Does Exercise Increase Testosterone? Understanding the Impact of Physical Activity on Hormonal Health

The Effects of Exercise on Testosterone Levels

Lifting heavy weights and working your large muscle groups—such as with squats or back rows—may be especially helpful to give T levels a boost, adds Columbia Health. Unfortunately, there are even fewer studies on trans athletes and testosterone, so there’s still a lot experts don’t know about how exercise impacts people receiving gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT). Push-ups can help to increase testosterone levels, especially if you are just starting out with exercise. However, they may not have as much of an impact as other exercises that work larger muscle groups. If you’re looking to build muscle and improve your overall fitness, you may have heard that working out can increase your testosterone levels.

The amount of testosterone increase from exercise varies depending on the individual and the type of exercise. Studies have shown that resistance training, such as weightlifting, can result in a significant increase in testosterone levels, while cardio exercises such as running or cycling may not have as much of an impact. By combining regular exercise with a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and stress management, you can help improve your overall health and well-being, as well as potentially boost your testosterone levels.

Low-intensity aerobic exercise like walking can boost your T levels, although this may be attributed more to overall weight loss than the exercise itself [14]. Unfortunately, HIIT for women does not boost T levels, with one study finding that the workout reduced T levels in women [7]. Some forms of exercise can improve overall T levels, while others are better at enhancing your serum testosterone hormone values [4]. As obesity leads to low testosterone and other health problems, doctors recommend regular exercise for overall health and weight management. Another option is to talk with a provider about your health concerns.

GLASGOW, United Kingdom, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — For many men, there’s a silent battle happening within their own bodies—one that often goes unnoticed until it starts to impact daily life. From feeling drained by midday to struggling with motivation in the gym or noticing a dip in performance, the root cause could very well be low testosterone. Yet, it’s a subject that tends to be brushed aside or misunderstood, leaving countless men searching for solutions. As testosterone naturally fluctuates over time, it’s easy to overlook how it affects everything from energy levels to confidence. Understanding this challenge and finding the right approach is more important than ever. In specific clinical scenarios—such as menopause or surgical removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy)—endogenous testosterone production may decrease significantly. In such cases, external testosterone supplementation may be considered to restore physiological levels.

Studies show that men who work out regularly have significantly higher testosterone compared to couch potatoes. When I committed to hitting the gym 4 times a week, I felt my energy, confidence and libido skyrocket. Certain types of exercises, such as resistance training and high-intensity interval training, can increase testosterone levels.

« However, you may feel a good boost of energy with exercise because of a surge in cortisol level rather than testosterone, » El-Zawahry says. While there’s research on the subject, McNeil says yoga and pilates, which incorporate aspects of strength training, likely have a positive impact on testosterone. A 2016 study found that a 20-minute interval exercise consisting of 8 seconds of cycling and 12 seconds of rest lowered T levels in women. Resistance exercises are proven by research to help increase short- and long-term T levels. Keep reading to learn about the link between exercise and T levels, what exercises will (and won’t) increase your T levels, and how you can naturally increase your T levels. Working out does increase testosterone (T) levels — but not all exercise is created equal. You know that mood boost and rush of energy you feel after a good workout?

When a patient of mine decides to stop taking testosterone, it is rarely because of side effects and almost always because it simply isn’t working for her. Unlike with estrogen, for which blood levels are rarely required, testosterone therapy requires being tested to make sure yours is in the right range. There is controversy, however, about the benefits of giving women testosterone.

Simply put, the fact that women’s levels of this hormone drop with age does cocaine affect testosterone not necessarily mean that supplementing with testosterone will be beneficial for them. That said, if your testosterone levels are normal or close to it, working out is generally a fantastic strategy to achieve and maintain optimal levels for as long as possible. But if your testosterone is low enough to cause symptoms, working out probably won’t be capable of raising your levels enough to make a difference in how you feel. Yes, working out can increase your testosterone levels — but maybe not as much as you’d think. How much muscle you train and the types of exercise you do significantly influence how much testosterone increases after heavy weightlifting. Another great product is TestoFuel, which advertises as a muscle builder and libido booster. Both products are backed by research and use all-natural ingredients, making both safe and effective options.

Be cautious about taking dietary supplements if you are pregnant or nursing. Also, be careful about giving supplements to a child, unless recommended by their healthcare provider. Yes, TestoPrime is a legal, over-the-counter supplement made with natural ingredients, ensuring safe and legal use without the need for a prescription. TestoPrime is made with all-natural ingredients and is safe for most men. It’s free from harmful chemicals, stimulants, or synthetic substances, making it a natural alternative to steroids. Please bear with us as we address this and restore your personalized lists. Say you make $50,000 or $100,000 a year, and you get a $1,000 raise.