Boost Your Anabolic Hormone Levels - Naturally!
Anabolic steroid use appears to be on the rise. With the great increase in modern recombinant DNA technology, steroids such as growth hormone, growth factors and testosterone-based analogs have become increasingly more available and affordable. Despite their renewed popularity however, anabolic steroids are illegal and have negative effects on health, reproductive status and even personality. In response, this article aims to provide some basic information on anabolic steroids and how to boost the body's own production levels naturally, using exercise.
What is an anabolic hormone?
The definition of anabolic is "to build up"- therefore anabolic steroids are hormones that cause increases body and muscle size. Actually, not all "anabolic steroids" are steroids but they are all hormones. An example of an anabolic steroid hormone is testosterone and its analogs. An example of an anabolic polypeptide/non-steroid hormone is growth hormone. Basically, hormones are chemical messengers released from certain tissues into the blood in response to a stimulus. Their role is essentially to help the human body adapt and remain in a state of balance or "homeostasis". While the body is quite efficient at regulating its anabolic state on its own ? the temptation exists to use large quantities of anabolic hormones to magnify the results. As recently as 15-20 years ago, growth hormone had to be extracted form the pituitary glands of cadavers. Now however, modern science is able to manipulate the DNA of bacteria to produce large quantities of the hormone. Steroid use has always been rife in bodybuilding arena, but with peer pressure and ever-increasing expectations of sport performance, anabolic steroid use has become commonplace in sports too - even among high school age athletes.
How do I boost my levels of testosterone and growth hormone?
It is possible to increase anabolic hormone production naturally however - the simplest method of doing this is by regulating the intensity of the weightlifting session. This is achieved by manipulating volume (sets and reps), load (%1RM*) and rest periods. Evidence indicates that exercises that recruit large muscle groups (legs and back) in exercises such as squats and deadlifts and that are performed with high intensity and moderate volume boost serum testosterone concentrations. Therefore the exerciser should use heavy loads (85-95% 1 RM) and multiple sets/exercises separated by short rest periods (30 ?60s). Testosterone, the male sex hormone is responsible for the increased muscle mass and strength observed in men. This steroid hormone operates both on a gene level to increase muscle protein production (increased gene transcription). It is also suspected to work on the central nervous system, allowing greater muscle activation by motor neurons, resulting in greater force production. (It is unlikely that herbal testosterone "precursors" such as tribulus terestris have a large impact on production - the exerciser should save his time and money and devote more effort into sensible eating and exercising according to these guidelines.)
Human growth hormone (HGH) is a polypeptide (non steroid) hormone released form the pituitary gland at the base of the brain, and its release similar to testosterone, is dependent on the level of "stress" experienced by the body. Its main functions are to increase the transport of amino acids over cell membranes and to increase the synthesis of muscle protein, connective tissue (e.g. collagen) bone and cartilage thus directly causing "growth". It also is responsible for increasing the level of glucose and fatty acids in the blood, and therefore has a direct body-fat reducing quality. Studies involving the release of growth hormone during exercise indicate that a typical bodybuilding program of multiple sets (higher volumes) of moderate intensity (e.g. 10RM) separated by short (1 min.) rest periods produce the largest increases. Many of the actions of growth hormone are actually mediated by another hormone called IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor-1) released by the liver and other organs in response to HGH. The release of this powerful stimulator of muscle growth has been shown to increase in response to the consumption of a carbohydrate and protein supplement before and immediately after a weightlifting workout.
In conclusion, it is hoped that this article has demonstrated that there are alternatives to using illegal and health threatening anabolic steroids. The human body is a marvel at adapting to stresses such as exercise and weightlifting without the need for external hormone administration. This article has highlighted that is in fact possible to manipulate the body's own natural production of the same substances simply by regulating the intensity of the weightlifting session.
*1RM = the maximum amount of weight that can be lifted with good form for a single repetition.
David Petersen is a Personal Trainer/Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and the owner and founder of B.O.S.S. Fitness Inc. based in Oldsmar, Florida. More articles and information can be found at http://www.bossfitness.com
NOTE: You're free to republish this article on your website, in your newsletter, in your e-book or in other publications provided the article is reproduced in its entirety, including this note, author information and all LIVE website links as above.
