Have you always viewed Viagra as only an erectile dysfunction (ED) drug? Well, that’s going to change now because Viagra has lots of other uses—and that includes benefits in sports and weightlifting.
This article will explain the possible link between Viagra and weight lifting. You will learn why Viagra can be an excellent performance-booster drug when it comes to the gym.
The Science Behind Viagra and Building Muscle
Weightlifters want to build muscle mass and are often concerned about their muscular health. They need to keep their muscles in tip-top shape despite the fatigue it undergoes when lifting heavyweights. Muscle recovery is essential for them to achieve their desired muscular physique.
Viagra is a promising drug that can help weightlifters achieve their strength training goals. Here are the reasons why:
#1 It Improves Blood Circulation
Viagra is pharmacologically classified as a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) Inhibitor. Drugs of this kind often work by increasing blood flow to all body parts, including the muscles (1).
Viagra also boosts the production of a natural vasodilator called nitric oxide. This substance widens the blood vessels and allows more blood to be pumped to the various muscles and body parts.
Increased blood flow to the muscles improves the supply of nourishing oxygen and nutrients. This means that the muscles can function and develop better, which is a plus for weightlifters.
#2 It Stops Muscle Fatigue
Viagra can help stop muscle tiredness and improve protein synthesis for muscular repair and development. This was a finding seen in a short-term study conducted in 2013 (2).
Men who participated in the study were divided into two groups. The first group received Viagra 25mg/day, once a day for six days. The second group was given a placebo. Both groups were tested for muscular components and performance before and after the 6-day medication period.
The results showed that men who took Viagra had less muscle fatigue and had higher levels of muscular protein compared to the men who received only the placebo.
This shows that Viagra can stimulate an increase in muscle protein synthesis, improving muscle growth and recovery while reducing fatigue.
#3 It Boosts Testosterone Levels
Testosterone is the male sex hormone that promotes the development of reproductive organs. It also improves secondary sexual characteristics such as the growth of body hair and the development of muscle.
In a 2013 study, Viagra increased the testosterone levels of 140 men aged 40-70 years (3). Viagra stimulated the testes to produce more of the hormone, hence increasing its blood levels and improving its effects on the body.
More testosterone in the body translates to a boost in muscle mass, which is essential for strength training.
#4 It Improves Sensitivity to Insulin
People with high insulin sensitivity regulate their blood sugar levels well. The amount of insulin their body produces significantly interacts with blood sugar and keeps it at a well-modulated level.
High insulin sensitivity replenishes the energy stores in muscles, while low insulin sensitivity can lead to fat accumulation (4) and weak muscle recovery.
Viagra was found to improve insulin sensitivity in a 2015 study done on mice (5). The mice were controlled to become overweight to the point of prediabetes. They were given Viagra (25mg) thrice daily for three months. Some of the mice subjects were given a placebo, as well.
Researchers found out that the mice who received Viagra had better insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control than the mice who received a placebo. The study might be done on mice, but it shows promising results for humans as well.
All the above-mentioned scientific pieces of evidence show that Viagra might indeed be an excellent addition to a weightlifter’s supplementation regimen. More research might be needed to make specific claims, but Viagra’s effects are promising at the moment.
Viagra and Weight Lifting: The Right Dosage to Take
One of the studies mentioned above used a low daily dose of 25mg Viagra to improve muscle protein synthesis and muscle function (6). The exact dosage is yet to be recommended for strength training, but the standard dosage of up to 50mg per day should be fine.
Be careful to avoid overdosing yourself by taking 100 mg or more of the blue pill daily. You might end up experiencing the following side effects (7):
- Skin flushing
- Diarrhea
- Problems with your field of vision
- Issues with color perception
Summing it Up: Viagra is Promising Drug for Strength Training
Viagra has shown significant potential in improving the performance of people who love bulking-up. The blue pill and strength training seems like an incompatible team-up, but there are studies to prove that the ED drug might enhance muscle mass and might be useful for weightlifters.
However, more studies must indeed be done to nod to Viagra as a performance-enhancing drug conclusively. Meanwhile, Viagra’s positive effects on improving circulation and muscle mass encourage weightlifters to give it a try.
Do you still have questions about Viagra and weight lifting? If you do, tell us through the comments section below.