How GLP-1 medications inspired Dr. Ian Justl Ellis to lead RecessRx, a new approach to health care and fitness, in Dallas, Texas.
Recess Fitness Club made a bold debut in 2020, opening during the pandemic when many gyms were closing. This 21,000-square-foot, playground-inspired space quickly became a standout, earning the title of No. 1 Dallas Gym from the Dallas Observer. Now, Recess is pushing the boundaries of the traditional gym model, introducing innovative concepts that challenge conventional ideas of what a gym can offer.
Top of that list is RecessRx, a gym-health care hybrid. Recess is pioneering a novel fitness model by integrating health care into its core offerings. Led by Dr. Ian Justl Ellis, the program provides members with access to 24/7 telemedicine, personalized lab testing, hormone therapy, peptide treatments and ongoing medical care.
Justl Ellis’ fitness journey began at age 14 in a family struggling with weight issues. Influenced by this, he pursued a degree in athletic training, became a certified personal trainer and immersed himself in the fitness and bodybuilding world. Despite outward success in fitness, he battled unhealthy habits including cycles of binge eating and extreme dieting.
After transitioning to medical school and enduring long work hours, Justl Ellis gained 60 pounds and experienced the challenges of balancing health with career and family. Seeking help, he connected with Taylor Metzger, a personal trainer who became a co-founder of Recess, and successfully lost weight, even competing in fitness events again. However, these efforts remained unsustainable.
The turning point came when Justl Ellis was prescribed semaglutide, a GLP-1 agonist medication, by a nurse practitioner. This medicine helped regulate his appetite and made maintaining a healthy weight achievable without extreme measures. The experience transformed his life, allowing them to enjoy normalcy while staying fit.
After reflecting on his journey, he reconnected with Metzger to form a partnership to bring his expertise and experience to the patient population and clientele at Recess. This collaboration became the foundation for combining their skills to serve others.
RecessRx offers a variety of services including:
- GLP-1 weight loss treatments.
- Hormone therapy.
- Peptide therapy.
- Walk-in labs.
- Immune support medications.
- Skin and hair care.
- Sleep therapy.
- Tissue recovery.
- And more.
RecessRx membership is required for GLP-1 and HRT treatments and optional for all other medications and services. Members receive 50% off all orders.
Have questions? Dr. Justl Ellis may be contacted directly via text message at 817.583.8542 or via email at md@recessrx.com.