 Google News Updated : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:51:44 GMT Zimbabwe Parties May Sign Unity Deal Soon, Business Day Reports - Bloomberg
Bloomberg - By Carli Lourens July 24 (Bloomberg) -- Zimbabwe's ruling and opposition parties may sign a power-sharing agreement soon as they have already agreed on a wide range of issues, Business Day reported, citing people it didn't identify. Fearsome Zimbabwe militias are afraid Delayed Zimbabwe Power-Sharing Talks Seen Beginning Thursday Publ.Date : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:23:06 GMT Karadzic lived the good life with wine, song - Reuters
Reuters - By Ivana Sekularac BELGRADE (Reuters) - Radovan Karadzic lived the good life while hiding from justice for 11 years: he watched his diet, fell in love and hung out in a small bar where hardliners gathered to sing about his wartime exploits. Video: Karadzic's arrest sparks clashes - 23 Jul 08 Karadzic's secret life enthralls his fellow Serbs Publ.Date : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 04:05:33 GMT Christian Bale's lady sidekick: Sibi Bale - Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times - Like the Dark Knight/Bruce Wayne, Christian Bale is a real-life man of mystery. Averse to personal publicity, he is well-known for not wanting to discuss his private life. Christian Bale, Wife "Solid" at Knight's Spain Premiere Bale's family feud led to scuffle Publ.Date : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 02:10:31 GMT Rapper 50 Cent sues Taco Bell over ad - New York Daily News
New York Daily News - BY THOMAS ZAMBITO The rapper - real name Curtis Jackson - is suing the fast-food chain for using his hip-hop persona to tout its tacos. 50 Cent sues Taco Bell over ad campaign Rapper 50 Cent says Taco Bell stole his endorsement Publ.Date : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:15:09 GMT Billionaires Back Antismoking Effort - New York Times
New York Times - Bill Gates and New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg announced their antismoking initiative on Wednesday in New York. By DONALD G. MCNEIL JR Bill Gates and Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg announced on Wednesday that they would spend $500 million to stop ... Video: Gates, Bloomberg Pool Riches to Fight Smoking The $500 million war on smoking Publ.Date : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:23:48 GMT Discovery may boost statin safety - BBC News
BBC News - Scientists have pinpointed a gene mutation as a major cause of a rare side effect of the cholesterol-lowering drugs statins. They hope the discovery could lead to a simple test to identify patients at increased risk of myopathy - severe muscle pain and ... Gene May Predict Cholesterol-Lowering Drug Risk, Study Says Genetic Cause of Statin-Related Muscle Pain Found Publ.Date : Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:14:24 GMT Favre's heir? With backing from mates, Rodgers waits patiently - USA Today
USA Today - By Matt Ludtke, AP By Larry Weisman, USA TODAY He no longer sounds like a retired player after seemingly passing on the opportunity to lead a talent-laden Packers squad. Video: The Rift Between Favre and the Packers Finding new home for Brett Favre won't be easy Publ.Date : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 02:06:18 GMT Increase Online Traffic |
PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts,
Websites, and more... Before I talk about one of the most productive and... Read More In an earlier article we looked at how repetitions contribute... Read More The aim for beginners to weight training must be to... Read More Visualization can play an important part in gaining weight and... Read More The aim for beginners to weight training must be to... Read More "A six-week cycle's gonna cost ya $170, lady -- you... Read More By now you've made significant progress in your bodybuilding career.... Read More The foolish idea that 'more is better' when it comes... Read More There are some major key parts to a successful body... Read More The vast majority of myths about weight gain are mostly... Read More Lets discuss Muscle and Fitness -- The Second Key To... Read More Repetitions are the basic building blocks of any strength or... Read More There are many causes of back pain. Injury, illness, herniated... Read More Dumbbells are integral to a long term fitness and personal... Read More One of the most common fitness questions this time of... Read More It is clear that certain traits are handed down to... Read More As experts says, "NO PAIN, NO GAIN." This specially applies... Read More The Bent-Over Lateral Raise is one of the most common... Read More So the Olympics are almost upon us. While you have... Read More The lower body contains some of your biggest muscles which... Read More I have 'emerged' some subtle bodybuilding techniques that infuse rapid... Read More You can only build muscle tissue if you can generate... Read More Welcome to article number five in our 5-part series "Bodybuilding... Read More Until I started following a routine to eat, my gains... Read More Most people make an excuse that they don't have time... Read More
Adsense
websites
Ab Sculpting Exercise - One Of The Most Productive Exercises For Your Abs That Is Hardly Ever Used
The Importance Of Sets In Your Muscle Building Program
Machine Exercises That Suit Beginners
Muscle Gain Visualization Tips
Barbell Exercises That Suit Beginners
Muscle On The Brain
Moving From Beginner To Intermediate Level Bodybuilding
How These 3 Basic Elements Can Be Used To Boost Your Own Muscle Gains!
