Biohacking, also known as human optimisation, is one of the hottest wellness trends right now. And for good reason. Biohacking involves making changes to your body, diet and lifestyle to improve your health and wellbeing in an attempt to reverse ageing at a cellular level.
To find out a little more we trialled some biohacking treatments from the legends at Bondi Junction’s REHUB Wellness. Their science-backed recovery treatments are designed to optimise your body for peak performance and long-term health.
However recovery isn’t just for pro athletes, personal trainers or serious fitness professionals (although you’ll spot plenty of them here). It’s for anyone looking to supercharge their athletic recovery, enhance vitality or invest in longevity.
As with all things wellness, consistency is key. So we decided to roadtest REHUB’s 30-Day Wellness Experience, which included their infrared saunas and cold plunge pools, Normatec compression therapy boots and electro-muscle stimulation. It also included what many experts consider the “Holy Trinity of Longevity”: cryotherapy, red light therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Here are our thoughts.
Cryotherapy for recovery, longevity, and anti-ageing
Cryotherapy isn’t your typical cold plunge; this whole-body treatment involves standing in a chamber with temperatures dropping to -110°C to -140°C for 2-3 minutes. At REHUB, you can also opt for localised cryotherapy to target specific areas (ideal for spot injury recovery) or a blue-light mask beauty treatment designed to help smooth fine lines and rejuvenate the skin.
THE SCIENCE:
The sudden exposure to cold triggers a powerful biohacking response: the release of a hormone called norepinephrine, which helps reduce and numb pain, accelerating recovery from workouts, injury or chronic inflammation. Cryo can also activate proteins that play a role in cellular repair and regeneration, essential building blocks for slowing the ageing process.
Studies have suggested whole-body cryotherapy can significantly reduce oxidative stress – a major contributor to ageing and chronic diseases. Regular treatments have been shown to have a positive effect on the endocrine, nervous, and immune systems. They also accelerate tissue regeneration (which some suggest promotes collagen production), relieve pain and lower inflammation.
OUR EXPERIENCE:
We hopped into the cryo chamber (or “Full Body Freezer” as we call it) in our swimming costume, barefoot in protective slippers, gloves and a lightweight fabric neck scarf. One of the things we liked the most about REHUB is the staff are very knowledgeable and keen to educate you on the science behind the treatments. It’s always a tailored experience and safety-first which is really reassuring for first timers.
For us, cryo was more about conquering a psychological fear around how cold it was going to feel. While much icier than the cold plunge pools (which are 5-9°C), somehow it was more bearable as it was dry cold air as opposed to being cold and wet. It was intense, but over so fast. We were on a high, felt buzzed, energised and amazing afterwards and for the rest of the day. We also enjoyed a bracing two-minute blast from the cryo face mask, which left us feeling wide-awake and our skin feeling taut.
Red Light Therapy (RLT) for cellular repair and skin health
Unlike damaging UV light, red light stimulates energy production in cells. This boost in cellular activity leads to better skin health, faster recovery and even improved joint function.
THE SCIENCE:
Studies suggest regular use of red light therapy significantly improves skin texture, increases collagen density and reduces wrinkles. By boosting collagen, the protein that gives skin its elasticity and smoothness, RLT can help reduce the visible signs of ageing like fine lines and sagging.
Red light therapy is also a biohacker’s dream because it directly influences mitochondrial function, the powerhouses of your cells. By improving mitochondrial efficiency, red light helps your cells repair faster, recover from stress more effectively and generate more energy.
OUR EXPERIENCE:
This was one of our favourite treatments. You flip up the lid on what looks like a solarium bed covered in tiny red infrared bulbs on both top and bottom, hop inside naked (or wearing swimmers/underwear if you prefer) and relax. It feels like you’re lying on a warm beach for 10-15 minutes. We had a little nap in the soothing heat, very relaxing. Hygiene is on point, with wet wipes supplied to clean the bed before and after.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for longevity and cognitive health
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is gaining traction as a powerful tool for anti-ageing, injury recovery and even cognitive enhancement. It involves breathing in 90% pure oxygen (regular air is about 40%) in an enclosed pressurised chamber, delivering more oxygen to your body’s tissues than normal. This speeds up healing and boosts cellular regeneration.
THE SCIENCE:
What makes HBOT a key player in biohacking and longevity is its ability to lengthen telomeres – the protective caps on the ends of chromosomes that play a critical role in cellular ageing. Telomeres naturally shorten as we age. Studies show that regular HBOT can significantly increase telomere length, which helps reverse the effects of ageing at a cellular level. By preserving or even lengthening telomeres, HBOT has the potential to not just slow down the ageing process but possibly reverse some of its effects. Additionally, HBOT boosts cognitive function by delivering more oxygen to the brain, improving focus, memory and mental clarity.
OUR EXPERIENCE:
Essentially, you step into what looks like a one-man tent with secure double-zips to create a pressurised air-lock. Our ears always feel uncomfortable and pop on planes, so we were nervous to try this. Also claustrophobic coffin vibes, much? Luckily, once we hopped inside it was light, bright and spacious, with a comfy lounge chair to recline in, and we could control the pressure ourselves with a dial on the inside. Sessions are 45 minutes, but you can do longer or shorter as desired. We took a book, phone and water bottle in with us (and our emotional support lip balm). There are cosy blankets too if you want to nap. Many people choose to do the compression therapy boots in here at the same time.
The verdict
Biohacking is all about using science and technology to improve your physical and mental performance and future-proof your body to live a longer, healthier life. Sydney’s REHUB Wellness certainly offers powerful evidence-based tools to make that happen.
Whether you’re looking for more energy, or to boost recovery or healing post-exercise, we found REHUB’s treatments to be efficient, effective, science-backed and affordable. More of a high-end hotel spa vibe than a gym locker room, REHUB is worth a visit for anyone who’s feeling stressed, rundown or just in need of a physical or mental reset. Isn’t that all of us these days?
Disclaimer: As with all health and wellness treatments, always check with your doctor or healthcare professional first to ensure these are safe for you to try. REHUB Wellness is a responsible provider of health and wellness services and before joining you will be asked to read and sign a medical waiver outlining pre-existing health conditions or contraindications.
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