Which exercise is most likely to contribute to an acute increase in testosterone levels?

The back squat is most likely to contribute to an acute increase in testosterone levels due to several key factors inherent in the exercise. Firstly, the back squat is a compound exercise that engages multiple large muscle groups, particularly the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and core. Exercises that involve larger muscles and greater overall mass tend to stimulate a more significant hormonal response compared to isolation exercises.

Additionally, performing back squats typically allows for heavier loads to be used, which further intensifies the workout. Higher intensity training and the use of heavier weights have been shown to trigger acute spikes in testosterone due to the stress placed on the body, which demands a robust hormonal response for recovery and adaptation.

The overall impact on muscle engagement, load, and intensity makes the back squat particularly effective for eliciting increases in testosterone levels compared to other options, which may not engage the body as comprehensively or require as much exertion.