Biohacking:
Before Wearables, There Were Weird Shoes

The first time I ever dabbled in biohacking, I didn’t even know that word existed. I was a young athlete, always chasing speed and a higher vertical jump, when I came across a pair of sports training shoes designed to make you quicker and more explosive. They looked ridiculous, built with an exaggerated base that forced you onto your toes, but the promise was clear: train in them, and your body would adapt. Supposedly, when you returned to normal shoes, you’d feel lighter, springier, faster.

Looking back, those shoes were my entry point into the world of biohacking. I wasn’t altering my DNA or implanting a chip under my skin. I was simply experimenting with a tool to change the way my body performed. The logic was straightforward: introduce a stressor, let the body adapt, reap the benefit.

Today, “biohacking” has evolved into a movement that spans from everyday wellness tweaks to cutting-edge scientific experiments. 

What Is Biohacking?

At its core, biohacking is the practice of making strategic adjustments to your body or environment in the name of performance, health, or longevity. These “hacks” might be as simple as drinking more water, tracking your sleep, or experimenting with intermittent fasting. On the other end of the spectrum, some biohackers pursue far more eccentric methods, like implanting magnets in their fingertips or altering their genetic code.

The common thread is curiosity: What happens if I change this variable? Can I improve my body or brain function?

Biohacks Worth Noting

A few hacks have gained real traction:

• Intermittent Fasting: Research suggests it can support weight loss, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce inflammation in some people.
• Cold Water Therapy: From ice baths to cryo chambers, this practice is believed to reduce muscle soreness, improve recovery, and even help with mood.
• Nootropics: Often marketed as “smart drugs,” these range from a morning coffee to specialized supplements aimed at boosting brain function. 
• Wearable Tech: Devices like the Oura Ring, Whoop Band, or Apple Watch provide data on sleep, heart rate, and activity, helping users make adjustments in real-time.

Each of these, in its own way, represents a modern version of what I was chasing with those training shoes: a method to stress, measure, and ultimately improve performance.

Risks and Realities

The danger in biohacking lies not in curiosity itself but in extremes. Unlike established medical treatments, many biohacks haven’t undergone rigorous testing. Supplements may not be regulated. Devices may overpromise. And while social media makes it easy to share “what works,” not every trend is safe or  effective for every body.

For instance, intermittent fasting may be beneficial for some, but it can be harmful for individuals with diabetes or a history of eating disorders. Likewise, cold plunging may improve recovery; however, individuals with certain conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, peripheral neuropathy, or poor circulation, should exercise caution. 

The key is discernment: start small, track your results, and consult professionals before experimenting with anything intense.

From Shoes to Science

When I think back to those clunky training shoes, I smile. They were a crude tool compared to today’s data-driven wearables and genetic testing, but they embody the same spirit: human beings trying to bend biology in their favor.

That’s what biohacking really is. It’s not about becoming a cyborg or chasing immortality (for most). It’s about curiosity, experimentation, and learning how your body responds to change. Whether it’s a cup of butter-laced coffee, a chilly plunge, or simply getting more sleep, biohacking can be as simple or complex as you want it to be.

For me, it started with shoes. For you, it might start with an app, a supplement, or a walk in the sun. The point isn’t where you begin, but that you take ownership of your health and find what works for you. 

Let me know about any biohacks you’ve had success with (or failed). 

Until next time!

-Dana