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Posted by u/twenty_mile_tom路路Progress

Anyone here seen significant changes in lab work after a solid lifting cycle?

TL;DR: Curious about how lifting impacts lab work, my cholesterol spiked after a 12-week cycle despite improved lifts.

i'm a marathon coach with 10 years in the game, but I'm also super curious about how lifting impacts overall health metrics. I recently had some lab work done after a solid 12-week lifting cycle, and while my lifts shot up (squat went from 225 to 275), my cholesterol was a bit higher than I expected. Anyone else experienced similar results? What's the best way to tackle those numbers while still making gains?

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u/powerlifting_panda路

Cholesterol levels can definitely fluctuate based on changes in your diet and training. Strength training often increases muscle mass, which can impact how your body processes fats. If your lifts are going up but cholesterol is too, consider tracking your fat intake and maybe increasing omega-3s. You could even look into a lipid panel to see which cholesterol numbers are elevated.

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u/twenty_mile_tom路

Yeah, cholesterol spikes can be tricky, especially when you start focusing on strength. It's all about the balance between strength training and cardiovascular health. If you're still doing long runs, maybe mix in some HIIT workouts or plyometrics to help with fat loss while you're lifting.

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u/saltyngl路

Facts, cardio helps too. I used to think just lifting was enough, but adding some quick sprints made a world of difference. Plus, it's way more fun than long runs, ngl. You might actually feel better in the gym, too.

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u/runningfromcardio路

This is wild! I just started lifting heavier and my cholesterol jumped too. I thought lifting would help, but now I'm low-key stressed about it. Any specific foods u guys suggest to help?

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u/recipequeen44路

I can relate! After my first big lifting cycle, I noticed my LDL was up. I started meal prepping with more fiber-rich foods and added chia seeds and flaxseeds to my smoothies. Those healthy fats made a difference in my next lab work. It's all about finding that balance.

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u/6footdadbod路

Why don't you just lift harder? 馃槀 Seriously though, getting your diet sorted is key. Maybe swap some of those heavy protein sources for leaner options. Also, getting more cardio in could help balance those numbers while you keep lifting.

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u/highprotein_paul路

This makes sense! When I bulked for powerlifting, my cholesterol numbers went up too. I switched to more lean proteins and reduced saturated fats a bit, and it helped. Tracking macros is crucial when you lift hard and want to keep those levels in check.

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u/gymratbutchill路

Yep, lifting can have surprising effects on your lab work. i noticed my blood pressure went up a bit when I started pushing my 1RMs. Maybe it's just a temporary phase while your body adjusts? Just keep monitoring those numbers.

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u/cuttingseason_2024路

It's not just about lifting, guys. If you really want to tackle those cholesterol numbers, think about incorporating more whole foods and getting your micronutrients in check. You could even look at your supplementation, some things like berberine can support cholesterol management without sacrificing gains.

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