One simple way to gauge testosterone status in males is often referred to as the “morning wood” test. If you’re not waking up under a tent first thing in the morning, your testosterone levels may not be optimal.

Of course, this isn’t a foolproof measure. Your sleep cycle can affect it. Testosterone spikes during REM sleep, and since you spend more time in REM during the latter part of the night, morning erections are common — but not guaranteed.

A better indicator of low testosterone is a loss of libido or erectile dysfunction. In fact, these are classic signs of overtraining (see page 102 of The Elite Trainer).

According to strength coach Mike Mahler, there’s another simple test: Are you able to perform sexually right after a workout?

→ If the answer is yes, your training is likely in check. You’re stimulating your body without depleting it hormonally.

→ If the answer is no, it might be time to scale back. Cut your sets in half, leave some fuel in the tank, and avoid crawling out of the gym after every session.

As eight-time Mr. Olympia Lee Haney once said:

Exercise to stimulate, not to annihilate. The world wasn’t formed in a day, and neither were we. Set small goals and build upon them.

Great advice — in the gym and in life!