“There’s a free version, a budget-friendly option, and then there’s the extravagant millionaire version of what I do,” Dave Asprey, often credited as the pioneer of biohacking, told the Post.
According to him, the catch is that while many strive for that luxurious version, few can actually afford it.
“So, I thought, what if we offer something similar in our spaces? For about the same price as a high-end gym membership, we could provide access to the same high-tech tools billionaires use to enhance their health and well-being, but at a fraction of the time,” he explained.
This idea led to the establishment of Upgrade Labs in 2017, which Asprey dubs the “Human Upgrade Center.” The venue is packed with advanced treatments now accessible to the general public.
This fall, I got to experience it firsthand at the Austin, Texas location alongside Asprey.
For $189 a month, the facility boasts state-of-the-art training gear, along with recovery tools meant to hasten healing, enhance energy, and help you look and feel your best.
One of the standout features for me was the 360-degree lymphatic massage; “Big Squeeze” is probably how I’d describe it. But, honestly, it’s not something I’d want to incorporate into my daily routine.
Big Squeeze
You might have heard the phrase “how to make sausage,” but have you ever thought about what the experience is like? Well, I certainly got a glimpse of it when I tried on the space-age suit that felt like a mechanical anaconda.
The Big Squeeze, officially known as the Balancer Pro, is an FDA-approved compression therapy device that targets lymphatic areas, assisting in toxin elimination and maintaining fluid balance in the body.
Once inside the suit, 24 air chambers worked in unison, expanding and contracting to apply pressure mainly to my abdomen, hips, thighs, and buttocks.
According to Upgrade Labs, this stimulates those areas to reduce water retention, relieve muscle soreness, enhance circulation, and potentially even tone your body. Some users also claim it helps with cellulite.
It’s quite popular, with endorsements from various celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Paris Hilton, and NFL stars like DeAndre Hopkins.
After spending 40 minutes in the suit along with a red light facial treatment, I totally understood the hype. I felt considerably looser, lighter, and far less bloated.
Revived by Zap
Then I moved on to a PEMF blanket, which uses pulsed electromagnetic field therapy to send low-level electromagnetic waves through the skin and into various tissues, aiming to stimulate and recharge cells.
The goal here is to rebalance your body’s electrical signals. I’ve been learning about this—some studies suggest it can improve cell performance, bone health, muscle recovery, and reduce injuries.
“If you place this on sore areas, you might actually feel your muscles twitch,” Asprey noted.
I wrapped the blanket around me, and a gentle hum filled my body.
The therapeutic pulses seemed to zero in on my pain points, starting with my upper back. Initially, I felt a warm, tight sensation around my shoulders, which then intensified. My back began to spasm, and I could feel it working through knots I didn’t even know existed.
“It’s like a system-wide upgrade. It’s one of my favorite things to do to kick off the day,” Asprey remarked.
After just 12 minutes, my discomfort had eased considerably, and I came out feeling surprisingly energized.
Later, when I tried the Upgrade Lab exercise equipment, I noticed a remarkable improvement in my range of motion compared to the beginning of the day.
Honestly, I felt so revitalized that I couldn’t help but wish I had this setup at home for daily use.
Absorb the Shine
Next was the Red Charger, which features frequency-specific light therapy.
This device combines red, infrared, near-infrared, and green light to activate cells, decrease inflammation, and enhance overall health.
The options are customizable, addressing a range of issues from hair loss to fatigue. I opted for a general adjustment session that clocked in at about 20 minutes.
Wearing just what I needed, I slipped into a pod resembling a tanning bed. With goggles on, the machine hummed to life, showering me with colorful light.
The warmth and soothing noise helped me unwind almost instantly, and I found myself drifting off at times.
Before I knew it, the session was over, and I felt light-headed—in a good way, almost like I was floating. It turns out, this is a sign of endorphins being released by your brain.
“It’s like a complete system upgrade,” Asprey said, sharing his appreciation for this treatment.
Cold Snap Recharge
Upgrade Labs also features a cryotherapy room, which I approached with a bit of apprehension.
While I’m accustomed to cold plunges, the idea of enduring a -175°F room for three minutes was definitely daunting.
Asprey explained, “This will activate your entire body, including your face, triggering calorie burn, reducing inflammation, and giving you a rush of endorphins.”
Before stepping in, I donned protective layers—slippers, gloves, earmuffs, and a mask to combat frostbite. I even played some AC/DC for motivation.
They say music can help make the experience feel quicker.
Once inside, I was hit by a blast of frigid air, causing my muscles to tense and my hair to stand on end. Breathing felt sharp and shallow at first, but as I focused on breathing deeply along with the music, it became more manageable. My extremities went numb, and I could sense my nasal passages freezing.
Stepping out, warmth flooded over me. I felt invigorated, mentally clear—ready to tackle my next workout. My internal temperature had plummeted from 97°F to about 68°F.
Biohacked Breathing Techniques
Before leaving Upgrade Labs, I decided to give the metabolic trainer a shot.
This machine simulates high-altitude training by alternating oxygen levels, providing a unique cardio workout just through breathing.
Asprey explained that this helps improve blood flow, cardiovascular performance, immune function, and mental clarity.
Settling into a recliner, I put on a mask for breathing, complete with tangled tubes that gave me a Mad Max vibe.
For 40 minutes, I simply breathed. The experience wasn’t painful, but the shifts in oxygen levels left me feeling dizzy and drowsy at times, followed by deep, refreshing breaths when the levels adjusted back up.
The technicians monitored my oxygen saturation to keep it at safe levels.
Once I removed the mask, I felt relaxed but a bit sluggish, yet my airways were clear, and breathing felt easier.
Later on, while testing more equipment, I realized I wasn’t breathless after my workout. Recovery seemed remarkably faster.
As I observed the crowd flocking to Upgrade Labs, I understood its appeal.
The biggest shock? Once the lab opens in New York, it may just be viable for most people’s budgets. And in the Big Apple, that really is saying something.
