adds.

‘You should exercise to keep your endurance, lean muscle, and low body fat, which will, in turn, keep you healthy,’ Dr. El-Zawahry says. This will reduce the risks of metabolic syndrome and reduce health issues associated with it—and those things keep testosterone at a healthy level, he adds.

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Which Exercises Impact Testosterone Most?

Research suggests that strength exercises and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can increase testosterone levels. Endurance-based exercises, like cardio, can potentially reduce testosterone.

Even within resistance training, the ‘greater intensity and greater volume of work’ are more likely to elevate testosterone, Hackney says. For instance, if you’re lifting heavy weights with lots of sets over a 45-minute time period, you’ll see a bigger impact.

‘If they’re a casual resistance trainer, they’re probably not going to see any substantial mark in testosterone changes,’ he adds.

A 2016 study showed that starting resistance training with large muscle groups, like your chest and glutes, and progressing to small muscle groups, such as triceps and shoulders, produced the largest testosterone response. But no exercise is going to drive your T levels through the roof, and it won’t be a prolonged increase.

Testosterone levels usually increase transiently after weights and intense physical activity about 15 minutes to an hour after the workout, Dr. Cherullo said.

Mixing endurance and resistance training likely leads to a “zero-sum game,” when it comes to its effect on testosterone, Hackney says.

Don’t worry so much about just focusing on resistance training because you think it raises your T. Dr. El-Zawahry says any exercise benefits your general health and helps you maintain a healthy body weight and T level.

While there’s research on the subject, Dr. McNeil says yoga and pilates, which incorporate aspects of strength training, likely have a positive impact on testosterone.

How Long Does the T Boost Last After Working Out?

The elevated testosterone that you see from working out is usually temporary—maybe an hour or so, Hackney says. Then, your T levels will return to normal.

‘However, you may feel a good boost of energy with exercise because of a surge in cortisol level rather than testosterone,’ Dr. El-Zawahry says.

Remember, too, that your testosterone levels naturally fluctuate during the day. By exercising, you’ll likely maintain a healthy weight and improve your cardiovascular functioning, which has positive effects on your testosterone.

However, working out alone won’t cause a long-term increase in testosterone levels, Dr. El-Zawahry says.

Will Exercising Affect Your Testosterone Test?

Your testosterone levels tend to be the highest in the morning and then gradually drop throughout the day, Dr. Cherullo said. That’s why doctors typically test your T in the morning.

If you typically run in the morning or take 5 a.m. HIIT classes, it likely won’t affect your test results, Dr. McNeil says. So don’t skip your workout—it’s good for your T levels and your overall health.

Erica Sweeney is a writer who mostly covers health, wellness and careers. She has written for The New York Times, HuffPost, Teen Vogue, Parade, Money, Business Insider and many more.

Fitness

I’m A Fitness Expert – These Are The Best Exercises To Do By Age

Published

5 hours ago

January 8, 2025

Press Room

I’m A Fitness Expert – These Are The Best Exercises To Do By Age

Everything changes with age, it seems – from your blood pressure and exercise recovery time, to how many times it’s “normal” to get up and pee at night.

And now, Mark Harris, a fitness expert at Mirafit, has told HuffPost UK the best exercises he thinks people of different ages should do.

After all, YouGov data says exercising more is the second-most popular New Year’s resolution in 2025, after saving money.

“For beginners, it can quickly become overwhelming with so many workout routines out there,” Mark said.

“That’s why I’ve highlighted the best exercises for different generations.”

What’s the best exercise for each age group?

Before we list these, remember that any activity is far better than none ― and if you’ve found a sport or workout that suits you, don’t let us discourage you.

With that said, Harris recommended trying the following if you’re not sure where to begin:

1. Teens

Teens should “prioritise workouts that focus on aspects such as strength and endurance ― aiming to build up muscle and improve general fitness and stamina,” Harris says.

That can take the form of football and rugby, which is social and mentally stimulating, or bodyweight workouts like squats (that don’t require costly equipment).

