Resistance Training vs. Testosterone Replacement TherapySimilar to testosterone replacement therapy, resistance exercise increases muscle size and strength. Moreover, resistance exercise actually appears to induce greater strength gains than testosterone replacement therapy.1

The reason why resistance exercise induces greater strength gains is due to the fact that testosterone administration alone results in gains in muscle mass. Resistance exercise induces gains in both muscle mass AND neuromuscular function (neurological connections to muscles). In fact, the main strength gains when beginning a resistance exercise regimen for the first time are mostly due to initial increases in neuromuscular function.1 Unlike testosterone replacement, resistance exercise training has no known side effects as long as injury is avoided.

Here is a side-by-side comparison of the two:

Resistance Exercise

Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Benefits: Benefits:
Increased Muscle Protein Synthesis Increased Muscle Protein Synthesis
Increased Strength Increased Strength
Increased Muscle Mass Increased Muscle Mass
Side Effects: Side Effects:

NONE (As Long As Injury is Avoided)

 

 May Induce or Increase Benign Prostate Hypertrophy
Risk of Increased Hematopoiesis (Causing Unsafe Levels of Red Blood Cells)
Risk of Sleep Apnea

It should be fairly obvious that resistance exercise is highly beneficial. Every man should perform some level of resistance training. However, do not be discouraged with regard to testosterone replacement therapy. If you are a man with low testosterone, testosterone replacement therapy can be safely administered, providing tremendous benefits. Resistance exercise by itself will not necessarily treat low testosterone. Just make sure to compliment testosterone replacement therapy with a resistance exercise program.

EMG Exercise Homepage: Exercise Introduction

References1. Lunenfield B, Gooren LJG, Morales A, Morley JE. Textbook of Men’s Health and Aging. 2nd ed. London, UK 2007.