From Natural to Enhanced: Aaron Straker Gets Real on Bodybuilding Trade-Offs


In this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I sit down with Aaron Straker for a deep dive into his journey from natural bodybuilding to the enhanced side of the sport.

We talk openly about the trade-offs, risks, and insights he’s gained along the way, including the use of compounds like testosterone and growth hormone.

We also get into the mental and physical shifts that come with that transition, and how Aaron approaches training, nutrition, and recovery with intention.

He shares his thoughts on everything from sauna use to how he stays grounded while optimizing performance. Whether you’re just curious or seriously considering the enhanced route, this episode offers a nuanced, no-BS perspective.

Bodybuilding tradeoffs << details here

Episode Chapters:

  • 06:01 Aaron’s Life in Bali
  • 10:33 Natural vs Enhanced Bodybuilding
  • 17:13 Aaron’s Journey and Training Insights
  • 34:40 Health Concerns and Blood Pressure Monitoring
  • 35:36 Mind-Muscle Connection and Nervous System Effects
  • 38:30 Diet and Macros During Training Phases
  • 42:07 Challenges of High-Calorie Diets
  • 43:29 PEDs and Their Impact on Training and Recovery
  • 51:51 Sauna Use and Recovery Protocols
  • 56:35 Individual Responses to PEDs
  • 59:14 Mental and Emotional Effects of PEDs
  • 01:04:37 Podcast Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Check out the YouTube link below if you prefer to watch the podcast.

Bodybuilding Tradeoffs << YouTube

Much love,
Dr Mike

PS - Check out the good docs Flex 4 bonus for newsletter subscribers only!

Aaron's 4 factors to consider before starting TRT or PEDs << Flex 4

_____________________

Mike T Nelson CISSN, CSCS, MSME, PhD
Associate Professor, Carrick Institute
Owner, Extreme Human Performance, LLC
Editorial Board Member, STRONG Fitness Mag

Mike T Nelson is a PhD and not a physician or registered dietitian. The contents of this email should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health problem - nor is it intended to replace the advice of a physician. Always consult your physician or qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health.

..

Dr Mike T Nelson

Creator of the Flex Diet Cert & Phys Flex Cert, CSCS, CISSN, Assoc Professor, kiteboarder, lifter of odd objects, metal music lover. >>>>Sign up to my daily FREE Fitness Insider newsletter below

Read more from Dr Mike T Nelson

Hola from Texas, Y’all, as we headed out from South Padre today to Weatherford, TX, tonight to hang with Ashley and Adam Glass. Here's what went down this week. Newsletters: Top 3 Interventions To Stay Sane When Life Is a Tornado Made of Sand and Sweat: My non-negotiables for when your schedule’s lit on fire and tap dancing in a puddle of cortisol. Cold Immersion, Coaching & a Throwback to Iron Radio: A full bonus episode straight from Iron Radio. Flex Diet Podcast Episode 321: Optimizing Fat...

I'm here with something a little different for you on the Flex Diet Podcast this week—a full bonus episode straight from Iron Radio. If you’re new here (welcome!), you might not know I’ve been a co-host on Iron Radio for, well, let’s just say a very long time—over two decades with the legendary Coach Phil Stevens and Dr. Lonnie Lowry. In this episode, we dig into new research on cold water immersion (including some fresh takes I haven’t shared anywhere else), plus some deep coaching...

Hola from South Padre Island, where the sand gets into crevices that even modern science can’t explain and the wind’s been howling like a drunk banshee on a full D-9 caffeine bender. We’ve only got a few days left here, and maybe you’ve noticed the newsletters slowed down a bit this past week… Here’s why: The wind has been absolutely bonkers—in the best way possible. We’re talking daily whitecaps and wind forecasts that read like an adrenaline junkie’s vision board. …So instead of sitting...