How Does Aerobic Exercise Affect Growth Hormones?

Growth hormone is produced, stored, and secreted in the pituitary gland. It is responsible for stimulating growth and for cell production, regeneration, and regeneration. Growth hormone plays a role in building muscle, burning fat, and promoting general health and vitality. Used as a prescription drug to treat growth disorders in children as well as growth hormone deficiency in adults, growth hormones are also taken by athletes as anabolic agents to build muscle, gain strength, and increase speed.

High-Intensity Intervals

According to the book "Ready, Set, Go! Synergy Fitness," high-intensity exercise like running or cycling can increase growth hormone production by up to 530 percent after just 30 seconds of all-out exertion. The research cited in the book was published in the "Journal of Sports Sciences" in 2002. The study, performed by researchers at Loughborough University in the UK, looked at intervals of six seconds and thirty seconds. The intervals of high-intensity effort raised growth hormone levels for up to 120 minutes after exercise was concluded. The six-second high-intensity exercise raised growth hormone levels for only 60 minutes after exercise was concluded. The author of the book "Ready, Set, Go! Synergy Fitness" recommends a workout that involves eight cycles of progressively-intense sprints with two-minute walks in between to recover. Called the "Sprint 8," this workout offers the most benefits regarding maximum growth hormone production.

Moderate Aerobic Activity

Research published in 2003 by Brunel University shows that low- to moderate-intensity endurance training decreases resting human growth hormone production and exercise-induced growth hormone response in athletes. While moderate-intensity aerobic activity may be beneficial for cardiovascular health and wellness, evidence suggests that high-intensity exercise is required to increase levels of growth hormone production.

Benefits

The Mayo Clinic says there are at least ten benefits to regular aerobic activity, including weight loss and management, increased stamina, improved immunity, reduced health risks, improved heart health, mood elevation, chronic condition management, healthier arteries and increased independence and longer life for the elderly. Regular high-intensity exercise and its resulting increased growth hormone production is associated with improved well-being, improved health, improved speed and performance, decreased body fat and increased muscle tone.

Caution

Do not begin a new exercise program without first discussing it with your health care provider, particularly if you suffer from any health concerns. If, during exercise, you feel faint, dizzy, or nauseous, discontinue the exercise immediately and seek medical attention.