“Over time, teenagers can also incorporate resistance bands into workouts,” Harris adds.

“At this age group, it’s all about establishing a healthy relationship with fitness.”

2. Young adults

Though all fitness goals are great at this age, Mark suggests the focus should remain on improving strength and endurance.

Cardio like running, swimming and cycling can boost your stamina while also strengthening your body, while yoga can help with all-important balance and flexibility.

“I also advise that young adults incorporate strength training into their fitness routines, exercises such as deadlifts and bench presses are useful for improving bone density, toning figures and maintaining a healthy weight,” the expert continued.

3) Middle-aged adults

This is a good time to focus on joint and cardiovascular health as Harris suggested “at this age, it’s all about maintenance and trying to prevent any unnecessary injuries”.

Low-impact cardio, like walking, cycling, and swimming, is easier on joints; yoga and other flexibility routines can prevent muscle stiffness.

“Furthermore, for middle-aged individuals, I suggest involving some sort of strength training exercises in routines,” Harris commented.

“This is essential as it can protect against muscle loss, ensuring the body maintains all the strength it needs to function healthily.”

4. Older adults

The fitness pro said that while exercising is important for all ages, it’s especially vital for older adults, “helping maintain agility, balance and general wellbeing”.

With that said, he thinks routines for older adults can be “lower intensity” and still effective. Their main focus should be on boosting movement ― short walks, water aerobics and yoga are all great options.

“Falls can be catastrophic for people of this age and that’s why it’s vital to take routines slowly, focusing on the form rather than the speed,” Harris said.

Of course, these are just guidelines. If you feel overwhelmed by where to start ― no matter what age you are – you should aim to reach the NHS’ fitness goals (150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of intense workouts) a week if you can.

Fitness

Exercise prior to cancer diagnosis reduces disease progression and mortality risk

Published

13 hours ago

January 8, 2025

Press Room

Exercise prior to cancer diagnosis reduces disease progression and mortality risk

Regular physical activity before a cancer diagnosis may lower the risks of both disease progression and death, suggests research published online in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

And even relatively low levels of physical activity may be advantageous, the findings indicate.

There is compelling evidence that physical activity has a key part to play in lowering the risk of death from cancer, but the evidence isn’t as conclusive for its role in disease progression, explain the researchers.

To explore this further, they analysed anonymised data from the Discovery Health Medical Scheme (DHMS), linked to the Vitality health promotion programme. The DHMS is the largest open medical plan in South Africa, covering approximately 2.8 million beneficiaries.

All Vitality programme participants are rewarded for adopting healthy lifestyle behaviours, earning points for physical activity, recorded by activity trackers, logged gym attendance, or registered participation in organised fitness activities.

Activity type, frequency, duration and intensity are recorded and translated into weekly minutes of exercise.

In all, 28,248 Vitality programme members with stage 1 cancers, and comprehensive physical activity data for the year preceding diagnosis, were included in the study, which spanned the period 2007 to 2022.

Breast and prostate cancers were the most common cancers, comprising 44% of the study total.

The length of time between initial diagnosis and disease progression, death, or exit from the study ranged from 1 month to nearly 13 years.

Cancer didn’t progress in nearly two thirds of the total sample (65.5%), but in just over a third (34.5%) it did. And while 81% survived, 19% died before the end of the study. The average time to death was 20 months and the average time to progression was 7 months.

Levels of physical activity in the year before diagnosis were categorised as none recorded (17,457; 62% of participants); low, equal to 60 or fewer weekly minutes (3722;13%); and moderate to high, equal to 60 or more weekly minutes of moderate intensity physical activity (7069; 25%).

After accounting for potentially influential factors, including age at diagnosis, sex, economic and social position, and co-existing conditions, rates of cancer progression and death from any cause were lower among those who were physically active in the year preceding their diagnosis.

The odds of disease progression were 16% lower for those who had engaged in low levels of physical activity in the preceding year than among those who hadn’t recorded any physical activity, while the odds for those who had engaged in moderate to high levels were 27% lower.

