That said, not all weight-training protocols are as effective at inducing an increase in anabolic hormone levels – suggesting that the increase in anabolic hormone from weight training is dependent on factors associated with training program variables such as exercise intensity and training volume, as well as the type of training equipment used such as free weights or exercise machines. While many studies have investigated the influence of such variables as training intensity and volume on the anabolic hormone response, only recently has the hormonal response to free weights and machine exercise training been compared, showing a considerable difference between these two training modalities.
Anabolic Hormone Levels
Because the apparent discrepancy between free weights and machines on the anabolic hormone response to training had been unexamined, Shaner et al. investigated the effect of a similar free-weight movement (squat) and machine exercise (leg press) on anabolic hormone response. In this study, 10 young men with weight training experience completed six sets of 10 repetitions of squats or leg presses at the same relative intensity one week apart. After each exercise session, blood samples were analyzed for testosterone, GH, and cortisol concentrations. The results of the study by Shaner et al. showed that testosterone levels were considerably higher after performing the squat when compared to the leg press. The authors suggest that this difference may be due to the greater amount of muscle mass recruited during the squat8 that has clearly been shown to be an important factor that enhances testosterone production. In addition, while GH concentrations were elevated after the squat and leg press, the increase was much greater after performing the squat. Because lactate production has been shown to trigger GH secretion10, the authors propose that the larger increase in GH from squatting is also likely due to the greater amount of activated muscle mass, which generates more lactate and triggers more GH release.
Continue reading your story on the app
Continue reading your story in the magazine
Anabolic Steroids: Drug Abuse and Pathology
Informed consent is a keystone concept in clinical medicine as it is practiced in the United States. When a patient acknowledges giving informed consent, it means that he/ she understands the purpose of the proposed treatment e.g., surgery or medicine) as well as the potential risks that are known to be associated with the treatment.
Arnold Strongman Classic
Testing the Limits of Strength and Power for 20 Years!
'Arnold Era' Diet
It was during the 1970s that bodybuilders began to learn more about nutrition. In part, it is thanks to Arnold as he set the standard so high that natural ability would no longer account for success.
MEATHEAD Is the New MENSA
Bodybuilders aren’t known for their brains. We are known for our bulging muscles, low body fat and making loud noises in the gym while lifting heavy-ass weight.
Dr.T's TRANS FORM ATION
Get in the Best Shape of Your Life at Any Age!
THE STARS OF 2023
WHOTO WATCH THIS CONTEST SEASON
JIM LORIMER: THE PASSING OF AN ICON
On Thanksgiving Day of 2022, we lost the man who made the Arnold Classic possible, Jim Lorimer, at the age of 96.
THE ARNOLD CLASSIC FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO A WORLD-CLASS EVENT
Once upon a time, the bodybuilding universe was much smaller and simpler. There were literally only a few pros in the world, and only one contest for them to compete in every year the Mr. Olympia.
DEREK LUNSFORD
FROM 2l2 CHAMP TO MR. OLYMPIA RUNNER-UP IN ONE YEAR!
DEEPEN YOUR DELTOIDS WITH ARNOLD PRESSES
For centuries, shoulder strength and size have defined a man is really made of. In past eras, the test of a person's strength could be evaluated by the amount of weight that could be lifted overhead.
TV star Shane promises 'big laughs' at panto
FAMILIAR FACE HEADS UP 'FANTASTIC COMPANY' FOR SLEEPING BEAUTY
‘The kids really like my new man – he's what I've been looking for'
Loose Women star Coleen Nolan opens up about finding love in her fifties and rediscovering the joy of sex
Shane's a happy camper
HE BUYS FLASH £90K VAN FOR PANTO KIPS
SLAMBACK '37
SOUTHERN ROD & CUSTOM BUILT ONE SERIOUSLY SMOOTH STREET ROD...
Times are TOUGH
It seems like these stars haven’t been off our screens this year – but, just like the rest of us, the global pandemic has hit their bank balances
‘NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS DID I THINK I'D BE IN THE FINAL TWO'
THE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT FOR JORDAN NORTH FOLLOWING HIS METEORIC RISE IN POPULARITY SINCE ENTERING THE CASTLE
PEOPLE ARE STRANGE
Writer TOM KING and artists MITCH GERADS & DOC SHANER Talk DC Comics’ breakthrough new book, STRANGE ADVENTURES…
Shane Rose
The Australian event rider talks to Pippa Roome about returning from multiple injuries, being based down under and the build-up to Tokyo
Can Coleen Ever Trust Again?
GET THE GOSS