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We all know the positive effects of a hard workout. It tones our body, boosts our mood, and keeps our heart in shape.
Certain workouts like HIIT, or high-intensity interval training, also impact sexual function, particularly at the cellular and hormonal level.
In both men and women, testosterone serves the vital purpose of maintaining several physical and mental characteristics. This includes regulating libido, keeping our muscles lean, and improving our mood—among many other purposes.
This begs the question: Does HIIT increase testosterone? How does it interact with our testosterone levels?
To quickly answer the first question, yes, HIIT plays a crucial role in increasing testosterone.
However, too much physical exercise can bring opposite results—so it’s important to strike a balance and space out your resistance training regimens appropriately.
Let’s learn more about the connection between physical exercises like HIIT workouts and improved testosterone levels.
What Are HIIT Workouts?
You may have heard of HIIT training spots in your area, but aren’t sure what people do there exactly. Let’s clear that up for you.
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a workout methodology characterized by bursts of intense exercise followed by short rest periods or low-intensity exercise.
The idea is to push your body hard for a short duration, rest briefly, and then repeat the process.
This form of cardiovascular resistance exercise is riddled with plenty of physical benefits. These include:
- Faster calorie burn: You not only burn calories from the exercise itself but also afterwards due to the phenomenon called excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC).
- Improves insulin sensitivity: HIIT helps your muscles absorb insulin more efficiently, reducing type 2 diabetes risk.
- Improves heart health: Your heart becomes stronger over time when you do consistent HIIT workouts.
- Eases muscle stiffness: In one study, people with Parkinson’s disease reported better muscle mobility following HIIT exercises.
There’s no denying the benefits of undergoing a HIIT program. That said, these benefits aren’t limited there—there are also various sexual function improvements to mention.
What Are Testosterone’s Main Benefits?
Testosterone is the primary sex hormone for males, although small amounts of it can be found in women too.
It’s responsible for developing primary and secondary characteristics in growing males. It’s also crucial for maintaining a slew of functions throughout a man’s adulthood.
These are some of the benefits of this hormone:
- Improves muscle mass
- Increases body hair
- Deepens the voice
- Increases sex drive
- Ramps up red blood cell production
- Regulates fat stores
- Maintains good mental health
The balanced composition of both bound and free testosterone production in the body is key to maintaining good hormonal health. If there’s an imbalance, this could lead to a slew of side effects that can negatively impact a man’s body composition.
What Are the Risks of Low Testosterone?
Low testosterone, or hypogonadism, is a condition wherein serum testosterone levels fall below 300 ng/dL.
It can manifest in various ways that differ from person to person. This includes:
- Reduced muscle mass and strength
- Increased body fat percentage
- Osteoporosis
- Reduced libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Reduced sperm count and fertility issues
- Hot flashes
- Mood swings
Facing any of these conditions? It’s best to consult a doctor about it. It’s also a good idea to supplement your testosterone treatment with a HIIT workout every couple of days.
How Do HIIT Workouts Increase Testosterone?
There are multiple ways a HIIT workout stimulates a more active testosterone response.
These are by the following:
- Increased lactic acid production
- Surges in growth hormone
- Activation of muscle strength
- Decreased cortisol levels
One published study reported that the lactic acid produced during high-intensity exercise programs like HIIT workouts plays a role in temporarily increasing testosterone production in the testis.
Another study reported that HIIT workouts led to a significant increase in growth hormone numbers up to 1.5 hours after exercise.
On top of these reasons, HIIT workouts also stimulate active testosterone use due to the muscle power needed to perform these workouts.
Lastly, HIIT workouts provide individuals an opportunity to relax and blow off steam. This reduces cortisol levels, which is known to elevate testosterone levels correspondingly.
When Does Exercise Become Too Much?
While exercise does boost testosterone, too much of it can actually do the opposite.
Endurance athletes, particularly those who participate in marathons or ultramarathons, are more prone to develop low testosterone than regular people.
That said, don’t be alarmed. People who participate in sprint interval training with regular rest periods are not going to have this same level of risk. Even regular, casual runners aren’t at heightened risk.
So as long as you’re getting adequate rest, you should be good.
Alternative Ways to Increase Testosterone Levels
A HIIT exercise is a good way to build muscle and improve your T levels—but it’s not the only way.
Here are alternative ways to increase testosterone levels:
- Plan a testosterone-boosting diet: Consuming zinc-rich foods like shellfish, beef, and pumpkin seeds can aid testosterone production. Essential fatty acids found in avocados, nuts, and olive oil also support hormone synthesis.
- Sleep well: A consistent 7-9 hours of sleep per night can enhance testosterone levels.
- Manage stress: Chronic stress can take a toll on your physical fitness. Take a step back and focus on reducing stressors in your life.
- Undergo testosterone therapy: Clinical intervention may be warranted for people with severe and/or long-lasting cases of hypogonadism. This comes in the form of TRT—a clinical remedy that utilizes a mix of gels, creams, and injections to boost testosterone levels in the body.
It’s important to get cleared by a doctor before taking any major lifestyle change, especially if you have other health complications to consider.
Support Healthy Testosterone Levels With Medical Help in the Best Clinic in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida for Men
HIIT training is a great way to increase testosterone levels, especially for middle-aged men with hypogonadism.
If you are low in testosterone and want to improve your state, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the medical professionals at Preferred Men’s Medical Center in Ft. Lauderdale.
We offer many different treatment plans, from ED treatment and PE treatment to medical weight loss and andropause treatment.
Schedule a consultation with us today, your initial consultation and first treatment are completely free.