The link between manliness, testosterone, and boxing—is a controversial one. I’ve seen numerous studies suggesting a decrease in the manly hormone as a consequence of fighting training. On the other hand, some have suggested an increase. This article will examine which one is true.
Boxing increases testosterone, as it’s a physical exercise that involves a healthy level of regular activity, which is linked to such an outcome. Boxing is closely linked to masculinity, as it includes aggression, physical strength, and intense competition. As a result, becoming manlier through boxing—is likely.
And still, there’s more to discuss. If, for instance, you experience brain trauma, a highly common injury in boxing, you’re more likely to have a decrease in testosterone levels. A recent study found that to be accurate.
So, what should you do? Should you start training or focus on another workout? While I can’t answer this question for you, I can show you all the evidence out there. This article will do just that.
Eventually, my goal is to allow you to come up with your own answer regarding whether you should start boxing or not. If that’s one of your desires, I highly recommend reading this article at its fullest, as it’ll give you all the information you should want to have.
If you’re interested in this topic, you’ll also enjoy reading about the ways you can use to know if you’re good at boxing; follow the link to learn more.
Will boxing make you more manly?
Boxing is a sport that’s characterized by being aggressive and for the more masculine. However, studies have actually found the opposite effect to be true; hence, a decrease in the manly hormone. So, will boxing make you more manly?
Because boxing increases testosterone, the hormone responsible for masculine traits, thus you will feel more manly from consistent boxing training. On the other hand, various studies have actually found a decrease in testosterone as a result of vigorous fighting training, to be specific, in Taekwondo.
Various boxers have reported not feeling more manly—but less egotistical and with less pride. As a result, it won’t necessarily make you more manly, although boxing’s traits are closely correlated to manliness and testosterone.
Physical strength. Aggression. Intense competition. “Breaking free”. These are all highly related traits of the masculine person.
Other sports, such as lifting weights, will have a larger effect on your testosterone, as the more muscle you have, the more likely your testosterone levels are to rise.
Likewise, more muscle mass is correlated to higher levels of testosterone. Therefore, lifting weights and eating healthy—are linked to being more manly. If becoming more masculine is your goal, consider lifting weights and not boxing.
Does boxing impact testosterone?
Staying active—is linked to increased levels of testosterone. Hence, any physical activity, including all martial arts, and more specifically boxing, is linked to such effects. But there are a couple of nuances that will make you think twice before starting to box.
Boxing does impact testosterone either in a positive or negative way. One study found an increase in cortisol and lactate but a decrease in testosterone and insulin-like growth factor. Likewise, head trauma in men, a highly common injury in the sport of boxing, is associated with low testosterone levels.
According to a study: “Small studies suggest that head trauma in men may be associated with low testosterone levels.”
According to research: “Fighting simulation leads to increases in cortisol and lactate, but decreases in testosterone and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in blood samples of Taekwondo fighters.”
Eventually, if you watch yourself and always wear protective gear, you’re more likely to increase your testosterone rather than having it decrease.
However, you must ensure not to push yourself too hard. If you do, you’ll be more likely to experience head trauma, resulting in a decrease in the man hormone.
The correlation between manliness and testosterone
Boxing is considered to have numerous masculine traits, such as breaking free, physical violence, and aggression. As a result, it’s a man-dominated sport. Of course, there are women who compete and box, but not as many as men do.
According to research, “Testosterone is typically understood to contribute to maleness and masculinity, although it also responds to behaviors such as competition.“
Another study also found that men with more masculine facial structures show higher levels of circulating testosterone than men with less masculine faces.
So, as you can see, being masculine and having high levels of testosterone—are closely related. Thus, if you want to become more masculine, indulging in a healthy amount of physical exercise—is critical.
Does fighting increase testosterone?
In my research for this article, I’ve come across numerous studies suggesting different results. That’s why it might be difficult to estimate what the effects will be like for you. But, there’s a common theme amongst healthy individuals who fight regularly.
Fighting increases testosterone, as it’s a physical exercise that allows you to remain active and physically healthy. Both are correlated with high levels of the masculine hormone. However, if you push yourself too hard and get injured, your testosterone levels will decrease in the long term.
