DeKALB | Workout buffs may want to consider the findings of a new study showing men who train too intensely run the risk of a temporary decrease in fertility.

According to the International Journal of Sports Medicine, 16 healthy young men with an average age of 19 were chosen for the study and assigned to one of two groups. While men in the first group were instructed to completely avoid any form of physical exercise, men in the second group were instructed to exhaust themselves on an exercise bike four times a week for two weeks.

Heat that builds up around the testicles during vigorous exercise has been linked to reduced sperm count numbers in men. Researchers performed sperm and hormone tests on all participants before and after the study to examine the effects exercise may have on male reproduction factors.

“One thing to take into consideration is that this study was done over a course of only two weeks,” said kinesiology instructor Karen Hand. “But that’s understandable. Most people, including researchers, wouldn’t want to risk overtraining.”

Participants who steered clear of the intense cycle activity demonstrated no changes in sperm or hormone levels over the two-week period. However, those who were assigned cycle time experienced a decline in both. Although their levels returned to near-normal a few days after the study, researchers say these findings raise issues about the impact of intense exercise on male fertility.

Hand questioned why the study was performed only on healthy 19-year-olds and excluded older males from participation. She said a longer study involving a greater variation in workout length and intensity may have yielded more relevant results.

Researchers took into account the young and healthy status of the study’s participants, which rose speculation that the effects of exercise on fertility could be stronger and last longer in older men.

“The bottom line is that any good thing in excess no longer becomes a good thing,” Hand said. “Exercise is good, but anything at a level that high can have detrimental effects.”

Rod Caughron, director of graduate studies and sports management, agreed with Hand’s views.

“While intensity is important in a workout, so is the amount of rest one gets in between workouts,” he said.

“I work out about three to four times a week, and twice a week I do personal training with ROTC,” said junior nursing major Joey Emanuelson. “Life is all about balance. People need to understand that if you don’t do things in moderation, it’s going to affect you both physically and mentally.”