During exercise, how do anabolic and catabolic hormones interact to influence adaptation?

• A. Exercise elevates anabolic hormones (testosterone, GH, IGF-1) and catabolic hormones (cortisol, catecholamines); net adaptation depends on balance and recovery.
• B. Only anabolic hormones rise.
• C. Only catabolic hormones rise.
• D. Hormones do not affect adaptation.

Answer: (A)

During exercise, anabolic hormones that build and repair tissue (testosterone, GH, IGF-1) rise alongside catabolic hormones that mobilize energy and substrates (cortisol, catecholamines). The adaptation you see over time depends on the balance between these signals and, crucially, on recovery and fueling. Anabolic signals promote muscle protein synthesis and remodeling, helping hypertrophy and strength gains. Catabolic signals provide the energy and substrates needed during and after workouts, but if they dominate for too long because recovery or nutrition isn’t adequate, they can increase protein breakdown and blunt gains. The net outcome reflects the overall protein balance across multiple sessions: with proper nutrition and rest so that anabolic signaling exceeds catabolic breakdown, adaptations like increased muscle size and function occur.