Similarly, the odds of death from any cause were 33% lower among those who had engaged in low levels of physical activity compared with those who hadn’t recorded any, and 47% lower for those who had managed moderate to high levels.

Two years on from diagnosis, the likelihood of no disease progression among those with no recorded physical activity in the year before diagnosis was 74%, compared with 78% and 80%, respectively, for those achieving low and moderate to high levels of physical activity.

While the likelihood of disease progression increased as time went on, it was still lower for those who had clocked up some level of physical activity in the year preceding their diagnosis.

After 3 years, the likelihood of no disease progression was 71%, 75%, and 78%, respectively, for none, low, and moderate to high levels of physical activity. And after 5 years, it was 66%, 70%, and 73%, respectively.

Similar patterns were evident for death from any cause. Two years after diagnosis, the probability of survival among those with no documented physical activity in the year preceding diagnosis was 91% compared with 94% and 95%, respectively, among those who had recorded low and moderate to high levels.

The equivalent probabilities of survival 3 years after diagnosis were 88%, 92%, and 94%, respectively, and 84%, 90%, and 91%, respectively, after 5 years.

This is an observational study, and as such, can’t establish cause and effect. And the researchers acknowledge that they weren’t able to account for other potentially influential factors, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, while the data on weight (BMI) were incomplete.

But there are several plausible biological explanations for the findings, they suggest, chief among which is the way in which physical activity strengthens immunity by increasing numbers of natural killer cells, lymphocytes, neutrophils and eosinophils.

Physical activity may also lower the progression risk of hormone sensitive cancers, such as breast and prostate cancers, by regulating oestrogen and testosterone levels, they add.

“Physical activity may be considered to confer substantial benefits in terms of progression and overall mortality to those diagnosed with cancer,” they write.

“In a world where cancer continues to be a significant public health burden, the promotion of physical activity can yield important benefits regarding the progression of cancer as well as its prevention and management,” they conclude.

Source:

Journal reference:

Mabena, N., et al. (2025). Association between recorded physical activity and cancer progression or mortality in individuals diagnosed with cancer in South Africa. British Journal of Sports Medicine. doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2024-108813.

Fitness

The new Start TODAY app is a personal trainer and dietitian in your back pocket

Published

21 hours ago

January 7, 2025

Press Room

The new Start TODAY app is a personal trainer and dietitian in your back pocket

Fitness challenges, meal plans, daily inspiration — the new Start TODAY app has it all!

The app, which launched on Dec. 26, 2024, was inspired by our Start TODAY community, which came together during the pandemic as a way to improve physical and mental health.

The app’s “Chief Motivation Officer” is a man who has inspired TODAY fans for decades — Al Roker. He’s joined by Stephanie Mansour, TODAY Fitness Contributor, and a team of best-in-class personal trainers and dietitians to help you make your health goals a reality with step-by-step routines and workouts, meal plans, expert advice and more.

There are three main pillars in the app:

Fitness
Nutrition
Inspiration

Here’s what to know, plus how to sign up and get started!

Fitness in the Start TODAY app

Our fitness experts have created 7-day, 14-day and month-long challenges across 12 disciplines to fit any type of lifestyle and schedule.

“Over the last eight years, we’ve been creating workout challenges with TODAY.com and the TODAY show and using a fine-toothed comb to see what our viewers love and what they want more of,” Mansour said. “Our viewers and Start TODAY members have told us that they love walking, walking workouts, accessible strength training routines, workouts with modifications, stretch routines to help reduce pain and increase flexibility, as well as using simple equipment like a yoga mat, dumbbells, or resistance bands.”

The Start TODAY app customizes the categories to match your interests, whether you’re a beginner or more advanced. They also are tailored so that they do not require a ton of space — you can do them at the gym, at home or even outside.

You can jump right in with our January indoor walking challenge, which can help make exercise a habit in just 13 minutes a day.

“The January workout challenge is a walking challenge to get you moving anywhere, anytime, even when it’s freezing outside!” Mansour said. “Because our walking workout challenges have been so popular among our Start TODAY community and on TODAY.com, we’ve stepped it up with daily workout videos that you can follow along with directly in the app.”

