Living

I Visited the Global Wellness Clinic Every Biohacker Is Talking About to Audit My Own Vitality. Here's What I Learned

By Chris Mohr, Ph.D., R.D. Men's Journal

Updated May 5, 2026 2:56 PM

We all want a long life, but nobody wants a front-row seat to their own decline. I can't remember where I first heard the phrase, but the goal of dying young as late as possible is the only one that truly resonates. After recently losing my father, and navigating the hollow years of his Alzheimer's while simultaneously raising two teenagers, that philosophy feels less like a catchy quote and more like a mandate.

I'm not interested in chasing a specific birthday for the sake of the record books. I'm interested in the vitality I can squeeze out of the years I'm given.

The longevity space is currently a deafening roar of biohacks, extreme cleanses, and lofty promises that usually overcomplicate the obvious. When you cut through the noise, the pillars of a life well-lived remain stubbornly basic: a consistent fitness practice, fueling yourself with quality food, prioritizing sleep, and anchoring it all with a supportive community. It turns out that living well isn't about a secret hack-it's about mastering the essentials.

The Staggering Science of Strength and Longevity

I've spent the majority of my life lifting heavy weights and performing cardio in the name of longevity (and building on my pecs ad nauseam at my neighborhood Powerhouse Gym). While this kind of sweat equity "doesn't make us invincible, but it does give us a margin," according to Mike Ormsbee, PhD, Professor and Director of the Florida State University Institute of Sports Sciences Medicine.

The science behind that margin is staggering. One large Norwegian study followed over 40,000 people for 40 years and learned that losing fitness over time was linked to a higher mortality risk than consistent alcohol intake. It proved that cardiorespiratory fitness is one of the strongest predictors of life span, even if you have other risks.

This aligns with the recent update the American College of Sports Medicine published on strength guidelines, which provided the first major update to their previous version from 2009. Drawing on 137 systematic reviews and over 30,000 participants, the new stance reinforces resistance training's role for the miracle that it is. The research confirms it's not just muscle because resistance training improves balance, gait speed, sit-to-stand performance, and, yes, longevity or vitality. It is a powerful reaffirmation that "exercise truly is medicine."

But as I've learned, the gym is only one piece of the puzzle. Now I know better and work hard to control as many additional controllables as I can through regular checkups with all age-appropriate screenings and deep-dive blood work. That desire to take my longevity one step further is what eventually led me to SHA Mexico. I wanted to see what happens when you combine the hard work of the weight room with a world-class clinical environment.

The Clinical Shift in My Quest for Vitality

The sanctuary is devoted to aligning body, soul, and spirit. One of two locations worldwide (with a third on the horizon), SHA Mexico sits on a breathtaking stretch of beachfront in Costa Mujeres, a serene coastal town about 30 minutes from the energy of Cancun.

The concept of SHA began after the founder himself was diagnosed with cancer. Through his own treatments, lifestyle changes, and a very big vision, he wanted to share with others what he learned about the value of wellness practices, diet, and other lifestyle approaches to healing. Starting in the early 2000's with SHA Spain, SHA Mexico followed, with an island in the Emirates opening soon. While each location is unique, they all have the goal of bringing an immersive, almost futuristic experience to health optimization for guests from across the globe.

"The goal is not just to collect data, but to translate that data into actionable lifestyle and medical interventions that improve long-term health outcomes," says SHA Mexico clinic director, Jair Olivares, MD.

The sense of mission is palpable; combine the benefits of a world-class spa, a fitness center that's unparalleled, and 1000+ treatment options, all with uncompromising luxury and a tech-forward, integrative approach to wellbeing. The facility itself offers 100 generous suites, each with private balconies overlooking the ocean. That view alone washed over me with a healthy dose of calming, warm sunshine. But the

"One of the most impactful benefits is the growing focus on metabolic health, understanding how insulin sensitivity, body composition, inflammation, and lifestyle patterns influence long-term disease risk," he said. "We use advanced diagnostics such as metabolic biomarkers, fitness metrics, and biological aging markers to detect early imbalances and intervene sooner."

Beyond the hot and cold contrast therapy pools, massage tables, and spa-like recovery treatments, there was a packed slate of additional sessions-my schedule stuffed tighter than the carry-on backpack I stubbornly refuse to check.

