NSCF Certified Personal Trainer Practice Exam

Which anabolic hormone is released in higher concentrations in response to heavy resistance training?

1. Insulin

2. Cortisol

3. Testosterone

4. Growth hormone

The correct answer is: Testosterone

Testosterone is considered one of the primary anabolic hormones released in higher concentrations during and after heavy resistance training. This increase occurs as a response to the intense physical stress that weightlifting places on the body, which stimulates the endocrine system to produce more testosterone. Testosterone plays a crucial role in muscle protein synthesis, promoting muscle growth and recovery. Its anabolic properties enhance strength and lean muscle mass, making it vital for those engaging in heavy resistance training. Other hormones like insulin, cortisol, and growth hormone play significant roles in metabolism and stress response, but they do not have the same direct anabolic effects on muscle tissue in response to heavy resistance training. For example, insulin mainly facilitates nutrient uptake and storage, cortisol is primarily a stress hormone that can lead to muscle breakdown when elevated, and growth hormone supports growth and metabolism, though its response may not be as pronounced specifically during resistance training sessions compared to testosterone.