According to Piedmont.org: exercise will boost testosterone, though certain types of exercise increase testosterone more than others.
Eventually, we can never know what the effects will be like for you. For example, one study found a decrease in the masculine hormone as a result of fighting. We’ll examine this study in the next session.
If you want to learn more about what you should eat before boxing and 5 meal examples, follow the link to an article of mine on the topic.
Boxing and its impact on different hormones
Boxing has a distinct and unique impact on different hormones. The overall effect it has is, indeed, healthy. However, fighting will be a significant stressor for the hormonal system of the trainees. Let’s see what is its impact.
Consistent and vigorous boxing training and fighting will increase adrenaline and cortisol while greatly increasing noradrenaline and human growth hormone levels. Likewise, there is an insignificant rise in testosterone among martial arts practitioners. Overall, fighting will stress your hormonal system.
The data showed a moderate increase in cortisol, an extremely large increase in adrenaline, and a very large increase in noradrenaline and human growth hormone (HGH) levels.
According to the same study: “the present meta-analysis also showed a small, insignificant increase in testosterone.”
They continue explaining: “irrespective of striking combat sports types, the results showed that both official and simulated bouts are a real stressor of the hormonal system of practitioners.”
It’s important to understand the last sentence; both official and simulated bouts are a real stressor of the hormonal system of trainees. What can we understand from that?
To put it simply, we can understand that you will experience the same effects when you compete and when you’re in training. That means that you don’t have to compete in order to gain the same benefits you do from competing.
Why men are dominating the boxing scene?
I want to first emphasize that I’m not trying to differentiate between the genders and suggest that one is better than the other. Not at all. But, there’s a natural, prime, if you will, distinction between the two genders we simply cannot ignore.
Men dominate the boxing scene because it has more traits that are closely related to the masculine. Some of the traits are – physical violence, aggression, and breaking free, which are all a result of high levels of testosterone, the manly hormone. Many women simply don’t enjoy it as much as men do.
Testosterone is the primary difference in this case. Have you ever wondered why men seem to enjoy team sports more than women do? That’s because it’s filled with masculine traits that men have an easier time connecting to.
For instance, breaking the defense line in soccer. Likewise, protecting your base (net) from having the enemy army from breaking in (scoring a goal). Do you see what I mean?
Boxing is no different. It’s filled with traits that men have an easier time connecting to. However, many women are dominating this sport as well, so don’t think only men are at the top.
If you want to learn how to train boxing at home without having to spend money on monthly boxing classes, follow the link to learn from a complete guide I wrote.
Is boxing suitable for women?
All sports can benefit women, especially when examining them as physical activity. All individuals should be active and eat properly, regardless of their gender. To be precise, martial arts can help you do just that.
Boxing is suitable for women because it’s a great physical activity that will better their physical shape, including endurance, aerobic shape, and even healthy body composition. Although men are more likely to do boxing, as it’s filled with masculine traits, more and more women are starting out their fighting journey.
Boxing provides countless benefits which are suitable for women. It develops character, increases confidence and self-esteem, and even helps people lose body fat faster.
Thus, it’s no coincidence that boxing trainees are extremely healthy, both in their bodies and minds. Training will help you develop yourself mentally and physically, which is rare in today’s society.
Regardless of hormones, which is the primary discussion in this article, women can start their boxing journey right now. It helps them better themselves while learning to fight fiercely.
Lastly, everyone should learn how to fight properly. If you want to become capable of protecting yourself and the people close to you using your body, you must learn any martial art, including boxing. Both women and men should strive to learn self-defense techniques.
If you want to learn more about the mental benefits of boxing, follow the link to an article of mine breaking down the complete list.
Final words
While boxing is filled with masculine traits, it’s only common sense that women can also box if they want. Having it as a physical activity—is one of the best decisions you’ll make for your future self.
You will need to invest effort, time, and sometimes even money right now to experience results in the long term. Most people will find it difficult to do so, especially in today’s society which is filled with distractions.
Research has found that boxing and physical exercise are correlated with increased testosterone levels. As a result, if doing so is one of your goals, you can be sure in starting your boxing journey.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you’ll also enjoy reading about the 9 reasons to learn boxing (benefits & results).