Exercise and its effect on hormones

I recently read that girls who exercise in their teens end up having manly features later on, such as a wider waist, narrow hips, etc. due to the production of testosterone related to weight training. Is this true? I am 16 and do weight training. I lift very heavy weights for my glutes, but for everything else, I do light weights, many repetitions (15-20 usually)

I read in a separate article that cardio does the opposite; it decreases the production of testosterone. Is THAT true?

I'm sorry for the unusual questions, but I'm just curious, as I haven't really heard of this before and was wondering how training at my age would affect the physical appearance of my body later on. Thank you in advance.

Shaye Says:

Hi there,

I started training with heavy weights when I was 15 years old... Which I think is the earliest you should start. When I was doing the weights I toned up a lot and got a narrower waist and flatter chest from all the body fat that I lost... But it was a sporty and toned look which is very popular and I liked it a lot.

There shouldn't be any permanent changes to your body from doing heavy weights. Once you stop exercising - any muscles you have developed will slowly disappear. You don't need to worry about getting manly features later on in life!

Exercise is healthy - so go for it! Do a mixture of heavy weights and cardio - it's all good for you!

Hope that this helps! If you have any other questions - just ask!

Bye for now,
Shaye