Victor Martinez opens up for the first time about how a “bootleg” stem cell treatment led to the cause behind his spinal infection and surgeries
In the latest episode of the Generation Iron Podcast, host Victor Martinez discussed a wide-ranging discussion that covered training strategy, testosterone therapy, biohacking risks, and the latest buzz around Andrew Jacked ahead of the 2026 Arnold Classic. But most importantly, in the episode’s biggest highlight, Victor Martinez finally revealed what caused his spinal infection that led to his dual back surgeries.
Here’s a brief overview of the topics discussed this week:
- Victor Martinez discusses biohacking and how stem cell treatment led to his spinal infection
- Victor answers: should you do cardio before or after a workout?
- Are testosterone pellets worth considering over injections?
- Victor gives his analysis of Andrew Jacked – and predicts whether or not he is the future of Men’s Open bodybuilding
You can watch the full episode of the Generation Iron Podcast above. Keep reading for a more in-depth recap of the episode discussion. Let’s get to it!
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Victor Martinez Opens Up About The Cause Behind His Spinal Infection
One of the most powerful segments of the episode focused on biohacking. The hosts asked what biohacking really means and whether Victor Martinez personally engages in these techniques. Victor’s answer was thoughtful and cautionary.
He said he does not particularly prescribe to biohacking as a general trend. In his view, the term often attracts predatory businesses that use aggressive marketing to convince people they need expensive treatments to “optimize” their bodies.
Biohacking can include everything from cold therapy and supplements to hormone optimization and stem cell treatments. Some of these practices may have merit. Others may be overhyped. The problem, according to Victor, is that fear-based marketing can push people into treatments they do not truly need.
Then the conversation took a serious turn.
Victor Martinez revealed publicly for the first time that his two spinal surgeries were the result of a botched reaction to stem cell treatment. Over the past year, fans had asked why he suffered a spine infection. He now feels comfortable explaining the real cause.
He acknowledged that many people have used stem cells successfully. In his case, he believes he simply had bad luck. However, he also admitted that he made a mistake.
“Don’t go to a bootleg doctor like I did,” Victor said.
He explained that he believed he had found a connection who could provide cheap or free stem cell treatment as a favor. That decision likely led to his complications. It serves as a cautionary tale for anyone seeking shortcuts.
Victor emphasized that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Biohacking treatments, especially advanced medical procedures like stem cells, should only be done through legitimate medical professionals with proper credentials and oversight.
He also pointed out another issue. Many biohacking interventions act like a temporary bandage rather than a permanent solution. You may feel better initially, but you often need to continue treatments regularly. These treatments are expensive. Over time, you can become dependent on them just to maintain results.
Victor Martinez does not believe all biohacking is bad. He admitted that some techniques may be beneficial. But the key is research, caution, and skepticism. Do not let flashy marketing or fear tactics pressure you into procedures you do not fully understand.
His experience serves as a reminder that even elite athletes can make mistakes when chasing optimization.
Cardio Before or After Weights? Victor Martinez Gives a Clear Answer
The first fan question came from a 50-year-old listener who wants to lose body fat and get lean. He asked a common but often debated question: Should you do cardio before weights or after weights? He mentioned hearing conflicting advice and wanted the definitive answer from Victor Martinez.
Victor didn’t hesitate. Personally, he almost always does cardio after strength training.
His reasoning is simple and rooted in performance. If you push cardio too hard before lifting, you risk depleting yourself both mentally and physically. When that happens, you won’t bring the same intensity to your weight training session. And for fat loss and muscle retention, that intensity matters.
According to Victor, weight training should be the priority if your goal is to build or maintain muscle while losing fat. If you drain your energy stores on the treadmill or stair machine first, your strength output will suffer. Less strength often means less muscle stimulation, which can slow down long-term progress. That said, he doesn’t believe the answer is black and white.
Victor explained that you can absolutely combine both approaches. He recommends doing lighter, easier cardio as a warm-up before lifting. This gets blood flowing, raises your core temperature, and prepares your body for heavier work. Then, once your weight training is complete, you can focus on more challenging, dedicated cardio to support fat loss.
He also made an important distinction based on body composition.
For individuals who are heavier and have less muscle mass, Victor suggests doing at least 15 to 20 minutes of cardio before weightlifting. This is especially useful for those who carry more body fat and haven’t yet built a solid muscular base. In that case, the added caloric burn and conditioning work can help jumpstart progress. After lifting, you can add more cardio if needed.
However, for people who are already in decent shape and simply looking to get leaner and more muscular, Victor believes cardio is better saved for after the workout. That way, your primary energy goes toward lifting heavy and stimulating muscle growth.
In short, Victor Martinez’s advice is practical: protect your weight training performance first. Use cardio strategically based on your current physique and goals.
Testosterone Pellets vs Injections: Victor Martinez Shares His Experience
The second fan question asked about testosterone pellets, the time-release implants inserted under the skin, compared to traditional injectable testosterone. Victor Martinez was clear right away. He has never used testosterone pellets.
He described pellets as a “long-term relationship.” Once they are inserted under your skin, you are committed to that dosage for an extended period of time. The testosterone slowly releases into your body, and there is little flexibility to adjust based on how you feel or how your body responds.
By contrast, Victor compared injectable testosterone to a short-term relationship. Injections offer more flexibility. You can adjust the dosage, change timing, and respond to side effects more easily. That level of control matters, especially for competitive bodybuilders who are fine-tuning their physiques.
Victor also raised two major concerns about testosterone pellets.
First, he noted an increased risk of blood clots. While all forms of testosterone therapy carry potential side effects, pellets may elevate certain risks due to their long-term, consistent release pattern.
Second, he mentioned cost. Testosterone pellets are often significantly more expensive than injectable options. When you combine higher cost with less flexibility and potential health risks, Victor simply does not see them as a practical or useful resource for himself.
His overall message was not about promoting one method over another universally. Instead, it was about understanding control, risk, and how your body responds to hormone therapy. For Victor, flexibility and adjustability matter too much to commit to a fixed long-term implant.
Chris Aceto on Andrew Jacked: Victor Martinez Reacts Ahead of the Arnold Classic
The episode also touched on recent comments from veteran bodybuilding coach Chris Aceto, who stated that Andrew Jacked is still growing and improving ahead of the Arnold Classic. Aceto also cast doubt on Hadi Choopan’s visa plans, which could impact the competition lineup.
Victor Martinez was excited by the news about Andrew Jacked.
He has previously expressed high hopes for Andrew’s future in professional bodybuilding. Hearing that Andrew is still adding size and making improvements is, in Victor’s view, a strong sign that his best days are still ahead.
Victor believes Andrew Jacked has the structure, presence, and potential to become an Olympia-level champion one day. Continued growth and refinement only strengthen that outlook. In a sport where marginal improvements can determine placings, steady progress between shows is critical.
Wrap Up
This episode of the Generation Iron Podcast offered a mix of practical training advice and deeply personal reflection.
Victor Martinez provided clear guidance on whether to do cardio before or after weights, emphasizing that performance in the weight room should come first for most people. He shared his stance on testosterone pellets versus injections, favoring flexibility and control. Most importantly, he opened up about the stem cell treatment that led to serious spinal complications, offering a warning about biohacking and cutting corners with medical procedures.
The conversation closed on a forward-looking note, with excitement building around Andrew Jacked’s continued growth and the implications for the Arnold Classic.
For listeners, the message was consistent throughout: prioritize smart training, be cautious with medical interventions, and think long term. Whether you are 50 years old trying to lose body fat or a professional bodybuilder chasing a title, fundamentals still matter.
