Within the athletic circles, testosterone has been associated with improved athletic and physical performance, especially in men. These theories have emerged because of the vital role it plays in the development of muscles, bone density, as well as level of energy.
However, although it is an essential component in boosting physical health, there are a lot of testosterone myths that have been making rounds in these circles as well, one of them being that testosterone guarantees better athletic performance.
In this article, we debunk this myth with a comprehensive assessment of the relationship between testosterone and athletic performance.
It is an undeniable fact that testosterone does impact the physical health of a person, which in turn has an impact on their athletic performance. But where does this relationship emerge from? In this section, we explore just that.
Testosterone plays a vital role in a range of developmental functions of the body including the following, which is why it is also associated with improved performance in athletics.
Based on the information above, it is easy to assume how the myth that testosterone equals better performance got started. Evidence of this hormone impacting the overall physical health fuels this myth since testosterone is known for helping in building muscle which helps in improving athletic performance. As a result of these claims, several athletes have also been known to consume synthetic versions of testosterone for enhanced performance despite it being illegal to consume any steroids or performance-enhancing drugs.
Nevertheless, it is essential to understand that this theory is simply a myth, because the impact of natural testosterone is often not properly understood and quite exaggerated in people’s minds. This gives way to the rise and propagation of baseless myths such as this one. In reality, natural testosterone which is produced in an athlete’s body, has much less impact on their athletic performance than hyped. Here’s the reality of the situation:
One of the key reasons behind the promulgation of this myth is that people believe that muscle mass directly impacts athletic performance of a person. However, although muscle mass does play a role in impacting athletic performance, and it is impacted by testosterone, it is not the only factor that impacts performance.
Factors like endurance, focus, body coordination, and agility during gameplay play a pivotal role in boosting athletic performance, and these are not impacted by testosterone. Higher testosterone does not mean higher mental ability, agility, coordination or endurance, thereby, it is just a small portion of the reason behind exceptional athletic performance.
Apart from these attributes, cardiovascular health of a person also plays an essential role in impacting athletic performance. An athlete with greater cardiovascular fitness will have greater energy and endurance, and will last longer in a sport without losing sustenance power.
Although testosterone helps in boosting red cell production, factors such as the health and capacity of lungs, the efficiency of muscles to absorb the oxygen play a vital role in this as well. As such, while someone with higher testosterone can have more red blood cells to carry the oxygen throughout the body, inadequate lung capacity or muscle inefficiency can negate the impact.
While many fail to understand the impact of testosterone fully, it is essential to understand the harmful impact it can have on one’s health. For instance, an athlete who consumes synthetic testosterone can experience hormonal imbalance that can impact their energy levels and health.
Moreover, those with extremely big and bulky muscles due to testosterone overload can experience higher strain on the tendons and ligaments, increasing one’s risk of injury. By increasing the level of energy in a person, testosterone also poses the danger of excessive training, which puts additional strain on the body, leading to failure during the actual game.
Testosterone is a critical hormone that regulates many bodily functions including developmental processes. However, the endangering theory that higher amounts of it directly amounts to improved athletic performance need to be understood for what they really are-myths. This is vital for ensuring that athletes do not fall into the trap of consuming artificial testosterone in the hopes of boosting performance, and in the process cause severe long-term health issues for themselves.
When occurring in natural amounts, testosterone is exceptionally helpful, and athletes must focus on boosting performance through a disciplined training schedule, proper nutrition, and focus.
