Baseline Labs for Training and Recovery Tracking
Reference ranges describe a population, not you. A baseline drawn while you feel well gives you something personal to compare against when training, diet, sleep or medications change.
A practical starting set
| Test | Covers |
|---|---|
| CBC | Red cells (hemoglobin, hematocrit), white cells, platelets |
| Comprehensive metabolic panel | Glucose, kidney and liver markers, electrolytes, calcium, protein |
| Lipid panel | Total, LDL and HDL cholesterol, triglycerides |
| HbA1c | Average blood glucose over about three months |
| Ferritin and iron | Iron stores; low ferritin is common in endurance athletes and menstruating women |
| Vitamin D (25-OH) | Vitamin D status |
| TSH | Thyroid screening |
Common additions are hs-CRP (a general inflammation marker), CK (muscle damage), a hormone panel (see hormone panel basics) and IGF-1 (see the IGF-1 guide). The bodybuilder panel guide explains each group of markers in more depth.
How often to repeat
A common pattern is a baseline, then a repeat after any significant change (a new training block, diet or medication) once things have settled, often around 8 to 12 weeks, then periodically. Your clinician may suggest a different schedule for specific markers.
Keep results comparable
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Fasting 10-12 hours | Glucose, insulin and triglycerides rise after eating; testosterone dips after a meal. |
| Morning draw (about 7-10 AM) | Testosterone and cortisol peak in the morning and fall through the day. |
| No hard training for 48 hours | Heavy lifting raises CK, AST, ALT and creatinine for a day or more. |
| Normal hydration | Dehydration concentrates the blood and inflates hematocrit, hemoglobin and BUN. |
| Pause biotin for 2-3 days (ask your clinician) | High-dose biotin interferes with many immunoassays, including thyroid and some hormone tests. |
| Same lab, same conditions | Methods and reference ranges differ between labs; trends are only comparable like for like. |
Kinetic's dose log keeps dates and notes, which helps line up a lab draw with what changed in the weeks before it.
This guide explains lab tests. It is not medical advice, does not interpret individual results, and does not endorse using any compound. Review your results with a licensed clinician.
FAQ
What blood tests should be in a baseline?
A common starting set is a CBC, a comprehensive metabolic panel, a lipid panel, HbA1c, ferritin, vitamin D and TSH. Hormones, IGF-1, hs-CRP and CK are common additions depending on your goals.
How often should athletes get blood work?
Many people get a baseline, repeat it 8 to 12 weeks after a significant change in training, diet or medication, and then test periodically. A clinician can tailor the schedule.
Why compare results with my own baseline?
Reference ranges are wide and describe a population. A personal baseline drawn under the same conditions makes it easier to see meaningful changes over time.