Exploring the Future of Fitness: A Journey Through Upgrade Labs
Introduction to Upgrade Labs and Biohacking
In the heart of Bellevue, Washington, lies Upgrade Labs, a cutting-edge biohacking and fitness center co-founded by Dave Asprey, the visionary behind Bulletproof Coffee. This innovative facility is part of a growing network with locations across the U.S. and Canada, offering a unique approach to health and wellness. Biohacking, as Asprey explains, is about taking control of your biology to optimize performance, rather than passively following outdated health advice. By leveraging AI and real-time data, Upgrade Labs aims to revolutionize how we approach fitness and recovery, making it efficient and personalized.
A Personal Journey into Biohacking
Kurt Schlosser, a writer at GeekWire, embarked on a personal quest to experience Upgrade Labs’ offerings. His usual routine includes a morning bike ride and evening walk, driven by the belief that intense effort yields results. However, he was intrigued by the promise of biohacking, which suggests that less pain might lead to more gain. His journey at the lab was a blend of curiosity and skepticism, aiming to explore if high-tech interventions could enhance his wellness journey without sacrificing the personal connection he finds in traditional exercise.
Innovation in Fitness: AI-Driven Workouts
Schlosser’s experience began with an AI Adaptive Bike, which condensed his typical 45-minute workout into just nine minutes. The bike’s AI technology guided him through bursts of sprinting, mimicking the natural human response to stress, followed by periods of rest. This approach, explained Debra Delashmutt, one of the lab’s owners, focuses on heart rate variability, challenging the conventional wisdom that prolonged exertion is necessary. He also tested the AI Cheat Machine, which uses motorized resistance to optimize workouts in minutes, appealing to those seeking efficiency, includingNFL teams and celebrities.
Recovery Redefined: Technology for Wellness
Beyond fitness, Schlosser delved into recovery technologies. The PEMF therapy involved lying under a vibrating blanket that emitted electromagnetic fields to balance cellular energy. This session, combined with red light therapy for skin health, was surprisingly restorative. His next challenge was cryotherapy, where he endured -150 degrees Fahrenheit for two minutes, experiencing a significant drop in skin temperature and a post-session endorphin rush. These recovery tools highlight the lab’s holistic approach to wellness.
Cost and Considerations of High-Tech Wellness
Upgrade Labs offers a membership model at $399 per month, granting access to various technologies, with a la carte options like cryotherapy available for $45. While the convenience of quick workouts is appealing, especially for busy individuals, Schlosser reflects on the personal value he finds in longer, more traditional exercises. The trade-off between time efficiency and the mindfulness of a slower, sweatier routine is a consideration for many potential users.
Reflections on the Future of Wellness
The conclusion of Schlosser’s journey leaves him contemplating the larger implications of biohacking. While the technologies at Upgrade Labs offer undeniable benefits, he values the mindful moments his traditional routine provides. The lab’s approach, while promising for those seeking efficiency and innovation, reminds us that health is deeply personal. As we navigate the intersection of technology and wellness, the challenge is to find a balance that honors both our biology and our humanity.
