Most people who slide in gyms simply lunge left to right on a slippery board. But at Recess Fitness Club—the largest independent gym in Dallas—members can now swoop down an actual, gleaming-gold slide from one floor to the other, shooting out at the bottom in the “playground-inspired” space.
Opened in 2020 by Co-Founders Taylor Metzger and Evan Duncan during the height of the pandemic, the 21,000-square-foot gym at 5706 E. Mockingbird Lane has snagged a following for its unique blend of fitness and fun. The gym features swings, rope climbs, a Nintendo station, and more in addition to “state-of-the-art” cardio and weight-lifting fitness options.
Now Recess is getting a bit more serious—about both biohacking and wellness.
Biohacking innovations and RecessRx
Infrared sauna at Recess gym [Photo: Recess]
Recess has begun offering what it calls “cutting-edge biohacking therapies,” including cold plunges and metabolic testing. The gym says its science-backed techniques “go beyond recovery, helping members optimize performance, boost energy, and achieve faster results—transforming Recess into a full-scale wellness destination.”
Other recovery options include Normatec boots for leg recovery, massage guns, and infrared saunas.
Along with the biohacking, the gym has launched a new fitness model by integrating healthcare directly into its offerings. Called RecessRx, the program is led by Dr. Ian Justl Ellis. It provides Recess members with 24/7 access to physicians, personalized lab testing, hormone therapy, peptide treatments, and ongoing medical care—”all designed to optimize performance, recovery, and overall health.”
A changing room at Recess gym in Dallas puts some green in the experience. [Photo: Recess]
That all sounds very well and good. But let’s get back to that slide. Here’s how it looks from the upstairs studio at Recess. Why take stairs when you can just grab that handle and swing down into golden oblivion? 
Here’s the fast way to get from Recess’ upstairs studio to the gym’s main floor. [Photo: Recess Fitness Club]
And here’s an example of the gym’s fitness-positive messaging, lit up in neon in a dressing room:
Dressing room at Recess Fitness Club [Photo: Recess]
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