Many people believe that boxers have high testosterone levels due to the nature of their aggressive fights. Also, since multiple studies have suggested a link between testosterone and violence, this begs the question: Does testosterone rise in combat sports like boxing?
Boxing increases testosterone levels because almost any workout supports normal testosterone levels. Boxing is a physical activity that automatically contributes to maintaining testosterone levels in the body—the impact of combat sports or competitive boxing on testosterone levels is the result of their physical stimulation.
Training in any of these combat sports will aid in raising your testosterone levels. When you exercise, dopamine and testosterone release hormones, helping you maintain your physical and mental wellness.
Blood samples from Taekwondo and other martial art fighters show that fighting simulation increases cortisol and lactate, while decreasing testosterone and insulin-like growth factor. According to a recent study, cortisol levels increased after a boxing match, whereas testosterone and interleukin-1 (IL-1) levels fell.
Following a simulated boxing fight, growth hormone, testosterone, cortisol, glucose, and lactate plasma levels increased, according to research on the impact of performance on hormonal and physiological conditions.
Before we dive in, if you want to know the pros and cons of boxing, ensure to follow the link to an article of mine on the topic.
What is testosterone?
Testosterone is present in both humans and other animals. The testicles of men predominantly produce testosterone. Though much smaller amounts, testosterone is also produced by women’s ovaries. During puberty, testosterone production begins to rise significantly, then declines around the age of 30.
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone. Testosterone controls red blood cell formation, muscle mass, fat distribution, and fertility. Hypogonadism and infertility are disorders that can develop when testosterone levels fall below those considered healthy. Testosterone levels may also impact a man’s mood and sex drive.
Testosterone is essential for the synthesis of sperm. However, there are resources where those with low testosterone levels can increase it.
The hormone testosterone is in charge of the maturation of male sexual features. Hormones are chemical messengers that cause the body to go through required changes. However, it is often in lesser concentrations in females. It is a particular androgen, mostly made by Leydig cells in the testicles.
Along with sperm generation, testosterone controls various other processes in males. These consist of the following:
- Sexual drive
- Bone density
- Distribution of fat
- Muscle mass and power
- Synthesis of red blood cells
Men become infertile when their testosterone levels are insufficient because testosterone helps mature sperm grow.
Does boxing increase testosterone?
The benefits of boxing and other activities, both physical and mental, are widely documented. You are possibly interested in boxing, or you’re already in the sport and want to know if boxing raises your testosterone levels.
Boxing is an aerobic activity that gradually raises your testosterone levels over time as a sport and fitness routine. It lowers cortisol levels, which can have a range of impacts. The second benefit is that it enhances general physical wellness. Different exercises not only engage muscles, but also have various physiological repercussions.
Some may even have distinct effects on males and women. In light of this, a select few exercises are most effective for raising testosterone.
- Resistance training
- High-intensity interval training (HIIT)
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts are the best for this. It is one activity that increases testosterone in men, but may lower it in women. Of course, this can help ladies who desire to reduce their excessive testosterone levels.
It’s not difficult to understand that high-intensity interval training is done vigorously for a short period, and then one takes a brief break. Depending on your fitness level, you can repeat this sequence numerous times.
What sport increases testosterone the most?
Not all forms of exercise have the same effects on testosterone levels. However, training does enhance testosterone levels. Here are some sports or types of activities below you might want to include in your fitness regimen to raise your testosterone levels.
Before we dive in, if you’re on the verge of learning to box, I wrote an article on whether you should learn boxing. In it, I also examine the pros and cons of learning it; so be sure to check it out!
Resistance exercise
Research has shown that resistance training can help raise short- and long-term testosterone levels. Weightlifting and other resistance training are the best exercises for short- and long-term testosterone augmentation. Many men report having benefited from it in particular.
According to a 2007 study, males who performed strength/resistance training three days per week for four weeks experienced increases in testosterone levels both immediately following an exercise and over time.
However, not everyone experiences the same outcomes. According to an older study, one 30-minute weightlifting session raised testosterone levels by 21.6 percent in men but only 16.7 percent in women.
Anyone who engages in resistance exercise will experience an increase in testosterone. The growth will rely on characteristics. Every person who participates in this practice will experience it differently. One excellent method is bench pressing, but it is not the only one. There are several exceptional gym equipment options available.
High-intensity interval training
You can use any cardiovascular activity for high-intensity interval training. Running, burpees, mountain climbers, and jumping jacks are all effective HIIT cardio activities. All you require is a workout that will make your heart race. High-intensity interval training is another effective method to increase testosterone, although only in men.
One study in men revealed that interval training, which consists of 90 seconds of vigorous treadmill running alternating with 90-second recovery periods, significantly increased free testosterone levels compared to just jogging for 45 minutes continuously.
According to a 2013 study, engaging in five sessions of 2-minute cycle activities raised younger and older men’s testosterone levels by taking DHEA supplements. Also, a 2014 study discovered that HIIT increased men’s T levels.
One excellent way to engage in high-intensity interval exercise is boxing. You’ll feel wonderful after engaging in high-intensity or shadow sparring for a set period and then taking a break.
Does cardio increase testosterone?
Your testosterone levels can rise through exercise, especially if you stick with it consistently. It depends on you and your levels whether that boost is sufficient to battle low T symptoms. Your weight, degree of fitness, age, and the time of day you exercise all affect how much your testosterone levels rise.
There is no proof that cardio impacts your testosterone levels in any way. Doing too much cardio can lower your testosterone levels. However, losing weight, in general, can assist in balancing your testosterone levels and other elements that support healthy levels of all hormones.
While a wide range of exercises can help with testosterone production, there is a rising consensus that you should prioritize cardiac activities. These can be using an elliptical machine, working on a treadmill, riding a stationary bike, or performing similar exercises.
Recent research by the American Physiological Society on the relationship between cardio and elevated testosterone seems promising. Over 12 weeks of exercise, study participants who would be considered overweight experienced a 17% boost in testosterone.
Is boxing cardio or strength training?
Treadmills and ellipticals may come to mind when you think of cardio. You might picture weights and barbells when you think about strength and tone. Boxing is popular because it enables you to increase your stamina, build stronger muscles, and cultivate an unbreakable mindset.
Boxing is cardio and strength training to help you gain strength and muscle. It is more than just throwing a stiff uppercut and a strong right hook. It is a cardiac activity that stresses your heart and lungs just enough. When boxing for exercise, you can concentrate on your punching technique and raise your heart rate.
Wrapping your hands in a pair of boxing gloves and donning them gives you a cool, even badass, feeling. You’ll feel successful and have less burden on your shoulders once you’ve finished an hour of kicking, punching, cardio, strength, and resistance training.
If you want to lose weight through exercising, hold up. I wrote an article on why boxing helps you lose weight, and quickly. I encourage you to read it if it’s one of your pursuits.
Final words
Your testosterone levels increase significantly through boxing because studies prove testosterone levels have to rise during boxing. Exercise is important, and boxing training may raise your testosterone levels, especially if your goal is weight loss.
Because those with a healthy weight have testosterone levels that are noticeably higher than those who are overweight or obese, the most effective methods for raising testosterone levels include weightlifting and resistance training. Boxing is still a great, enjoyable way to reduce weight and boost testosterone levels.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you’ll also enjoy reading about how much boxing classes really cost.