Ali Gilbert calls herself the queen of men’s health – talks the realities of low testosterone, erectile dysfunction, and more
In a recent episode of The Mike O’Hearn Show, renowned fitness coach Ali Gilbert, self-proclaimed queen of men’s health, delves into the world of men’s fitness, emphasizing the importance of holistic health beyond just physical appearance. Gilbert, whose expertise extends to coaching men in both fitness and sex, sheds light on crucial topics such as testosterone, blood flow, and the rising issue of erectile dysfunction (ED) among younger generations.
During her conversation with Mike O’Hearn, Ali Gilbert reveals how much the culture around men affects their views on health and longevity. She also does a deep dive into ED, how it is happening in younger men with each new generation, and the misconceptions on why ED happens and how to fix it.
Let’s dive into a full recap of this week’s episode below.
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Understanding Men’s Health
Ali Gilbert’s journey into the realm of men’s health began with her realization that men were seeking guidance not just for sports performance but also for an improved physique and sexual wellness. Ali realized that this left an opening for her to grow her career and love of fitness. She would be a female coach that specializes in men’s health and performance – both in and out of the bed.
As her success grew, she now jokingly boasts that men often bring down their defenses and willingly show pictures of their privates asking for help. She has essentially become a men’s health whisperer.
Also of note, Ali Gilbert has been spearheading a growing expo known as the Silverback Summit. Promoted as the ultimate unfiltered men’s health event – Gilbert brings her expertise and connections with others in the field of health and fitness together for a groundbreaking event poised to revolutionize the narrative surrounding topics that men often shy away from discussing.
You can check out more information in our previous coverage of the event right here.
Breaking Down Cultural Barriers
Speaking candidly, Gilbert addresses the cultural stigma surrounding men’s health, specifically the reluctance to undergo bloodwork for testosterone testing. She attributes this hesitancy to societal views that perceive admitting things like ED are a sign of weakness – even when speaking with a doctor. Gilbert stresses the importance of regular bloodwork, challenging the notion that only older men need to monitor their testosterone levels.
More importantly, Ali also warns that ED could indicate underlying cardiovascular problems, emphasizing the need for early detection and prevention through routine bloodwork. So being afraid to address your doctor about ED can lead to longer term serious health situations that went undiagnosed.
She also notes that many fit individuals don’t believe they need to be preventative with their health because they are in incredible shape. But just because you have shredded muscle doesn’t mean that you are healthy on the inside.
Ali Gilbert points out that competitive bodybuilders are the least healthy when we see them on stage. They are operating on a calorie deficit, they are dried out, and they are weak. She notes that this is not just true for enhaced bodybuilders but natural bodybuilders as well.
This is why regardless of age or fitness level, it is important to visit a doctor, get extensive bloodwork done regularly, and be unafraid to hear bad news when something is detected. The sooner it’s detected the better chance you can address it safely.
The Accessibility of Bloodwork & Looking Beyond The Numbers
One key takeaway from the episode is Gilbert’s emphasis on the ease of obtaining bloodwork. She suggests that individuals can opt for cost-effective options from clinics that visit their homes, making the process convenient and accessible.
While testosterone levels are essential, Gilbert stresses that a singular focus on the total testosterone number is inadequate. Every individual’s body is different, and symptoms may not correlate directly with testosterone levels. She advocates for a holistic approach to health, considering lifestyle, diet, and mental well-being.
RELATED: Our List Of The Best Testosterone Boosters For Muscle Growth & Vitality
Becoming Healthy Sometimes Means Changing Your Identity
According to Gilbert, making positive changes to health involves more than just altering diet and exercise routines. It requires a shift in identity and a willingness to navigate the challenges of socializing differently. However, she asserts that the benefits, including improved well-being and longevity, make it worthwhile.
This is likely the biggest reason why fitness comes so hard to many people. It’s not because the act of getting healthier is unwanted. It’s more that the very core of your being is being altered. Changing your health can lead to a complete shift in your usual social habits. Perhaps no more drinks on the weekend with friends and less time spent engaging in passionate hobbies that may have been bad for your health.
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Addressing the Rise of Erectile Dysfunction in Young Men
Gilbert draws attention to the alarming increase in ED among younger generations, attributing it to sedentary lifestyles exacerbated by excessive screen time. She identifies three main factors contributing to ED:
- Testosterone levels
- Blood flow
- Psychological elements such as stress and anxiety
Breaking the Cycle of Stress and ED
For those with normal testosterone levels facing erectile dysfunction, Gilbert recommends exploring potential underlying trauma as a contributing factor. Addressing past traumas can break the cycle of stress-induced ED and promote long-term solutions.
Unfortunately, many individuals who suffer from ED may visit a doctor, only to be told that their testosterone levels are fine and that stress is the contributing factor. They are then given medication to reduce stress and anxiety. This is sometimes antidepressants. These substances can often lead to ED as a side effect. It becomes a vicious cycle.
In fact, Ali Gilbert goes into detail about how trauma can lead to lifelong stress. This stress can then lead to ED in men. Once they experience ED, stress is cyclical – so they become mores stressed by failing to perform in bed. This makes the ED worse. In a case like this, discovering the core trauma that is causing the stress can help with the issue. While not easy – it is often a solution for those who do not suffer from low testosterone but still have ED.
Navigating Social Media Pressures
Mike O’Hearn raises concerns about the impact of social media on athletes, particularly the constant pressure to maintain a lean physique for online content. Gilbert acknowledges the challenges and emphasizes the importance of educating the younger generation about the long-term consequences of unsustainable practices.
The Role of Nutrition in Boosting Testosterone
In response to a query about natural ways to enhance testosterone, Gilbert advocates for the inclusion of red meat, particularly steak, in the diet. She dispels the myth surrounding the demonization of red meat and highlights the benefits of white rice and carbs in supporting natural testosterone production.
Wrap Up
The Mike O’Hearn Show episode featuring Ali Gilbert provides valuable insights into men’s health, encouraging a holistic approach that goes beyond physical appearance. By addressing the stigma around bloodwork, highlighting the link between testosterone and erectile dysfunction, and offering practical advice on nutrition, Gilbert contributes to a broader conversation about men’s well-being in today’s fast-paced and digitally dominated world. As society evolves, so too must our understanding and prioritization of men’s health.
Check out the full episode above and don’t forget to check back every Friday for new episodes only on the Generation Iron Fitness Network – or wherever podcasts are downloaded!
