The "BIG O"... or "T" Sex and the Weight Room...

Training and Sex.

 So, we all know we have naturally occurring hormones called testosterone. Testosterone  is an androgen secreted mostly from male and female reproductive organs and small amounts are produced in the adrenal glands of both sexes. Testosterone affects increased lean muscle mass,  reduced body fat, libido and it helps slow the aging process. Normals "T" levels in men are between 300-1200 ng/d (nano grams/deciliter) and normal levels for women are 20-100 ng/d. A simple blood test can determine what levels you are at. For more severe cases of low testosterone, one can seek out a professional and be put on HRT, or hormonal replacement therapy... But, to increase these levels naturally, another option is getting your cute buns into the gym!
 Naturally, levels of testosterone are higher in men. When a mans "T"levels begin to drop as he ages, or due to health related factors, libido will decrease. Weight lifting helps naturally raise "T" levels. When men train and lift weights, levels of testosterone shoot up within an hour, (assuming, of course that this workout regiment is appropriate for you). However, overtraining is the biggest KILLER of testosterone. Certain exercises for men will affect your sex drive such as FULL SQUATS. You are engaging so many muscle fibers that a huge testosterone boost is unavoidable. Aside from squats, all other compound, multi joint and short spurt movements are a mans biggest allies in the gym in 45-60 minute sessions. These lifts include (take notes), Bench press, bent over rows, stiff-legged deadliest, lunges, shoulder press, back squats and pull ups.
  So ladies, there are a couple reasons why exercise can help rev you up too. For women, heightened "friskiness" occurs when testosterone binds with estrogen receptors. For women to get the testosterone surge like men,you must train hard using compound exercises (reps of 8-12 with rest periods of 30-180 seconds). Women increase they "T" levels through more grueling workout, but DO NOT FEAR! YOU WILL NOT BULK UP LIKE A MAN! I PROMISE.  Ever heard of a "coregasm"? It is all over the forums and news... It is possible for a woman to experience this while working out (but only a small amount really do). However, there are a few stand out exercises that increase a woman's blood flow and sensitivity... This being spin classes, yoga, ALL abdomen exercises (esp. roman chair and bicycles) and anything legs! In doing ab and yoga workouts, you are engaging core and pelvic muscles flushing endorphins thru the bod. Also, according to a "study" many women build tension in the legs before the "BIG O", so when we exercise, we release dopamine and epinephrine, which combined with tension in the lower extremities causes stimulation...
 Interestingly enough, extreme endurance training such as prolonged aerobics can reduce testosterone especially in men. This goes to show why one should not combine heavy training and extended cardio in the same workout. Rest days and sleep are a major factor in recovery as well.

   SO, with that, I expect to see all the men doing ass to ankle squats and women killing their core exercises! hahahah

Peace, Love and Lifting.