I had my first floating experience at The Float Zone and my quick two word review is relaxation station.
Floating is great for relaxation, stress relief, pain relief, and well-being and claims to improve a list of conditions including chronic pain, jet lag, anxiety, and insomnia. I got a gift certificate for my birthday and almost a year to the day I still hadn’t gone. Why I have no idea, but I can tell you I won’t be waiting very long to go again.
Here is how the process goes:
- You will watch a short five minute video which outlines everything you need to know once you get into the room.
- They will show you around the post float room which has books, water and teas. You can hang out in there as long as you want afterwards.
- You will be taken to your room which is where you will shower before and after you float.
- Once they leave the room you have eight minutes to shower and get into the pod.
Once in the pod I had one hour of pure bliss. The only decisions you need to make are music on or off, light on or off, and door open or closed. I went with music on, light on for half the time and door closed, but next time I’m going to do it with the light off the entire time to see if it really makes a difference.
Now for the most important part – the float. I can honestly say I’ve never done something where I’ve felt more relaxed than floating. The weightless feeling that the salt provides combined with the ambient music was really amazing. I spent part of the time with my hands behind my head and the rest with them by my side. Of the two I preferred them by my side as after a while my hands started to fall asleep behind my head. I don’t meditate or do yoga very often so shutting my brain off at will isn’t something I have good control over, but somewhere about halfway through I noticed I was just laying there focusing on my breathing. I never fell asleep, but I feel I was able to really understand the appeal.
Some things to note before you float:
- Don’t shave right before going as the salt will burn your skin.
- If you have any cuts or open wounds you may want to wait. They do provide Vaseline otherwise.
- You will be naked so it really doesn’t matter what you wear.
- The pod is quite big so unless you are really claustrophobic you shouldn’t have any concerns.
- You will be wearing earplugs so just make sure to create a tight seal and then shower.
For those reading this in Richmond, VA I would also recommend Vitality Float Spa if you’re in The Fan.
Robb says
I have issues with any little bit of water getting in my ears.. and dreading for days after.. what kind of ear plugs are we talking about? are there controls within the pod, re. music, lights etc.. or did you have to get out? do you close the pod door (Hal) whats the temperature in there.. can you bring your own music? is the light you mentioned in the pod or the room where the pod is? enquiring minds wanna know lol
Chad says
Hey Robb, good questions.
So the earplugs were the kind that you can mold and really get a tight seal.
If you look on the left side of the pod in the picture right before the hinge to the door you’ll see the controls for the music and the light. The light is a simple push to turn on push to turn off and you can see it in the picture. The music, if i recall correctly, is push to turn on, second push gets louder, third push is full sound, fourth push starts the cycle again. I had mine on the loudest because the earplugs combined with your ears being under water really mutes the sound.
What you do with the pod door is totally up to you. It’s very simple to use and you can leave it totally open, close it partially, or completely. It’s dome shaped so even when it’s closed and you’re on your knees there was plenty of head room.
The water temperature is warm not hot.
As for bringing your own music I’m not sure of their policy. In theory you could bring a waterproof speaker and just not use theirs, however, the music they are playing is super soothing and is timed for your session. I would ask before assuming you could do that.
I hope that helps.