Short question:
What are the effects of vigorous aerobic exercise on testosterone?
As found in studies (or whatever) what is the defintion of vigorous in terms of:
(a) length of exercise (e.g. 1 hour
minimum)
(b) frequency of exercise (e.g., 4 times
per week)
(c) intensity of exercise
Longer question/explanation:
OK. I know that T-mag is frequented mostly for building the body. My needs are different.
I’m low on T (57 y.o.). Taking Androgel raised it to midway in the reference range. But then it dropped. There are two possible (not necessarily exclusive) reasons I can see for this: (1) I again started taking pravastatin which suppresses cholesterol production. As we know T ultimately derives from cholesterol.
(2) I greatly increased my bicycle riding in preparation for a 2-day 150 mile ride. My training rides were often more difficult than the actual event. Once I did about 85 very hilly miles in 90+ degree heat. I would do long rides (50+ miles) twice a week or so and shorter rides of a few miles a couple of times more per week. All hilly, the shorter rides almost all uphill on the return trip. The longer rides all were 4.5 hours or more in length. Sometimes 8 or 9 hours. The short rides are about 20-30 minutes. There are a few intermediate rides I do (hilly also) that range from 2 to 3 hours.
I’ve been told that vigorous aerobic exercise depresses T levels. I think that much of my riding qualifies as such. But I think that going up the steeper hills is not really aerobic. Lot’s of effort is required, especially as my low gears are pretty high, a leftover from my more youthful days.
I’m a long time cyclist and I can tell you without doubt that taking T has really improved my cycling ability, especially in climbing those steep hills, the non-aerobic part of the rides.
I’m in great shape now and want to continue in it by consistently doing one or two long rides per week, and perhaps one or two short or moderate rides. I love to ride.
But what effect is that likely to have on my T levels? Which is why I asked what the definition of “vigorous” was in terms of intensity, length, and frequency.
Of course, there’s more to life and health than just T. The other health benefits of being in excellent condition conjoined with the joy I get from riding must also be factored in.
(Now, if I can only reduce my ego involvement. Much to my amazement I’m actually making some progess here too! Maybe it’s due to the mood improvement I get from T. -
)
– KR