Many bodily functions have to come together and work in perfect harmony for our bodies to reach a state where it either builds muscle, burns fat, or do both simultaneously. It is a science and, for it to work, we have to look at one of the most important contributors to weight loss or mass-building success – our hormones. An imbalance in our hormone levels can lead to a decrease in physical stamina, which will negatively affect weight loss or mass-building efforts.
It can also lead to weight gain, mood swings, depression and mental fatigue to name a few. All of these can have a direct negative effect on the success we have with our fitness goals.
Weight Training and Hormones
Our hormones are messengers
They are created to regulate and control cells in other parts of our body.
The glands of the endocrine system are responsible for producing hormones. Different hormones are responsible for a variety of different bodily functions like energy levels, reproduction, our behaviour and moods, fat storage, and our body’s growth and development.
Some of the hormones that directly influence muscle building or fat loss are testosterone, oestrogen, cortisol, growth hormone and insulin. If you want to zone in on your body’s ability to build muscle or lose fat, you should consider taking a closer look at your hormone levels, especially if you are weight training.
The value of weight training
If you want to change your body’s structure and symmetry, weight training is definitely one of your most important tools. It allows you to alter your physique according to your goals, like bigger legs or a more defined back. However, weight training not only changes your outer appearance but your internal bodily functioning as well, especially your hormone levels:
- Growth hormone is produced in the pituitary gland and is exactly what the name suggests, and more. It is directly responsible for the growth and development of the human body and cell regeneration. Growth hormone increases your muscle strength, improves bone healing, enhances weight loss, strengthens the bones, and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. And what’s more, weight training encourages the production of growth hormone. The more you train with weights, the more growth hormone is produced which benefits your body and fitness progress immensely.
- Weight training also increases your cortisol production, which is not necessarily a good thing. Cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, essentially helps our body handle stress better. It also regulates a variety of changes that occur in the body, like our blood sugar levels. Too much cortisol in our system can lead to rapid weight gain.
If you want to ensure that all of your efforts in losing weight, building and maintaining quality muscle are as effective as possible, you need to consider looking at your hormone levels and how your diet and training effects the hormones that will boost your results.
Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy
On Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Certification and Specialised Nutrition Certification, you’ll learn exactly how hormones interact with your diet and exercise.
