Part 2: The Numbers Talk, and I’m Listening

What good are biomarkers if we don’t actually change? What good are wearables if we’re not getting healthier?

We love data. In fact, health and wellness has become one of the most data-driven industries out there. Today, 80–100 million people wear some type of health device. Smart rings, watches, jewelry, glasses, even shoes. Leonardo da Vinci sketched a step counter in the 1400s — so apparently, we’ve been chasing this for centuries.

Data gives us insight. But let’s be real: data doesn’t create results. We do.

I’ve tried them all — Oura Ring, Whoop, Apple Watch, Garmin… I even had a startup send me a mug that tracked the contents of my drink (yes, really ☕). For this journey, I wanted deeper insights into my sleep, stress, and HRV, so I’m back on Whoop. Wearables can help — as long as they don’t become another stressor. Remember: the goal isn’t to obsess over data, it’s to let it guide you.

My Baseline Data

On August 18, 2025, I collected 150+ blood markers and ran a full DXA scan. Here’s the snapshot:

Biometrics

Height: 5'11"
Weight: 194 lbs
Resting Pulse: 49 bpm
Blood Pressure: 111/74
Breaths per Minute: 10

Key Bloodwork

Total Cholesterol: 233 mg/dL
LDL: 162 mg/dL
HDL: 45 mg/dL
Triglycerides: 135 mg/dL
CHOL/HDL Ratio: 5.2
Triglyceride/HDL Ratio: 3.0
Insulin: 8.6 uIU/mL
Hemoglobin A1C: 5.3%
Glucose: 93 mg/dL
Testosterone: 727 ng/dL
Omega-6/Omega-3 Ratio: 7.2
hs-CRP (inflammation): 0.4 mg/L

DXA Scan

Total Body Fat: 25.8%
Android/Gynoid Ratio: 1.32
VAT Mass: 696 g

My Targets

This is where the reset begins. I know my best — and I know where I want to get back to:

Weight: 180 lbs
CHOL/HDL Ratio: ≤ 4.0
Triglycerides: 90 mg/dL
Triglyceride/HDL Ratio: < 2
Insulin: 5 uIU/mL
Glucose: 87 mg/dL
Testosterone: > 800 ng/dL
Omega-6/Omega-3 Ratio: 5:1 or less
Body Fat: 22%
Android/Gynoid Ratio: < 1.0
Resting HR: 45 bpm
Blood Pressure: 110/60
Breathing: 8 breaths per minute

Why This Excites Me

Because numbers make the process sticky. They tell me where I’m at, where I’m going, and when to celebrate progress. But numbers only matter if I’m willing to take action.

That’s why I’m approaching this in periodized stages:

Routine Reset — build back the habits and rhythms.
Activation & Focus — dial in nutrition, fitness, and recovery.
Finish Line Push — go all in and lock it down.

This isn’t about chasing perfection. It’s about listening to the data, adjusting the plan, and stacking wins over time.

Because in the end, the numbers don’t define me — they guide me. And I’m listening.