Benefits of Exercising during TRT
Many men opt for Testosterone Replacement Therapy in conditions of hypogonadism. This decrease is most commonly age-related. It has been shown that exercising during Testosterone Replacement Therapy benefits the body to a greater extent than using the therapy alone.
We all know the benefits to health and the quality of life associated with exercising. However, exercising in conjunction with Testosterone Replacement Therapy has been shown to lower the BMI and maintain better testosterone levels.3 Weight-bearing exercises in particular have been shown to greatly increase testosterone levels.
Weight gain is a major problem associated with hypogonadism and lowered testosterone levels in the body. Although these problems can be reduced by testosterone therapy, but exercising along with the therapy provides even more improved weight reduction results and lowered body fat percentage.2
Also, decreased bone mineral density is a major feature of hypogonadism. Testosterone replacement increases the deposition of calcium inside bones and improving the bone density. Weight-bearing exercises have been shown to enhance the effects of testosterone in increasing the bone mineral density and thus prevents osteoporosis and age-related bone demineralization and weakening.1
Exercises of Choice
There are wide ranges of exercises that can help boost the effects of testosterone on the body as well as increase the amount of testosterone. Some of the important exercises include:
Deadlifting
Deadlifting simply put is lifting a weight above the ground to hip or torso level and maintaining the height for some time and putting it back on the ground. This form of weight lifting has been shown to enhance the levels of testosterone to the greatest extent. The testosterone boost will help in muscular hypertrophy as well as increased bone strength. 10 minutes of deadlifting is sufficient to get your hormones started if you’re a beginner. Gradually increase the workout to 15 minutes and then to one hour. One hour of weight lifting is more than sufficient to enhance the effects of the replacement therapy.
Bench Press or Chest Press
This upper bodyweight training exercise involves pressing a weight upwards while lying on a weight training bench. This weight lifting training involves a wide range of upper body muscles and engages the core. This strenuous exercise provides a boost of testosterone enhancing the effects of Testosterone Replacement Therapy.
Overhead Press
An overhead compound lift is the kind of exercise that makes every part of your body engaged. The compound lift tones the upper body, core as well as lower body.
Thus, helping to achieve a high testosterone concentration. The combined effect of the exercise, as well as testosterone, would augment all of the body muscles.
Overhead Squats
Overhead squatting, involving weights lifted above the head, is an excellent exercise for the hip, thigh, and calve muscles. This type of exercise also promotes increased hormone production.
T Bar Rows
This exercise benefits the back and neck muscles. This also optimizes the effects of testosterone replacement therapy.
Pushups
This classic exercise is really common. The testosterone level can be elevated by doing multiple sets of pushups.
References:
1. Behre, H. M., Kliesch, S., Leifke, E., Link, T. M., & Nieschlag, E. (1997). Long-term effect of testosterone therapy on bone mineral density in hypogonadal men. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 82(8), 2386-2390.
2. Cho, D. Y., Yeo, J. K., Cho, S. I., Jung, J. E., Yang, S. J., Kong, D. H., Ha, J. K., Kim, J. G., & Park, M. G. (2017). Exercise improves the effects of testosterone replacement therapy and the durability of response after cessation of treatment: a pilot randomized controlled trial. Asian journal of andrology, 19(5), 602–607. https://doi.org/10.4103/1008-682X.184269
3. Katznelson, L., Robinson, M. W., Coyle, C. L., Lee, H., & Farrell, C. E. (2006). Effects of modest testosterone supplementation and exercise for 12 weeks on body composition and quality of life in elderly men. European journal of endocrinology, 155(6), 867–875. https://doi.org/10.1530/eje.1.02291
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