Fitness
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.
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.
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
Adults hop on viral ‘rebounding’ trend to make exercise fun again — ‘I feel like a kid’
Forget boring home workouts, on-demand HITT classes and cold winter runs.
The latest wellness trend bouncing around TikTok involves a workout you might not even realize you’re doing, and that’s the point. It’s called rebounding. This low-impact exercise involves jumping on a mini fitness trampoline — called a rebounder — to get your heart pumping and support lymphatic drainage.
On Amazon, this best-selling model is currently on sale for just $129. It measures in at just 40 inches, making it ideal for small spaces while still offering room for an adult to jump, squat and jog in place. Users swear it gives them a seriously effective full-body workout, and many remark that it’s “so much fun” to use.
Clinical trials also back the benefits: a 12-week rebounding program for overweight women showed significant improvements in body composition as well as a decrease in diastolic blood pressure.
Ready to jump on the rebounding trend, too? You’d better hop on this Amazon deal fast.
This sleek rebounder by BCAN is sturdy and easy to set up, thanks to pre-assembled bungees and simpel video tutorial.
Reviewers say it’s completely changed their workouts, with one remarking they “feel like a little kid again.” Others have also noted it’s much easier on their joints than higher-impact exercises.
“It absorbs impact well and allows for a nice, smooth rebound that is gentle on the joints, making it perfect for a low-impact cardio workout,” one person explained. “Whether I’m doing high-intensity intervals or simply bouncing for fun, the movement feels fluid and responsive.
The BCAN model features an upgraded handlebar for added stability. It’s 8mm premium bungee — with a durable woven outer layer and a 350-strand natural latex core — delivers smooth, quiet bounces, so you can enjoy your workout without disturbing others.
This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Longevity Mix to the viral Oura Ring to Jennifer Aniston’s favorite workout platform – often with her adorable toddler by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette.
Fitness
Fitness trainer with 18 years of experience shares why exercise is crucial for kids: ‘Not just about health and fitness’
Exercise is often spoken about in the context of physical fitness – stronger muscles, better stamina and improved overall health. But its value, especially for children, extends far beyond the body. Regular physical activity can quietly shape character, teaching lessons about effort, patience, discipline and resilience that mirror how the real world works. From learning to cope with discomfort to understanding that progress takes time, exercise can become a powerful training ground for life itself.
Also Read | Chennai fitness trainer with 18 years of experience shares 5 simple things to focus on for long-term fitness
Chennai-based fitness trainer with 18 years of experience, Raj Ganpath – founder of the Slow Burn Method, co-founder and head coach at Quad Fitness, and author of Simple, Not Easy – is shedding light on why exercise is important for kids, with the benefits going beyond health and fitness. In an Instagram video shared on February 27, he explains how the impact of exercise extends far beyond physical wellness, shaping resilience, discipline and long-term character development.
Embracing discomfort
According to Raj, exercise is one of the healthiest ways to help children learn how to sit with discomfort in a safe, structured and sustainable way. Life inevitably brings challenges and unease – something adults understand well – but many children today are shielded from situations that test their resilience.
He explains, “Exercise is a great way to experience this discomfort in a safe and sustainable manner. Lifting weights, holding a plank, doing cardio, repping till it burns, all of these things are opportunities to embrace discomfort, opportunities to put themselves in a place where they’re not comfortable and learn from it, opportunities to practice physical and mental resilience.”
Learning hardship
The fitness trainer emphasises that hardship is an inevitable part of life, and meaningful success often requires pushing through moments of difficulty. While most adults recognise this truth through lived experience, children may not always have the same exposure to challenge. Raj believes exercise can bridge that gap.
He elaborates, “It will teach them that they need to do hard things if they want to accomplish something. Getting through a very hard workout, setting a goal and achieving it, completing a task. All of these things are not just random chores. These are incredible opportunities – opportunities to experience hardship and build fortitude.”
Delayed gratification
In today’s fast-paced world, the desire for instant gratification is stronger than ever – and children are growing up at the centre of it. With technology, streaming platforms and 10-minute delivery services, almost everything is available at the tap of a screen. As a result, the ability to wait, persist and work steadily towards a long-term goal can easily take a back seat. Exercise, notes Raj, offers a powerful counterbalance.
