So, I've been lifting for a couple years now and I keep hearing about how important blood work is for optimizing health and performance. I wanna know, what tests really matter for us lifters? I've seen people talk about hormone levels, vitamin deficiencies, and all that jazz. Which ones should I prioritize? Any brands or services you guys recommend for this?
Ngl, im not super into lifting, but my gym buddies get their blood tested regularly. They swear by checking B12 and magnesium too, since those can really help with energy and recovery! 🏋️♀️
You might also consider getting your thyroid function tested. Lifters can be at risk for thyroid issues, especially if you're cutting weight. A simple TSH test can tell you a lot about how your metabolism is doing.
I heard about this one guy who was lifting for years, right? Turns out, he was deficient in vitamin D and didn't even know it. Got on some supplements and he was hitting PRs in no time! So don't sleep on those tests.
My brother's a lifter, and he gets his blood work done every six months. He always talks about how it helped him optimize his diet! You might want to get your B vitamin levels checked too, especially if you're on a strict cutting plan.
Or just eat some pizza and call it a day, right? This whole blood work thing sounds like a lot of effort for just lifting weights.
You guys are missing the mark a bit. Don't forget to check your liver enzymes if you're taking a lot of supps. Protect that liver, especially if you're on a bulk. It's easy to overlook health when you're chasing numbers
Bro, I just realized I haven't had my levels checked in a while. I might need to hit up the doc soon, thanks for the reminder! Just trying to keep my squat gains going strong.
Why even bother? Just lift heavy and eat your protein. But if you really want to get your blood tested, maybe check out some of those at-home kits. They're way easier than going to a lab.
This! I started getting blood work done after my first cut, and I was low on magnesium. I upped my intake and it was like a light switch for my energy! Definitely worth checking out.
For lifters, I'd prioritize tests like total testosterone, free testosterone, and vitamin D levels. Those can give you a solid idea of your hormonal balance and overall health. Also, check your lipid profile to monitor cholesterol levels, especially if you're on a high-calorie diet.
Facts, man. And don't forget about checking ur iron levels! Low iron can really mess with your energy and performance. Make sure you're not getting cooked by deficiencies.
For sure, but pizza won't help your performance if your vitamin levels are all out of whack! It's all about that balance. Plus, who doesn't want to be the strongest version of themselves while enjoying a slice here and there?
100% agree with the hormone checks! Also, you might want to get your CRP levels checked to see if there's any inflammation going on. That's super important for recovery. Plus, it's a good idea to keep an eye on your electrolytes, especially if you're sweating buckets during those workouts
Back in my day, we just lifted and ate! But I've learned about the importance of blood tests over the years. Make sure you're not just lifting heavy but also taking care of your body. A good set of tests can give you the info you need to keep going strong.