In contrast, cortisol has a catabolic function and is involved in the stress response. The role of testosterone in the body is to maintain anabolism through the process of protein synthesis. Statistically significant differences in C change observed between the non-training and strength-training groups can confirm the above-presented research (Figure 4). This suggests that the particular exercise was not intense enough to elicit a hormonal response, making it advisable to measure, in future studies, the lactate concentration to determine, among other things, the intensity of the exercise. Exercise, particularly heavy resistance training, can boost testosterone by signaling your body to produce more. If someone's testosterone levels are low, it can affect their physical and mental health. We'll look at what science says and talk about some movements shown to boost your testosterone levels naturally. Testosterone affects many aspects of your health, from sexual function to disease risk. Sign up to receive relevant, science-based health and fitness information and other resources. For best results, make sure you do your heavy workouts on days when you can get a full night’s sleep because the body produces T during the REM cycles of sleep. Adequate recovery is important to allow T to repair and rebuild muscles used during the workout. The actual workout is only part of the equation responsible for muscle growth. Often the most overlooked variable of any exercise program is the post-workout recovery period. Healthy men took 500mg daily for a week at Rockefeller University; their oestrogen levels halved, making testosterone more effective. Four teaspoons of honey can boost nitric oxide levels by 50%." Ditch the cortisol, then the testosterone can get to work. Two studies, one in 2007 and another in 2016, showed only a slight beneficial effect of cold water immersion on recovery from muscle soreness. A 2010 case report of two athletes, one a martial artist and the other a marathon runner, found that cold water immersion may help reduce pain and tenderness after intense exercise. A 2016 study found that participants felt like they had more energy after taking hot-to-cold showers for a month and then cold showers for another two months. There’s some evidence that a cold shower might increase your energy levels. There’s no research to show that there’s any equivalent relationship of cold water exposure or hot water reduction with female fertility. But sperm production and testosterone levels aren’t the same thing, and there’s some evidence to the contrary.