Biohacking isn’t the Holy Grail to Healthspan

There are a lot of interesting developments when it comes to biohacking. Biohacking is a broad term that refers to enhancing the performance and functioning of the human body and mind. It encompasses a wide range of activities, from lifestyle and dietary changes to advanced technological interventions. Everyone wants to feel good, improve performance, and live longer—or at least most of us do.

Biohacking can include:

1. Nutritional Interventions: Adjusting diet and supplementation to achieve specific health outcomes.
   

2. Exercise and Physical Conditioning: Implementing targeted fitness routines to improve physical capabilities.
   

3. Sleep Optimization: Techniques to improve sleep quality and quantity for better overall health.
   

4. Mental and Cognitive Enhancement: Practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and the use of nootropics to enhance cognitive functions.
   

5. Genetic Engineering: Exploring genetic modifications and CRISPR technology to alter biological functions at the DNA level.
   

6. Wearable Technology: Utilizing devices that monitor and provide feedback on physiological data to make informed health decisions.
   

I know people who use wearables, practice cold therapy (e.g., Wim Hof), drink raw milk, use red light therapy, and even wear Hokas all the time. And it’s all good. But my point in this short blog is that you need to get to Base Camp.

Take wearing Hokas, for example. This recent brand has generated sales of well over $1 billion. As we age, we need to develop ankle, toe, and foot strength and mobility. There are many exercises we can do to improve these areas. While the cushioning and support of a Hoka is great some of the time, it does not help at all in building this crucial strength.

Or consider the rage with 10,000 steps. This is a marketing ploy to sell wearables, not something backed by science. The idea of walking 10,000 steps a day originated in Japan in the 1960s as part of a marketing campaign for a pedometer called "manpo-kei," which translates to "10,000-step meter." It’s designed to game you into buying their products. Overall physical activity, including intensity and variety (e.g., aerobic exercises, strength training), is more important for health than a specific step count.

If you want to improve mobility, strength, and cardio, you need to do the work. Perhaps start with little things, like sitting on the floor for 10 minutes before you go to bed or brushing your teeth on one leg. But expecting biohacking to be the Holy Grail? Well, sorry to tell you, it’s a myth. You gotta do the work.

At Futurefityou, with the help of professional trainers, we designed 30 exercises that fall into the Vital Five category. You can download them here for free. The tasks are designed to be accessible, with many requiring little to no equipment, making them suitable for everyone. You can do them on your own or with a trainer or friend.