“The Sultan of Symmetry,” Flex Wheeler, recently opened up about the importance of taking care of your internal health as you age. Wheeler, a retired IFBB pro bodybuilder, has been training for over 40 years now. He started at the ripe age of 13, entering his first contest at just 16.

Drawing from his personal health struggles over the years, Wheeler explained how most people fail to focus on their internal health, merely chasing aesthetics. He has tried different diets, workout routines, and lifestyle habits over the years, even training for five days a week. Now, he has shared that the most crucial part of our internal health is our hormones.

“It’s not the diet, it’s not the workout. It’s where your hormones are,” Wheeler reflected. “I can’t stress to you enough how important it is to get your bloodwork done.”

He beautifully compared the human body to a car, drawing a comparison between how we should treat our bodies the way we treat our cars when we take them to the shop.

“If you don’t know what’s going on on the inside, I guarantee you, you won't be happy with what’s going on on the outside. Be healthy on the inside, get your bloodwork done.”

Wheeler stressed the importance of having regular blood checkups- something he feels most people avoid.

“Know what’s going on on your inside. Don’t only look good on the outside,” Wheeler recommended.

While it is commendable to have discipline and follow a balanced diet along with regular workouts, none of it matters if your internal health is suffering. 

How Flex Wheeler’s Advice Could Change How People Approach Fitness

At 60, Wheeler has had a successful career in bodybuilding over the last four decades. However, he has also suffered from various health issues, chronic pain, kidney disease, and multiple surgeries, as he expressed on The Menace Podcast back in 2024.

He implored fans to pay attention to their bloodwork and focus on what is going on inside their bodies. Monitoring organ health, sleep, rest, and recovery, and long-term wellness is the key to a long, healthy life.

Some of the most essential bloodwork that people should opt for yearly, according to Metropolis, include:

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
2. Electrolytes Panel
3. Lipid Panel
4. Thyroid Panel
5. Test for Essential Nutrients
6. Diabetes Panel
7. Liver Panel
8. Inflammatory Markers
9. Coagulation Panel

In addition to these, blood tests like Cardiac Biomarker Tests, C-Reactive Protein Test, and DHEA Sulfate Serum Test are also good options to opt for.

True fitness begins inside the body, and regular health checkups are just as important as following a good diet and training hard.

What do you think about Wheeler's advice?

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Written by

Avantika Das

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi