Blood Lipid and Hormonal Changes From Jogging and Weight Training of Middle-Aged Men

Abstract

Resistive training effects on cardiovascular function, serum lipids, and hormone levels are not well understood, thus the results of 12 weeks of weight training or jogging on body composition, time to target heart rate (THR), strength, power, total cholesterol, HDL-C, TC/HDL-C, testosterone, dihydrostestosterone, estradiol, LH, and FSH were studied. Male volunteers (X = 44 years) were assigned to weight training (N = 9), jogging (N = 11), or control (N = 13) groups. The THR was determined during progressive loading on a cycle ergometer. Body composition was estimated hydrostatically. Performance variables measured were the half-squat, bench press, and vertical jump. Blood lipids were measured using standard techniques, and hormones were assayed by RIA. Both experimental groups increased lean body mass and decreased fat weight with no change in body weight. Weight trainers and joggers increased time to THR at 6 weeks compared to controls, with joggers being superior to both other groups at 12 weeks. Strength and power measures increased in weight trainers compared to the other groups. Serum HDL-C increased and TC/HDL-C decreased in both experimental groups compared to controls. Estradiol decreased in weight trainers and FSH decreased in joggers. These results suggest that both jogging and weight training may produce desirable changes in physical fitness and health.