Is 30 minutes in this room the secret to beating stress and burnout?

A new wellness studio in Brisbane, Queensland, has emerged as a focal point in the growing market for high-tech solutions to stress and burnout. Known as Cheatcode Playground, the facility offers a unique 30-minute session designed to reset the nervous system through a combination of specialized equipment and guided breathing techniques. Opened in June 2026, the studio is located in Fortitude Valley, a vibrant area known for its arts and culture scene. The concept, described as “Australia’s first high-tech nervous system reset studio,” has drawn attention due to the increasing public awareness of mental health issues and the demand for innovative approaches to well-being. The session involves three key pieces of technology: a vibrating chair, a light-and-sound lamp, and a cellular recovery device. Each treatment room is equipped with these devices, which are used in conjunction with a tailored guided breathing program. Clients can choose sessions lasting either 18 or 30 minutes, depending on their individual needs, whether for stress relief, increased energy, or a general sense of rejuvenation. A notable aspect of the experience is that participants remain fully clothed throughout the session, a detail emphasized by the studio's marketing materials. The core technology behind the session is the Shiftwave vibrating chair, which costs approximately $10,000. According to its manufacturers, the chair employs pulsed pressure waves and breath-guided audio to support the body’s natural stress and recovery responses. Users can adjust the intensity of the vibrations, though the sensation of being pushed off the chair can take some time to acclimate to. The audio component functions similarly to a guided meditation, instructing users on the timing and depth of their breathing. This process is conducted under a stroboscopic lamp called the roXiva RX1, which emits flickering lights and synchronized sounds intended to guide the user’s brainwaves into alpha and theta states, associated with relaxation and heightened focus. The final element of the session is the NanoVI device, which delivers humidified air to accelerate cellular repair. After the session, clients are offered a custom-made beverage by Renee Huddy, who serves as both co-founder and “Beverage Alchemist.” Her concoctions incorporate ingredients commonly found in health-focused stores such as Flannerys, blending traditional wellness elements with modern flair. The founders, Lachy and Renee Huddy, have backgrounds in diverse fields. Prior to establishing Cheatcode Playground, they managed a thoroughbred farm on the Sunshine Coast and were involved in producing and acting in a feature film in 2024. The intense demands of creating the film led them to seek more effective methods of managing stress, ultimately inspiring the creation of the studio. Travis Wesley, the client flow director and front-of-house manager, brings expertise in theater, further enriching the studio’s multidisciplinary approach. Despite the novelty of the technology, the founders emphasize that they do not make scientific claims about the efficacy of their services. Instead, they describe the experience as a genuine attempt to provide a holistic solution to common stress-related challenges. As the wellness industry continues to evolve, Cheatcode Playground represents one of many emerging ventures aiming to meet the growing demand for accessible and innovative self-care options.