Cortisol: Why It’s Not Your Enemy (also in Bodybuilding)
Cortisol catches a lot of flak in the bodybuilding world. Known as the “stress hormone,” it’s often accused of shredding muscle and piling on fat. But here’s the truth: cortisol isn’t your enemy—it’s a necessary part of the game, and your body needs it to keep pushing forward.
So, what does cortisol do? It’s released by your adrenal glands during stress—like when you’re grinding through a heavy squat session. It pulls energy from stored glucose, fats, and even muscle if it has to, giving you the fuel to power through. It also tames inflammation after a workout, so those microtears in your muscles can heal and grow stronger. Without cortisol, you’d be too wiped out to train hard, and recovery would stall.
The problem starts when cortisol runs wild. Too much stress from overtraining, skipping sleep, or a chaotic schedule can keep levels spiked. That’s when it turns catabolic, eating into your muscle and storing fat—especially around your gut. But that doesn’t mean cortisol itself is evil; it’s just a sign you’re pushing too hard without balance.
You can’t eliminate cortisol (nor should you try—your body would crash without it). Instead, manage it: get enough rest, eat plenty of carbs and protein, and don’t overdo the gym time. Keep it in check, and cortisol becomes a teammate, not a saboteur. It’s all about balance—let it do its job, and it’ll support your gains, not steal them.
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