“There’s a free version, a low-cost version, and then there’s the extravagant millionaire version of my work,” Dave Asprey—credited with launching the biohacking movement—shared with the Post.
He pointed out a significant issue: everyone seems to want that billionaire option, but very few can actually afford it.
“So I thought, what if we could set this up in our centers? If we offered it for about the same price as a good gym membership, we could provide access to those high-end tools that billionaires use to enhance their youth, intelligence, speed, and strength, in far less time,” Asprey elaborated.
This thinking led to the establishment of Upgrade Labs in 2017, which he refers to as the “Human Upgrade Center.” Finally, cutting-edge treatments are now accessible to everyday individuals.
I got the opportunity to experience everything this fall at the Austin, Texas location of Upgrade Labs, alongside Asprey himself.
For a monthly fee of $189, the facility offers advanced training equipment and recovery tools designed to enhance healing, boost energy, and help you feel and look your best.
One of the standout experiences was a 360-degree lymphatic massage, known as the “Big Squeeze.” While it was memorable, it’s not something I would necessarily want to use regularly at home.
Big Squeeze
Have you ever considered how sausage is made? Kind of an odd thought, right? Well, after donning a high-tech pantsuit that felt like being wrapped by a mechanical snake, I certainly had a clearer idea.
The Big Squeeze, officially called the Balancer Pro, is an FDA-approved compression therapy device. It’s designed to target the lymphatic system, helping eliminate toxins and maintain fluid balance in the body.
Inside this suit, 24 air chambers rhythmically inflate and deflate, applying pressure that moves upward through your body, focusing on your abdomen, hips, thighs, and buttocks.
By stimulating these areas, the suit can help reduce water retention, alleviate muscle soreness, improve circulation, and even tone your physique, according to Upgrade Labs. Some people claim it may help reduce cellulite as well.
The Big Squeeze has gained popularity among various celebrities, attracting fans from all walks of life.
After spending 40 minutes in the suit along with a red light facial treatment, I could understand the appeal. My body felt lighter, more relaxed, and noticeably less bloated.
Revived by Zap
Next, I tried a PEMF blanket, which utilizes pulsed electromagnetic field therapy to send low-level electromagnetic waves through your muscles and organs, stimulating and rejuvenating cells.
The aim? To restore your body’s electrical signals. While I’m still coming to grips with it, research suggests improved cell performance, better bone health, enhanced muscle recovery, and reduced injuries.
“If you place it on a painful area, you can actually feel your muscles twitch,” Asprey remarked.
As I lay under the blanket, a gentle humming sensation vibrated through me.
It seemed to know exactly where my pain was: my upper back. Initially, I felt a warm, slightly tight sensation around my shoulders, which quickly escalated. My back spasmed, and the jolts of energy worked through knots I was completely unaware of.
“It’s like a system-wide upgrade. It’s one of my favorite things to do at the start,” said Asprey.
The sensation then shifted, working its way down to my lower back and settling in my right knee, which had been tense lately.
After just 12 minutes, I genuinely felt better. My lower back pain eased, my knees relaxed, and I was surprisingly energetic.
Later, when I got to the Upgrade Lab’s fitness equipment, I noticed my range of motion had already improved since earlier in the day.
Honestly, I felt so rejuvenated after that one session that I wished I could have this setup at home to use every day.
Absorb the Shine
Next, I experienced the Red Charger, which is a frequency-specific light therapy device that combines red, infrared, near-infrared, and green light.
This therapy aims to activate cells, reduce inflammation, and boost overall health. It can be tailored to address issues ranging from hair loss and acne to arthritis, depression, and fatigue. I opted for a 20-minute “general adjustment” session.
Wearing just my underwear, I climbed into a pod resembling a tanning bed, donned goggles, and the machine began to operate, enveloping me in changing colors.
The warmth and soothing sound quickly put me at ease. I even found myself nodding off at times.
Before long, the session ended. Stepping out, I immediately felt the urge to return. My head felt light, almost like I was floating. Apparently, that’s due to my brain releasing endorphins.
“It’s like a whole system upgrade,” Asprey reiterated. “That’s one of my preferred activities at the start.”
Cold Snap Recharge
Upgrade Labs also features a cryotherapy room, which made me a bit anxious.
Though I’m familiar with cold plunges, the idea of being in a room at -175°F for three minutes was daunting.
“This treats your entire body, including your face. It signals your body to burn calories, decreases inflammation, and floods you with endorphins that uplift your spirits,” Asprey explained.
Before stepping in, I removed my robe and donned slippers, gloves, earmuffs, and a face mask to avoid frostbite. I even put on headphones to listen to AC/DC’s “Back in Black” to keep my spirits up.
As the engineers suggested, music tends to shorten the experience.
Once inside, I was slammed with frigid air. My body stiffened, my hair stood on end, and breathing felt sharp. But as I concentrated on deep breaths while listening to the music, the initial shock faded. My extremities became numb, and I could literally feel my sinuses constricting.
When I stepped outside, a wave of warmth engulfed me. I felt energized, clear-headed, ready to tackle my training. My internal temperature, however, had dropped from 97°F to a brisk 68°F during the session.
Breathing Techniques Have Been Biohacked
Before leaving Upgrade Labs, I decided to try out their metabolic trainer.
This device simulates high-altitude training through fluctuating oxygen levels, essentially providing a cardio workout just by breathing.
Asprey explained that it enhances oxygen-rich blood flow, boosts cardiovascular performance, supports immune health, revitalizes metabolism, and sharpens mental clarity.
Seated in a recliner, I put on a mask over my nose and mouth, connected to a tangle of tubes that made me feel like I was straight out of a sci-fi movie.
For 40 minutes, all I needed to do was breathe. It wasn’t unpleasant, but the varying oxygen levels occasionally made me feel dizzy, followed by the most refreshing deep breaths I had ever experienced.
The technicians monitored my blood oxygen saturation to ensure it stayed within a safe range.
When I finally took off the mask, I felt relaxed yet a bit lethargic, but my airways felt clear and breathing was easier.
Later that day, while testing more of the workout equipment at Upgrade Labs, I realized I wasn’t winded after my training session. My recovery seemed significantly faster.
It dawned on me why so many people in Austin love this place.
The most surprising takeaway? Once Upgrade Labs launches in New York, a basic membership will likely be affordable—and in a city like New York, that’s quite a feat.
