Liver King, the fitness influencer who follows what he calls a “barbarian lifestyle,” recently made waves by revealing how he chooses to sleep on a wooden slab without using a mattress. This unconventional sleep setup has raised eyebrows, especially within the fitness community, with exercise scientist Dr. Mike Israetel stepping in to debunk some claims made by the fitness influencer.

In a snippet shared on the YouTube channel, Renaissance Periodization, one could see the Liver King boldly stating, “Liver King sleeps in a wooden tank bed, there’s no off-gassing chemicals that are possibly carcinogenic, but definitely hormone-disrupting.” Dr. Mike, however, was quick to challenge this assertion, expressing disbelief at the notion of mattresses being hormone-disruptive.

“Your mattress is hormone-disrupting chemicals?” Israetel questioned. His incredulity was palpable as he dissected Liver King’s claims. While acknowledging the comfort of traditional mattresses, Dr. Mike emphasized that sleep quality is paramount, regardless of the sleeping surface.

Countering the Liver King’s thoughts Israetel highlighted the importance of comfort in promoting restorative sleep. He urged viewers to consider their own sleep preferences, noting that few would willingly choose a hard wooden surface over a plush mattress.

The debate took a comedic turn as Liver King discussed the practicality of his low-profile bed, boasting about the flexibility required to navigate its modest height. Dr. Mike couldn’t help but question the logic behind using discomfort as a means to improve flexibility, suggesting alternative methods such as weightlifting and yoga.

That being said, this is not the first time the Liver King has promoted such an eccentric approach to fitness.

Liver King’s 30-day-vegan challenge

Instead of the usual heavy lifting and protein-packed diets, the fitness influencer swears by something surprising: “Satisfying yourself with malnourishment is the key to being jacked.” This even led him to embark on a 30-day vegan experiment, challenging norms and making us rethink what strength really means.

The Liver King believes there’s a link between plant-based living and getting the ripped physique he wants. No dramatic stories here, just a practical take on fitness. But what’s he eating? “Impossible meats topped w/ kale and soy-tofu cheese… that miggght be the key!” he jokes. Despite sharing his journey on social media, many remain skeptical of his methods. Yet, Liver King marches to the beat of his own drum, advocating for a different kind of strength that goes beyond the gym.

While Liver King champions natural living, Dr. Mike advocates for evidence-based practices and comfort in pursuit of optimal sleep quality. Who do you side with? Let us know in the comments.