In this month’s challenge, Mansour leads Al Roker through moves like forward kicks and hammer curls — and features two popular Start TODAY members demonstrating modifications and adjustments so you can get the most out of your workout.

A big focus is to take the guesswork out of your daily workout and avoid boredom to keep you on track for your fitness goals. Many of the challenges include guided audio walking workouts with Al, Stephanie and other trainers.

The fitness workouts and challenges on the app are across all the following categories:

Yoga
Meditation
Mobility
Walking
Barre
Dance cardio
Strength
Resistance bands
Core
Flexibility
Cardio
HIIT

Personal trainer Lacee Green, known as The Curvy Girl Trainer on social media, gave a glimpse at some of the workouts on TODAY on Jan. 2. She shared her special brand of enthusiasm and inspiration that will help get you moving in 2025.

“It’s all about fitness for everybody and every body,” Green said. “Finding the joy and dropping the judgment. It’s just starting where you are, loving who you are right where you are as you work on who you’re becoming.

“When you think about 10 years from now, you’re not going to be thinking about a number on a scale or a pant size,” she continued. “You’re going to be thinking about, ‘I’m so grateful that I put the habits in place to lead a happy and healthy lifestyle with movement that feels good.’ Whenever fitness is fun, that means you’re doing it right.”

Meal plans on the Start TODAY app

Led by registered dietitian and TODAY nutrition editor Natalie Rizzo, the Start TODAY app takes the frustration out of healthy eating by doing the work for you.

Proper nutrition is key to reaching your health goals. “Fitness is a crucial part of a health journey, but it’s impossible to reach all your health goals without a well-balanced diet full of healthy foods. As a matter of fact, nutrition plays a pivotal role in your fitness journey. Food supplies energy for exercise and help the muscles recover and grow stronger after a workout,” Rizzo explains.

The meal plans are broken down into five categories based on individual goals:

Budget-friendly
Heart-healthy
Quick and easy
Mediterranean diet
Weight loss

Each week, Rizzo analyzes hundreds of recipes to bring you the ones that will best fit your plan and take the guesswork out of healthy eating.

“For example, for the heart-healthy plan, as a dietitian I know that you want to look for things high in fiber, high in omega-3s and ingredients like potassium, so I go through the recipes to find those types of ingredients.”

The meals in the quick and easy plan can be on the table in 30-minutes or less, while the budget-friendly plans may include potatoes, ground beef or canned beans that are relatively inexpensive.

Each week’s plan includes three breakfasts, four lunches, and seven dinners to give you variety while keeping things manageable. Additionally, each recipe comes with a brief explanation of why it’s included and the health benefits it provides. Each weekly meal plan comes with a shopping list to make healthy eating even easier.

“My nutrition knowledge is put into these meal plans so people don’t have to do this research themselves,” Rizzo said.

Inspiration on the Start TODAY app

Of course, you might need some words of wisdom to help you fit that workout in or eat that healthy meal on a day when everything feels like a struggle.

Our inspiring personal trainers, meditation experts and dietitians will share some ways to get up and moving when you’re stuck in a rut. And Al Roker has you covered with daily inspiration and advice about how he’s stayed on track during tough times.

Another important component of the app is helping you build healthy habits with daily prompts to take small actions that can add up to big improvements over time.

Whether it’s taking a deep, cleansing breath, starting the day with a smoothie or drinking more water, these simple goals can give your day a boost.

To join the Start TODAY community and get walking workouts and podcasts with Al Roker, download the Start TODAY App! Subscribe for $65.99 + tax per year (or $9.99 + tax per month) auto-charged until canceled. But if you subscribe to an annual plan today, you’ll automatically get 30% off the first year. That’s less than $5 per month for the first year! Terms apply. Offer ends 1/12/25. After the discount ends, you will be automatically charged $65.99 (plus tax)/year for an annual subscription or $9.99 (plus tax)/month for a monthly subscription until you cancel. Cancel anytime through Apple under Profile Settings.