Putting My Engine to the Test

The first treatment I selected at SHA was a VO2 Max test on a treadmill to ensure my ticker was doing its job. I prioritized this because cardiorespiratory fitness is a more powerful predictor of mortality than body mass index or obesity. While the Tin Man in the Wizard of Oz just wanted a heart to feel love, a VO2 Max test measures how efficiently your heart, lungs, and muscles actually collaborate to use oxygen. In essence, it is your cardiorespiratory fitness quantified.

"VO₂ max is one way we have for understanding health and longevity," Ormsbee said. He noted that large studies consistently show that higher cardiorespiratory fitness is strongly associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality, adding that "improvements in VO₂ max are among the strongest predictors we have for extending health span."

While my numbers didn't reflect those of a Norwegian Cross Country Skier-the gold standard for lung capacity-they were on par for my age. It was a reassuring sign that the decades of sweat equity are paying off.

But you don't need a luxury clinic to find your baseline. Ormsbee suggests field-based options like the Cooper 12-minute run or the Rockport Walking Test, where you walk one mile as fast as possible. By plugging your time, weight, and post-exercise heart rate into an online calculator, you can estimate your VO2 Max and start tracking your own margin from home.

A Deep Dive Into the Data You Can't See In the Mirror

Beyond the treadmill, SHA Mexico provided a suite of non-invasive tests to map out my internal health. This included an InBody scan to measure body composition alongside tools to evaluate vascular elasticity and cognitive acuity. We also covered the essentials like blood pressure and comprehensive blood work. The doctor assured me that everything was in an optimal range and even noted that she rarely sees a grip strength score like mine. While she might have just been being kind, I like to think my 35 years of weight training have paid off, since research suggests grip strength is closely correlated to all-cause and disease-specific mortality.

Outside of the clinical data, I made sure to lean into the restorative side of the experience. I spent plenty of time in the sauna, cold plunge, and steam room, and I opted to move my workouts outdoors to soak in the Mexican sunshine.

Where Performance Nutrition Meets World Class Flavor

As a performance dietitian who also loves to cook, I'd be remiss if I didn't talk about the food or my cooking class with the executive chef. The foods served include a balanced variety of whole grains, local seafood, and an abundance of vegetables and fruits. Eager to learn even more from Chef, I took the time to connect with him about what his goals are with the foods provided.

"At SHA Mexico, every ingredient serves a therapeutic purpose," Executive Chef Daniel Quesada told me. "Our cuisine is designed to deeply nourish the body, without restriction. We focus on quality, bioavailability, and metabolic impact and integrate as many local ingredients as possible. It's our way of creating a true sense of place, where elevated healthy cuisine connects with Mexico's rich culinary heritage, enhancing the experience without ever compromising our principles of health and longevity."

Taking the Mission Home

While my time at SHA Mexico was a world-class experience, the real value was in the reminder that longevity is built through the choices we make once we unpack our bags. You don't need a clinical retreat to begin auditing your own metrics. You just need to be intentional about the basics.

So, let me ask-what daily practices could you adopt to better manage your own health and longevity? Admittedly, I can promise the world with hundreds of different ideas, but only a few are truly meaningful long-term when they are practiced consistently. There's no need to be "worried well" when you can simply focus on these core strategies.

The Strategies for Longevity

Make an appointment with your own doctor. If you don't have one, find one.
Ask about age-appropriate health screenings. This includes a colonoscopy if you're over 45-or 40 with a family history-as well as mammography and other preventative checks.
Prioritize your data. Consider seeking out a VO2 Max test or using the tools Dr. Ormsbee suggested for estimating values. Look into other preventative tools like body composition and bone density scans, such as a DEXA, where available.
Maintain a consistent exercise regimen. Focus on a plan that combines resistance training and aerobic training. For me, I lift three times per week and play tennis two to three days.
Fuel your body with intention. Choose foods that taste great and support your body, mind, and soul.
Go all in on sleep. Focus on both quantity and quality to best manage your daily energy and long-term health.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the Health & Fitness section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

This story was originally published May 5, 2026 at 1:46 PM.