Testosterone, a crucial hormone for both men and women, plays a vital role in various bodily functions. One factor that significantly influences testosterone levels is exercise and mental well-being. So, it is natural to wonder how these two interact. Let's explore the intricate relationship between exercise and testosterone to understand how physical activity impacts hormonal balance.  What is Testosterone? Testosterone, a pivotal hormone, is present in both men and women, although commonly associated with male characteristics. Produced in the testicles in men, ovaries in women, and to a lesser extent, the adrenal glands, it plays a crucial role in diverse bodily functions.  This hormone is instrumental in the development of male reproductive tissues, including the testes and prostate. Often referred to as the "male sex hormone," testosterone acts as a conductor orchestrating various bodily functions, impacting muscle growth, bone density, mood, libido, and more.  Read more: 10 Hazards at the Gym and How to Avoid Them In women, testosterone is essential for maintaining reproductive health and influencing aspects of mood and energy.  The decrease of testosterone hormone with age is natural, but factors like stress and lifestyle can accelerate this process. Understanding how to optimise testosterone, perhaps through targeted physical exercises, can help promote overall health and well-being.  How Exercise Affects Testosterone Relationship between Exercise and Testosterone The correlation between exercise and testosterone levels in men has been well-established by different research initiatives. Long-term engagement in physical activity has shown a consistent increase in testosterone levels.  Interestingly, certain physical exercises can induce a temporary spike of testosterone hormone within fifteen minutes to an hour after completion of the workout. Such short term impacts are especially noticeable in younger men. This immediate boost is more pronounced when workouts are performed in the morning, aligning with the natural peak of testosterone levels during that time. Read more: Zumba: Dance Your Way into Fitness However, sustaining elevated testosterone levels over the long term requires regular exercise. While there is currently no conclusive evidence of increased testosterone levels in women due to exercise, the presence of testosterone during workouts aids in training and muscle recovery.  Research reveals nuanced findings show that men experience significant testosterone increases post-weightlifting, whereas women show minimal changes. Resistance training in women has a temporary testosterone boost impacting fat distribution. For older men, regular physical activity not only raises testosterone levels but also enhances growth hormone levels and positively affects brain function. In those previously inactive, exercise led to a notable increase in dihydrotestosterone (DHT).  Read more: 10 Great Health, Fitness Career Ideas You May Consider Interestingly, even in men with obesity, regular exercise proved more effective in boosting testosterone levels than weight loss diets alone. Maintaining healthy or heightened testosterone levels is crucial, not just for muscle building but for overall well-being and exercise progress. Exercises that Increase Testosterone Not all exercises can create the same impacts when it comes to elevating testosterone levels. Understanding the most effective workouts can contribute significantly  to achieving the desired hormonal balance. Here is a closer look at some of the best exercises known to increase testosterone.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (November 09, 2022) put emphasis on attaining mental strength and self-confidence while training for excellence in sports. “Mental strength and confidence along with training are of utmost importance. The more you train, the more you will attain excellence,” she said. The Prime Minister said this while addressing a reception programme for Bangladesh women’s national football team who won the SAFF women’s championship 2022 in September. At the event, prize money and financial honorarium were handed to women footballers for bringing the trophy to Bangladesh. The programme was held at the Shapla Hall of Prime Minister Office (PMO). Read: Outstanding SAFF performance: PM gives away cheques to Bangladesh women’s football team Bangladesh women’s team lifted the SAFF championship 2022 by beating four-times finalist and hosts Nepal 3-1 in Kathmandu on September 19 last. The Prime Minister said that athletes of the country must always remember that as a nation Bangalees have attained a hard-earned victory in the Liberation War. “We are a victorious nation; we have attained independence through the Liberation War. You must remember this. We won in the war and we will win in sports too. You must have this attitude. Only then success will come,” she said. Talking about development in sports over the last 14 years, she said, “We are trying to develop the sports sector from the grassroots level. There is a stadium in every district and that stadium will be used for every sport,” she said. Read: Focusing on sports, cultural activities to create worthy citizens: PM Talking about mini stadium in every upazila, she said that these stadiums will be used for all kinds of sports, and schools can use the venues for holding their annual sports events. Sheikh Hasina said that her government has constructed 125 Sheikh Russel mini stadiums in as many upzilas and work to construct 186 more such mini stadium has started in the second phase. In the third phase, 173 Sheikh Russel mini stadiums will be constructed. She also said that the government will construct indoor stadiums in every district while there will be BKSP in every division for development of the sports sector in the country. The prime minister said that besides studies, sports, cultural activities and literature are crucial to ensure physical and mental wellbeing of children. Read: No megaprojects now but no compromise on welfare-oriented ones: PM She mentioned that during the 1996-2001 tenure, the Awami League government sent players in several countries including Brazil, Portugal and Spain for advanced training. The PM also said that the government is providing patronage to different-abled athletes as part of the “sports for all” policy. The Prime Minister observed that children living in Dhaka city are growing up like “farmed chicken”, cooped up in apartments, with little to no physical activity. She asked parents to pay special attention to their children in this regard and take them to the playgrounds regularly. Read: PM: Encourage children to take to sports to become good citizens “Schools must have arrangements for regular sports activities,” she said. She asked the affluent in the society to come forward and contribute to the development of local sports. “They can at least appoint athletes in their organisations so that their livelihoods are ensured,” she said. State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Zahid Ahsan Russel, Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) President Kazi Md. Salah Uddin, Sabina Khatun and Youth and Sports secretary Mesbah Uddin also spoke at the programme. A documentary was screened at the reception programme for the SAFF championship winner Bangladesh women’s national football team. Read More: 5 SAFF champion girls receive grand reception in Khagrachari