Successful Body Building Routine
Weight Gain Myths
Muscle and Fitness -- The Second Key To Successfully Achieving Your Fitness Goals
The Role Of Repetitions In Your Muscle Building Program
The Skinny on Muscle Imbalances - Restoring Order As A Means Of Eliminating Back Pain
The Basics Of Dumbells And Dumbbell Workouts
How To Get A Flat, Toned Stomach
Is Your Muscle Building Potential Limited By Your Genes?
Muscle Building Workout For This Week!
Target: Rear Delts: One Simple Movement and They?ll be on Fire!
Train for the Look You Want
Lower Body Exercises For Beginning Bodybuilders
Muscle-Building Exercises and Growth-Boosters
Increase Your Training Intensity - Partial Repetitions
Bodybuilding Sins That Cause Back Pain and Missed Workouts: Part 5
A Very Simple Program Anybody Can Follow To Gain MASS
Muscle Building Workouts at Home!
Affordable and Reliable Web Hosting Starting at $4.49/Month
Bodybuilding Benefits - The Price for Confidence!
Success came to me at an early age. However, it... Read More
Weight Lifting 101
WHY WEIGHT LIFTING?What's the one thing that you can do... Read More
Bodybuilding Sins That Cause Back Pain and Missed Workouts: Part 2
Welcome to article number 2 in our series "Bodybuilding Sins... Read More
Scientific Principles For Effective Muscle Gain
It's an unfortunate reality that throughout the years there has... Read More
Exercise The Right Way - The Lat Pulldown
Other articles in this series looked at a number of... Read More
Train for the Look You Want
So the Olympics are almost upon us. While you have... Read More
7 Surefire Strategies For Fat Loss!
1. Weight Training. Building lean body mass (muscle) will speed... Read More
Whats Your Body Type?
Yep, there are more than ones body types. I'm sure... Read More
Exercise The Right Way - Dumbbell Lunges
Other articles in this series looked at a number of... Read More
The Skinny on Muscle Imbalances - Restoring Order As A Means Of Eliminating Back Pain
There are many causes of back pain. Injury, illness, herniated... Read More
How To Get Incredible Gains If You Aren?t Getting Them Already... And... How To Get Them Fast!
The key to rapid muscle growth, is to perform all... Read More
Dumbbell Workouts - A Smart Way To Exercise
Dumbbell workouts have been around for many years, especially as... Read More
Strong To The Core of Your Being - The Benefits Of Core Training
If you were to ask me which muscle group in... Read More
BMI Calculator Results
BMI, Body Mass Index, is the most popular and simple... Read More
The Anabolic Evolution of Modern Bodybuilding
Since the early days of physical culture, modern man has... Read More
Secret Training Tip #242 - Be 10% Stronger in Leg Curls Instantly!
This is a trick to be done on a leg... Read More
Dorian Yates Secret: What Lean People Are Doing To Get That Way
A consensus has arisen within the bodybuilding world over the... Read More
But I Dont Want Muscles! Part 1: What Muscle is, and how to Build (or Avoid) It
One of the common comments I hear from my female... Read More
Do Electric Ab Stimulators Really Work?
Electronic muscle stimulators are the latest craze, the hottest fad...... Read More
Gain Weight Fast With These Ten Powerful Tips! Part -2
By the time you finish reading this you will have... Read More
Muscle On The Brain
"A six-week cycle's gonna cost ya $170, lady -- you... Read More
Questioning Proper Abdominal Training
Q: I've heard you mention that you don't need tons... Read More
Debunking the Top Ab Myths
Ab training has been done to death but it's time... Read More
Exercise The Right Way - The Leg Extension
Other articles in this series looked at a number of... Read More
Know Your Muscle Building Exercises - The Chest
Every bodybuilder and weight trainer will have his or her... Read More
Muscle Building & Bodybuilding |