Episode 331: The Bloodwork Blueprint for Bodybuilders with Michael Warner

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.comAvailable 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 Meeting00:40 Guest Introduction: Michael Warner00:59 Importance of Blood Work for Health and Performance01:28 Personal Experience with Blood Work02:15 Basic Blood Tests and Their Accessibility03:19 Interpreting Blood Work Results03:37 Vitamin D and Lifestyle Factors04:08 Focus on Exogenous Compounds04:31 Sponsor Shoutouts06:48 Interview with Michael Warner Begins08:04 Blood Work in Physique Athletes08:57 Variability in Blood Work Results13:21 Blood Pressure and Easy Checks15:01 Proactive Health Monitoring15:48 Whack-a-Mole Lab Work19:11 Preparing for Lab Work26:33 Frequency of Blood Work29:45 Enhanced Athletes and Blood Work33:08 Risks and Rewards of Enhancement35:57 TRT and Personal Experiences38:18 Fertility and Performance Enhancing Drugs39:03 Introduction to Fertility Clinics and At-Home Sperm Tests40:27 Misconceptions About Testosterone and Fertility41:26 Essential Blood Work for Health and Performance44:26 Advanced Markers and Kidney Function46:25 Importance of Iron Panels and Sex Hormones50:16 Thyroid Panels and Additional Health Markers54:56 Merrick Health and Telemedicine Services01:04:22 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, RDEpisode 144: Peptides – Bleeding Edge Performance, Muscle, and Recovery with Dr. Andy Galpin & Dr. Ryan GreeneConnect with Michael:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mawsome_Website: https://marekhealth.com/Get In Touch with Dr Mike:Instagram: DrmiketnelsonYouTube: @flexdietcertEmail: Miketnelson.com/contact-us Get the Daily Fitness Insider newsletter (free): https://www.miketnelson.com/newsletter