A high intensity workout leads to increases in both Testosterone and Cortisol. Testosterone is an anabolic hormone, which increases protein synthesis, whereas cortisol is a catabolic hormone that inhibits protein synthesis. For this reason, researchers have hypothesized, tested and shown that the ratio between these two hormones affects performance and adaptations of high intensity workout routines, such as a CrossFit® sessions and weight lifting sessions.

With this product you will receive 6 vials, yielding 12 laboratory analyses (cortisol and testosterone). Saliva sampling is done immediately before exercise session, immediately post-session, and finally 60 minutes post-session, using a non-invasive cotton swab that you discretely keep in your mouth for 60 seconds. The main parameter of interest is the ratio between the two hormones (T/C).

The 6 vials are to be used for two separate sessions, to allow for an intra-individual comparison of the factors of choice. We recommend investigating the one of the following parameters.

• Time of day (one pack done in the morning and one in the evening the following week)
• Diet. For instance, if you follow a typical Western diet, take test and then compare with a second testing after one week of going plant-based ("vegan").
• Exercise intensity. For instance, bodybuilders may be interested in tweaking weight, sets, repetitions and duration of time between sets. 

You will have to complete a questionnaire to provide us information about the change(s) done between the kits.