Float Therapy 101

RELAX, REFRESH, RENEW

For a full year, we've all had to adjust to a new reality and life. If there is one thing we’ve learned from living through a pandemic is that “self-care is not selfish”. Self-care ultimately is about setting priorities in your physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental health. My wellness routine usually consists of working out 5 times a week and monthly massages. I also like adding other self-care activities such as mediation, facials, and bike rides to my wellness routine. I recently activated my ClassPass membership to see what new fitness studios and wellness experiences were being offered in my neighborhood. The first thing that popped up under women-owned studios was Mindful Waters. They offer cryotherapy, infrared sauna, and float therapy. I remember hearing about this wellness trend after Steph Curry and other celebrities shared their float therapy experience so I decided to give it a try!

The Spa

The spa is located in Northvale, NJ, a 5-minute drive from my house. Upon entering I was transported into a modern oasis with a cozy waiting room, a water bar, and an area of curated wellness products. Honestly, I had no idea what to expect, but I am always down to try anything that involves water and promises stress relief and muscle relaxation. The owner explained the process of preparing for my float session, entering and exiting my float pod, and what I can expect during my float. You get your own room with a changing area, a shower, and of course, the float room, which is large and spacious enough to walk into while standing fully upright.

What is Float Therapy?

Float therapy is often referred to as zero gravity, sensory deprivation therapy, or isolation therapy. It is a very meditative practice that also offers benefits for the body and mind. The experience takes place in a dark, soundproof tank filled with magnesium (Epsom salt) water, in which you become weightless and are able to float effortlessly. The magnesium absorbed during the hour-long float session immediately relaxes muscles and calms nerves.

My experience

I took a shower before entering the float room. The float room itself was very pretty and welcoming, illuminated in blue lighting with star ceiling lights, with relaxing lounge music playing in the background. Once I stepped in and got situated, I closed the door and the lights and the music slowly turned off. I was left completely alone with my thoughts without the distraction of sight, sound, or gravity. The first few minutes were a little awkward because all I kept thinking was about how weird every movement felt but at the same time so cool! It was a sensation, unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. I felt weightless, worry-free and I quickly fell into a meditative state (which is often hard for me). For the rest of my session, I focused on my thoughts and breathing. I am pretty sure I fell asleep at one point. My most relaxed position was with my hands by my side with my palms up and my legs slightly spread. An hour later the lights and music slowly turned on and I remember thinking there was no way 60 minutes had gone by. I thought to myself, why is being in the water so incredibly relaxing? And I think it’s because every time I am in the water (shower, pool, ocean) I automatically feel like I’m dropping into self-care mode. After exiting the float room, I showered and washed the salt off my body and hair. I left my private room and walked out to the front of the spa to the water bar. I enjoyed a glass of purified water made in-house by the owner Amy. She explained that she purifies the water using reverse osmosis. This process removes particulates, toxins, microplastics, and minerals leaving nothing but H20. Next, she re-mineralizes with essential Calcium, Potassium, and Magnesium ions. The water tasted super fresh and clean!

"The quieter you become, the more you are able to hear" -Rumi 

The Final Takeaway

It was definitely a unique experience that I plan to try again. I was a little iffy at first but it turns out that this was exactly what my body and mind needed. Depending on the location you go to, a one-hour session can range anywhere from $50 to $100. I am so glad I reactivated my ClassPass otherwise I wouldn’t have had this experience. Whether you are looking for cool fitness studios, unwind with a wellness experience or stream a class from home this self-care app makes it easy to prioritize your health.

I SHARED MORE OF MY EXPERIENCE ON MY IGTV

As we near the end of Women's History Month, we continue to celebrate all the achievements women continue to make in all industries. I invite you to support this women-owned business:

MINDFUL WATERS
What: Mindful Waters is a restorative daily sanctuary offering guests a range of hi-tech wellness treatments in luxurious and soothing surroundings.
Where: Northvale, NJ
Founder: Amy Hyde
Industry: Health & Wellness, