We know the effect that testosterone has as being the greatest hormonal driver of muscle growth and fat loss in men, which is why so many pro bodybuilders and athletes take anabolic steroids.

But what happens to our test levels when our body fat rises?

Testosterone is converted to the female hormone estrogen inside of fat tissues, so the higher amount of body fat you carry, the higher rate of this conversion. Not only is this making you “less of a man”, but it's ultimately making it much harder for you to build muscle and burn fat.

This is the exact reason why any time we are focusing on building muscle, or going through a “bulk”, our number one focus and concern must be on controlling body fat levels.

Too often we use the idea of bulking, or trying to grow muscle as an excuse to get lazy on our diets, allow ourselves to add layers of body fat, and avoid any type of cardio or conditioning work.

Managing insulin levels, controlling nutrient partitioning, reducing inflammation, and avoiding fat cell hyperplasia are a handful of the other reasons why you want to stay away from “dirty bulks” and focus on building lean mass, without adding body fat.

>>> Learn how to build lean muscle mass with 3-Phase Nutrition and the Precision Hypertrophy Principles (PHP)

Stay Strong,

Chris Wilson
Head Strength Coach
@ CriticalBench.com