The quintessential approach any bodybuilder can take when devising a plan to improve their body is to recognize and reiterate the importance of hormone control. Quite possibly just as important as the act of training itself is the ability to employ strategies within your program to allow for fluctuations of certain hormones to occur. Once that happens, taking full advantage of the powers that accompany those increasing levels will put you on a whole new level of size and strength gains.
There are four main hormones that bodybuilders tend to focus on. They are: testosterone, growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor and cortisol. For the purposes of this article, I’m going to give a summary of what each one is, how it works and what supplements you can use to optimize and effectively manipulate their efficacy.
Testosterone
This is the hormone that gives men their masculine features and is responsible for things like overall musculature, strong bone density, deepening of the voice and all that unwanted body hair bodybuilders have to take the time to remove. Produced at an average rate of 3-7mgs a day, testosterone is one of the most powerful anabolic hormones that exist. High testosterone levels have been linked to some forms of aggression as well, which is not really a bad thing as aggression could be the catalyst to a great workout. The key to manipulating this powerful hormone, which plays a very important role in protein synthesis, is to train heavy with compound exercises. The exertion needed to complete these types of lifts will stimulate the Leydig cells to pump out more testosterone and keep levels elevated for an extended period of time.
Growth Hormone
Bodybuilding is about breaking down tissue so that new tissue can be made. No other hormone is better at making new tissue than GH. With GH having effects on anabolism that are second to none, being able to increase naturally occurring levels and sustain that effect will ultimately garner new muscle gains in the end. Produced in the anterior pituitary gland and controlled by somatotroph cells, GH is not just responsible for new muscle tissue but also skeletal development. Again, employing heavy, basic lifts into your program will stimulate more release of this hormone as well as getting in a good night’s sleep will have GH levels soaring sky high.
IGF
Insulin-like growth factors are peptides secreted by many different cells and come as a pair. IGF-1 is important for the regulation of normal physiology and a number of pathological states. The IGF axis has been shown to play roles in the promotion of cell proliferation and the prevention of cell death. IGF-2 is thought to be a primary growth factor required for early development while IGF-1 is required for achieving maximal growth. Also, insulin-like growth factors compliment the processes of growth hormone in the body so training in the Max-OT principles will allow for IGF 1 and 2 to follow suit in their respective roles.
Cortisol
Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands that is released in response to stress put upon the body. It is the body’s main anti-stress hormone and helps to equalize stress levels and keep them from soaring. It is also responsible in metabolizing fats, carbs and proteins, helping blood sugar levels rise through gluconeogenisis. Controlling this hormone may be the missing link in your training endeavours.
Supplement to Compliment
AST Sports Science has researched and developed the finest supplements the industry has to offer, and that’s because they have been paying attention to the science of training and the practical experiences of hard working bodybuilders. It’s understood that there needs to be a supplement to coincide with what educated bodybuilders are trying to accomplish when manipulating naturally occurring hormones. Using any and all of the following supplements will compliment your efforts when trying to effectively employ strategies to elevate or keep to a minimum any of the four hormones I have presented to you above.
Understanding that you naturally possess everything you need to grow bigger and stronger is a powerful concept. All the necessary tools are there. Couple this thought with a sound training program and diet and you have the blueprint for success….almost. Supplementing with the AST Sports Science products I’ve mentioned in this article will really put you on a whole new playing field and ahead of those people who aren’t making use of sports supplementation at its finest. Create an internal anabolic environment conducive to growth, sit back (well not really) and enjoy the ride!
