Q: In your opinion, what is the ultimate bodybuilding exercise?
A: That’s a tough one, and almost impossible to answer, but since you asked for our “opinion”, it’s just like asking your buddies (but maybe we’re a little more informed), so here goes…
In order to call something the “ultimate” exercise, we’d say that it would have to hinge on how well that exercise worked all around. We’re assuming that means that you are asking, what does the absolute MOST for you, and is capable of transforming the physique more than any other. Well, truth is, we’d probably say squats for many reasons… because it develops the legs, glutes, lower back, upper back to some degree, traps, biceps and some delt.
And, if you squat on a regular basis, you’ll create a greater anabolic response which will make you get the most out of the other exercises you might have performed the day before and the day after you squat. All compound exercises (Squat, Bench Press, Deadlift) will trigger a greater anabolic response than isolation exercises. But squats deliver the most.
A lot of studies have demonstrated that the barbell squat stimulates an increase in the circulation of growth hormone, IGF-1 and testosterone more than other exercises. How can you choose just one? Well, pound for pound it’s the best for our money and if it’s all we could do, we could live with it. But we’re going to say that the best exercises fall in this order: Squats, Deadlift, Bench. Don’t make us choose, dude! It for you!