He explains, “Everyone wants everything right away today. This is true for us adults too, but it is even more true for our kids because this is the only world they know. A world where everything happens right then and right there, whenever they want it, wherever they want it. Exercise will teach them to wait, to be patient, to trust the process, to fail and still keep going, to work towards something larger that they will get much later. This is a very important character building quality and will serve them well for many, many years to come.”
The fitness trainer concludes, “Exercise is not just about health and fitness. It is a simulation of life itself. A ready-made character building tool available to you to help prepare your kids for life, the raw and real life that they’re going to have to deal with no matter what. So make sure they build the habit and make sure they embrace it.”
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
Fitness
What Are “Movement Snacks”? How To Try This Trending Fitness Hack
The World Health Organization says the average adult is supposed to get 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity five days a week, which sounds somewhat doable until it’s 9 p.m., your kids are finally in bed, and you just want to fall onto the couch and dissociate. But more and more people online are talking about “movement snacks” — little bite-sized amounts of exercise you can do throughout your day to meet your 60-minute goal without having to make special time for one big workout. Because yes, we all want to be our healthiest, but sometimes a HIIT class at the gym is just not in the schedule.
We asked personal trainers and fitness coaches for their favorite movement snacks you can do in the office, around the house, and on busy weekends when everyone’s home.
How much exercise is a person really supposed to get?
While the WHO recommends 60 minutes a day, the CDC is a little more lax, recommending at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week, or about 30 minutes a day, five days a week. While it may feel like you’re the only one struggling to fit a workout into your daily routine, you’re far from alone. In fact, it’s always been hard for most Americans. So, while movement snacks may be a cute new term we’re all hearing for the first time, fitness pros have been promoting bite-sized exercise forever.
“I work with busy professionals, so I’ve been integrating micro workouts of two to 10 minutes into my clients’ lifestyles for almost 20 years,” says Andrea Marcellus, certified personal trainer and CEO of AND/life.
The most important thing for your health isn’t getting all your daily movement done in one big, perfectly curated workout — it’s about being consistent, Marcellus says. Movement snacks can help you stay consistent because you don’t have to budget a big chunk of time; instead, you can fit something simple into your day when you have three minutes to spare. Hell, you don’t even have to change clothes or go anywhere.
“Most people think movement only counts if it’s a workout. That mindset is what keeps people sedentary. In reality, your body doesn’t care if steps come from a hike, a gym session, or pacing when you’re on a call,” says Lindy Royer, physical therapist and balanced body educator. “This is where you win the game — by stacking movement into things you’re already doing.”
Movement Snacks To Try Throughout Your Day
- Set an alarm on your phone to chime every hour — that’s what women’s fitness coach Allison Kalsched tells her clients. When it goes off, stand up and do 10 bodyweight squats. Then go back to work. When you get tired of squats, mix in walking lunges, push-ups (it’s fine if they’re modified!), or dead bugs. Throw on 30 seconds of jumping jacks or high knees for bone-building benefits, which is important for women in menopause, she adds.
- Take a micro walk. “Five minutes or 500 steps is my absolute favorite,” says Dr. Milica McDowell, doctor of physical therapy, author of the forthcoming book Walk, and exercise physiologist at US Physical Therapy. “It changes mood, lowers blood pressure, boosts mental clarity, and can help you get your cumulative steps in.”
- Dance to your new favorite song with your kids or all by yourself. “Dance party was big with my kids after dinner,” Marcellus says. “It takes four to 10 mins and helps kids burn off dinner energy, while also giving parents a metabolic boost.”
- Stop and do 60 reps of any full-body exercise, like squats, lunges, or jumping jacks — this usually takes about two minutes, no matter which one you choose, Marcellus says. Or, hold a plank for one to two minutes.
- Pair walking with habits that already exist to get your steps in, like marching in place while brushing your teeth or doing a lap inside the house while your food is in the microwave. “This means you’re not adding time — you are upgrading your time,” says Royer.
- Count your housework. Sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, general domestic labor — these things totally contribute to your total exercise time each day, says Royer.
- If you go up or down the stairs at home, just… do it two or three times. That little extra here and there adds up, according to Royer.
The best advice is to focus not on “how can I move right now?” but “how can I do something that isn’t sitting right now?” Royer says. “The real truth that most people ignore is that sedentary time is the real enemy, not a lack of workouts. Focus on breaking up your sitting time. Build in frequent movement snacks. You’re not looking for perfection, just something more than nothing. You don’t need more time; you actually just need more conscious efforts to move.”
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