Episode 331: The Bloodwork Blueprint for Bodybuilders with Michael Warner — Flex Diet Podcast

In this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I’m diving into the nitty-gritty of blood work and why it matters for your health, performance, and longevity, especially if you're an athlete, bodybuilder, or serious about your training.

Fresh off the ISSN (International Society of Sports Nutrition) conference, I’m joined by Michael Warner, a sharp coach at Marek Health and the owner of Set the Standard. Together, we unpack some of the most important markers in blood work, how training and nutrition can influence your results, and how to actually interpret those lab numbers in the real world.

We also discuss the importance of hydration, the context behind the numbers, and why proactive health monitoring should be an integral part of every performance plan. And yes, we touch on the impact of PEDs (performance-enhancing drugs) and what they can do to your blood markers.

Whether you’re optimizing for gains or longevity, this is a must-listen for anyone who wants to truly understand what’s going on under the hood.

Sponsors:

Tecton Life Ketone drink! https://tectonlife.com/ DRMIKE to save 20%
LMNT electrolyte drink mix: miketnelsonlmnt.com

Available now:

Grab a copy of the Triphasic Training II book I co-wrote with Cal Deitz here.

Episode Chapters:

00:16 Recap of the ISSN Meeting
00:40 Guest Introduction: Michael Warner
00:59 Importance of Blood Work for Health and Performance
01:28 Personal Experience with Blood Work
02:15 Basic Blood Tests and Their Accessibility
03:19 Interpreting Blood Work Results
03:37 Vitamin D and Lifestyle Factors
04:08 Focus on Exogenous Compounds
04:31 Sponsor Shoutouts
06:48 Interview with Michael Warner Begins
08:04 Blood Work in Physique Athletes
08:57 Variability in Blood Work Results
13:21 Blood Pressure and Easy Checks
15:01 Proactive Health Monitoring
15:48 Whack-a-Mole Lab Work
19:11 Preparing for Lab Work
26:33 Frequency of Blood Work
29:45 Enhanced Athletes and Blood Work
33:08 Risks and Rewards of Enhancement
35:57 TRT and Personal Experiences
38:18 Fertility and Performance Enhancing Drugs
39:03 Introduction to Fertility Clinics and At-Home Sperm Tests
40:27 Misconceptions About Testosterone and Fertility
41:26 Essential Blood Work for Health and Performance
44:26 Advanced Markers and Kidney Function
46:25 Importance of Iron Panels and Sex Hormones
50:16 Thyroid Panels and Additional Health Markers
54:56 Merrick Health and Telemedicine Services
01:04:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Flex Diet Podcast Episodes You May Enjoy:

Episode 201: Coaching clients to look and feel their best: An interview with Lacey Dunn, RD
Episode 144: Peptides – Bleeding Edge Performance, Muscle, and Recovery with Dr. Andy Galpin & Dr. Ryan Greene

Connect with Michael:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mawsome_
Website: https://marekhealth.com/

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