Check out Cam Jones testing out Andrew Huberman’s protocols for increasing testosterone in 30 days. See the results and the before/after in the following paragraphs.
The Goal Guys are two brothers (Brendan and Cam Jones) with a YouTube channel with more than 400,000 subscribers. They share videos in which they take on “different goals in fitness and productivity.”
In a previous task he put on himself, Cam Jones made a startling discovery—his testosterone levels were very low. High testosterone is regarded as the holy grail of strength, resilience, and competitive drive. On the flip side, low testosterone might find themselves in the company of weight gain, depression, a lack of sex drive in the bedroom, and the infamous erectile dysfunction.
According to Cam, after hitting the milestone of 30 years old, testosterone levels take a nosedive, plummeting by an average of 1% each year. And guess who just hit that big 3-0? None other than Cam Jones himself. To get back in the T-game, he’s gearing up for some drastic changes by diving into some protocols from the Huberman Lab podcast for the next 30 days.
Andrew Huberman, Ph.D., is a neuroscientist and tenured Professor in the Department of Neurobiology at the Stanford University School of Medicine. He has a YouTube channel named Huberman Lab with over 3 million subscribers where he talks everything about the brain and, often enough, how to improve one’s health and fitness with it.
Huberman is regarded as a pool of knowledge when it comes to improving one’s health and fitness. We covered a lengthy discussion he had on his podcast regarding how to reach your fitness goals using science (check the link below).
Science-Based Tools to Accelerate Your Fitness Goals
Testing Andrew Huberman’s Protocols for Increasing Testosterone in 30 Days – Does it Work?
First on the list from Huberman that Cam is taking into account is proper breathing—nose breathing, to be precise. Allegedly, it’s the golden ticket to hormonal harmony. Bright light exposure is next in line. Soaking up some rays early in the day is on the agenda. And let’s not forget the essentials: zinc, magnesium, and D3, whether from food or supplements, are on the menu.
Competing is key. Just being in the game can spike testosterone. After that, Cam’s doing 6 sets of 10 reps with a 120-second rest in between. Cam showed in a video doing lunges with dumbbells. And even if you need to lighten the weight for the next set, it still is not easy to finish.
Day one hits, and it’s humbling. Looking back on the footage, Cam’s body language revealed deflation, defeat, and low testosterone vibes all around. So Cam decides to up his competition drive, challenge his brother to a one-on-one basketball again and wage $1,000 if Cam loses.
As he digs into the challenge, surprising facts about his testosterone levels emerge. In the below-average club for his age, and if he were 88, he’d still be hanging in the 70th to 80th percentile. A wake-up call. Why is this happening? Is it his lifestyle? His habits? The mystery deepens.
Training intensifies, incorporating bright light, disciplined protocols, and, of course, the dreaded pull-ups. Brendan, his brother, is along for the ride—a pull-up maestro, while Cam is just trying to keep up.
But here’s the twist. It’s not just physical. Testosterone isn’t just about sets and reps; it’s about mindset. Struggle, self-doubt, lazy days, and setbacks—it’s a rollercoaster, but Cam presses on.
Related: 10 Worst Testosterone Killers You Must Avoid!
Fast forward to the big game. A grand on the line, battling not just his brother but his own doubts. The pain sets in, his thumb protests, and he’s tempted to let up. But with a thousand bucks hanging in the balance, he refocuses—one possession at a time, one rep at a time.
And you know what? It works. The effort, the struggle—it feels good. Cam pushed himself harder than ever, and it paid off – he won against his brother and kept the $1,000. With the final challenge behind him, it’s time for the moment of truth—did he boost his testosterone by adhering to Adnrew Huberman’s testosterone protocols?
Yes! Day one to day 30, just shy of the 50th percentile (before he was below the 90th percentile). He went from 2.83 to 3.51 ng/mL.
If you want to see the entire journey of Cam Jones to get to average testosterone levels, watch the video below.
7 Testosterone-Boosting Exercises You Should Add To Your Training
Discover More
Low testosterone levels can wreak havoc on both physical and emotional well-being. Here’s a breakdown of the detrimental effects associated with low testosterone:
- Reduced Muscle Mass and Strength:
- Testosterone is a linchpin for building and sustaining muscle mass and strength.
- Low testosterone levels can result in muscle loss and weakness.
- Decreased Bone Density:
- Testosterone is crucial for maintaining optimal bone density.
- Low levels can lead to reduced bone density and an elevated risk of fractures.
- Erectile Dysfunction:
- Testosterone is a key player in male sexual function.
- Inadequate levels can contribute to erectile dysfunction and diminished libido.
- Mood Changes:
- Testosterone has a substantial impact on mood and emotional well-being.
- Low levels may trigger depression, irritability, and fatigue.
- Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Disease:
- Testosterone plays a vital role in cardiovascular health.
- Low levels have been linked to a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease.
If you’re grappling with symptoms of low testosterone, such as fatigue, diminished muscle mass, libido issues, or mood fluctuations, consulting your healthcare provider is crucial. Identifying the root cause and exploring viable treatment options can pave the way for a healthier you.
Explore Further:
Now, let’s delve into a fundamental principle that can amplify your fitness journey:
Progressive Overload: Elevating Your Exercise Game
Progressive overload stands as a cornerstone principle in exercise training, involving a gradual increase in stress on the body during workouts over time. The underlying idea is simple yet potent: to enhance fitness and strength, challenge your body by steadily upping the weight, repetitions, or sets you engage in during exercises.
Whether you’re pumping iron, hitting the pavement for a run, or delving into bodyweight exercises like push-ups, the principle holds. By systematically intensifying the load on your muscles, you prompt them to adapt, fostering improved strength and endurance.
Caution is paramount, though. Progress gradually and thoughtfully, allowing your body the necessary recovery time between sessions. Swift increases in weight or intensity can lead to injury or burnout. A well-structured exercise program, mindful of the progressive overload principle, becomes a potent ally in your pursuit of fitness goals.
Dive Deeper:
- 12 Must-Have Exercises In Your Training Program
- Differences Between Training for Size and Training for Strength
Switching gears to the nutritional realm, let’s explore key factors integral to successful weight loss:
Essential Nutritional Factors for Effective Weight Loss
- Caloric Deficit:
- Consume fewer calories than you burn to achieve weight loss.
- Blend reduced caloric intake with increased physical activity.
- Macronutrient Balance:
- Maintain a balanced intake of carbohydrates, protein, and fat.
- Moderate protein aids in satiety and muscle retention, while healthy fats and complex carbs offer sustained energy.
- Fiber:
- Prioritize high-fibre foods like fruits, veggies, and whole grains.
- Aim for 25-30 grams of fibre daily for enhanced fullness.
- Hydration:
- Stay hydrated to support overall health and curb cravings.
- Aim for at least 8 cups of water daily.
- Avoiding Processed Foods:
- Steer clear of calorie-laden, unhealthy processed foods.
- Opt for whole, minimally processed foods for better nutrition.
Embarking on a weight loss journey demands consistency, patience, and persistence. Prioritise these nutritional factors for a sustainable, healthy diet aligning with your weight loss goals.