Knowledge Hub

Do I really need more than one blood analysis per year?

If you are serious about performing better as an athlete—whether that means winning, getting that PR or PB, or just more fun (and less torture) —the answer is yes.  You probably need more than one blood analysis per year.     How often should I repeat the test?  It depends on the athlete.  But our general recommendation is to start with a baseline analysis during your offseason.  Our Gold, ABT.she or if you can swing it, the Read more…

Hot takes: ABT.she panel, menstrual cycle based training, and birth control.

Menstrual cycle based training, a female specific blood analysis, birth control and athletic performance?? Social media and the internet are full of advice for athletes who menstruate these days.  This article recaps information on our ABT.she blood analysis panel and our quick takes on some of the hottest topics for athletes who menstruate. What is the ABT.she panel?   The ABT.she Panel is a blood analysis panel designed specifically for women, by women. It empowers women Read more…

The importance of the offseason for athletes

As summer athletes start to wrap up seasons, and winter athletes start ramping up, it’s a great time to remind ourselves of the importance of the offseason. As an athlete, I’ll admit, the offseason can be…strange bordering on stressful. If it feels weird not to have a high training load and you’re itching to train a lot during the offseason, read on. There are several compelling reasons to dial back and give yourself time off, Read more…

Girl Dinners: Simplicity at Its Best or Disordered Eating?

As we move into fall, we reflect on “Girl Dinners”- a trend that captured so much controversy on Instagram and TikTok this summer that we couldn’t let it sit.  The Girl Dinner.  What is it? To some, it’s just a quick and easy dinner.  No cooking, no fuss, no stress.  A charcuterie of sorts.  It’s how a lot of the rest of the (non-American) world eats.  To others, it’s a straight-up snack plate moonlighting as Read more…

Athlete Blood Testing Myths and Misconceptions.

You only need a blood test if you have symptoms such as fatigue or slow recovery. Athletes should get tested before they develop symptoms. Typically, by the time you feel the impact of unsatisfactory biomarker levels, your body likely has been performing below its potential for a while, and you’ll be challenged to get it back on track.  By checking biomarkers before symptoms develop, athletes avoid suboptimal or high levels that can hinder their performance. Read more…

Is cortisol good or bad for athletes?

There are two hormones that get thrown under the bus all the time: insulin and cortisol. Neither of these is bad; we need them to be healthy and successful athletes. Their bad rap comes from being misunderstood. So in this blog post, we’ll set the record straight on cortisol.  What is cortisol? Cortisol is your natural alarm system. It’s your body’s primary stress hormone, works with your brain, and affects many parts of your body. Read more…

Why ABT Tests Cortisol in All Female Athlete Panels

ABT SheConquers Series Training is a repetitive cycle of stress and recovery. When balanced, the cycle leads to cumulative performance gains. But, if the scale tilts too heavily to stress or recovery, optimal performance gains are impossible. Prolonged excessive stress puts athletes at risk of a condition known as overtraining or overreaching syndrome. This condition devastates performance and turns daily exercise into a chore rather than a pleasure. Performance deficits can be short-term or long-term. Read more…

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