Archives

OWN YOUR TESTOSTERONE

When we think of boosting testosterone levels, the image of a huge bodybuilder injecting steroids might come to mind. But everyone, men AND women, need be concerned with their testosterone levels.  After age 30, men with low testosterone levels are at high risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, impaired sexual function, and more. Testosterone levels in women start to decline in their 20’s and can increase body fat, slow metabolism, and reduce bone density and strength.

But fear not. We can naturally boost our levels of testosterone by, da da da daaaaa- exercise and nutrition. Shocking!

FAT, ZINC, AND VITAMIN D

If you want to optimize natural testosterone production, make sure you have those 3 things incorporated in you daily diet. Here are some examples of fats you are looking for: avocados, olive and coconut oil, almonds, egg yolks, and animal fat.  Also supplement your diet with zinc and vitamin D, both of which have shown a very strong relationship with higher testosterone levels.

EXERCISE

Exercise has a major influence on testosterone levels. Specifically, medium to high intensity weight training that incorporates compound movements (mutlijoint exercises like squats). Higher volume training programs have been found to have the greatest hormonal response (such as 3-5 sets). If you were to google “testosterone boosting workouts,” you would find something like; “After completing a dynamic warm up perform 3 sets of 10 bench press, kettlebell swings, v ups, and mountain climbers.” Look familiar? Luckily if you are working out with us, you are already engaging in workouts that will help boost your testosterone levels. Keep at it and don’t be afraid to lift heavy! Increased weight = increase testosterone production= high metabolism= low body fat….you get the idea.

Increasing your efforts in the gym, as well as eating a diet with fat supplemented with zinc and vitamin D, will naturally increase your production of testosterone. This means improved mood, sleep, libido, energy, and overall health. And who doesn’t want an increase in their quality of life?

Why It’s Important For Women To Lift

By Michelle Bakkar

According to the National Center for Health Statistics only 20% of women practice strength training weekly. Pumping iron twice a week can reduce overall body fat by 3% in 10 weeks. That’s 3 inches off your hips and waist without even changing your diet!

Majority of women are discouraged by the belief that they will bulk up or look manly. Don’t be swayed by this myth! Due to high levels of estrogen and low levels of testosterone it is VERY difficult for women to become overly muscular. When women lift weights, the changes to their muscles are generally related to tone, strength and endurance rather than size. The resulting look is firm, feminine toning-not bulky, masculine muscles.

The Mayo Clinic notes the following among the many benefits of strength training:

• Preserves muscle mass
• Controls weight
• Reduces risk of osteoporosis

One pound of fat takes up 18% more space than one pound of muscle. In turn, lifting increases the number of calories burned while you’re parked on the couch. This is because after a strength workout muscles need energy to repair their muscle fibers. Let’s hit the weights ladies!

Did you know?

Exercise helps you stick to a diet plan. Read more about it in my next blog!