Natural Testosterone Boosters – The Holy Grail of Weight Training

In May 2007 the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, the professional publication of the US National Strength and Conditioning Association, published the results of a study of Tribulus terrestris supplementation in elite rugby players. It didn’t work. No strength or performance gains were seen and the negative results were similar to several other studies of this herbal product. Tribulus has been around for quite a while and is supposed to enhance testosterone and therefore strength and body size. It seems to be widely used by hopeful bodybuilders.

You can read more about Tribulus at About Alternative Medicine.

In another study in the same journal, the synthetic testosterone enanthate, a well established anabolic steroid hormone, did provide muscle bulk and performance gains for sprint cyclists in as little as three weeks. Now here’s the interesting thing : this supplementation did not show up in a standard anti-doping blood test similar to what a professional athlete would have to undergo in drug testing as established by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Testosterone enanthate is a banned product under WADA.

The question that occurs to me is how many elite athletes – no names please! -- have been caught after attempting this covert testosterone boost that wasn't disguised as expected?

So what can one do to maximize the natural production of anabolic hormones that we all possess? Don’t expect miracles, but there are things you can do optimize your hormonal profile for strength and muscle building.

• Build Muscle by Manipulating Hormones