Your Cart is Empty
A few weeks ago, my brother competed in his first ever powerlifting meet.
You can watch some of his lifting highlights here:
The event was an amazing experience.
While I am not necessarily a powerlifter, the energy at that event motivated me to want to compete in it at least once.
And it makes sense if you understand the connection between competition, testosterone, and motivation for men.
In this post we are going to explore the acute effects of testosterone production and competition. While these effects are acute spikes, surrounding yourself in a competitive environments is very healthy for testosterone production.
Without further ado, let's dive in!
As we mentioned in a previous post, healthy competition can actually improve testosterone levels. From a psychological perspective, competition is in our nature as men.
If you have a little sibling or son/daughter, you know how good it feels to go all out and completely dunk on the little guy or gal... or to beat them at Mario Kart.
No mercy.
Jokes aside, let's get into some of the studies done on competition and testosterone levels.
Our sex hormones are tied to our social behavior. This is very important to understand, as we adapt to changes in our environment (neuroplasticity).
We can explore this further in various ways by looking at Game Theory.
In a systematic review done on Combat Sport competitors, it was found that testosterone levels were elevated prior to the event. The kicker of this review was that these increases in testosterone prior to competition were only found in men. There was no response with women.
From this study we can gather that there is a difference between men and women with testosterone production.
There have been a plethora of studies done on humans and animals alike that measure competition and testosterone levels. In fact, the acute increases in testosterone also increase the motivation to compete as well.
Competition not only applies to sports.
When it comes to social status between the sexes, men will encounter a boost in testosterone when they believe they're a winner.
According to one study, it was found that men only have to believe they've bested another man in a competition to attract a woman to get a testosterone boost.
And with that boost, men will feel confident enough to approach other women.
Game Theory, baby.
Believe it or not, we can take this further with clothing and social status. When people purchase apparel from high-end companies like Burberry, it is also a status signal to other men and women alike. This means that apparel can even be used to attract others to you, making you feel like a winner.
Once you see this, you can't unsee it.
To summarize, here are a few things to consider with competition and testosterone levels:
Lastly, remember that competition is everywhere, even if you don't see it.
Go out there and be a winner.
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to email us at support@reforgedperformance.com or contact us via Instagram. I feel that there is a lot to cover with this that goes beyond testosterone production, so if you want me to cover more of this, I will!
Until next time, Reforged Warrior.
When it comes to building impressive arms, the triceps often steal the show.
Not only do they make up a significant portion of your upper arm mass, but strong triceps also enhance your overall pressing power.
In this blog, we’ll dive into five of the most effective triceps exercises that can help you build strength, improve muscle definition, and achieve balanced arm development.
Whether you're aiming to bulk up or just add some extra detail to your arms, these exercises will set you on the right path.
Let's dive in!
Building impressive biceps is a common goal for many fitness enthusiasts, but with countless exercises out there, it's tough to know which ones are truly effective.
In this blog, we'll break down the five best exercises for targeting your biceps, explaining why each one works and providing tips to maximize your gains.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned lifter, these exercises will help you sculpt stronger, more defined arms.
Let's dive in!
When it comes to building a strong and balanced lower body, the hamstrings are often the unsung heroes.
These muscles play a crucial role in various movements, from running and jumping to lifting and bending.
Despite their importance, hamstring training can sometimes be overlooked or misunderstood.
This guide aims to shed light on the anatomy and function of the hamstrings, provide effective training strategies, and highlight the top exercises to help you maximize your hamstring development.
Whether you're experienced or just starting your fitness journey, understanding how to properly train your hamstrings can enhance your overall strength, performance, and injury prevention.
Let's dive into the best exercises and tips to make your hamstring workouts more effective and efficient.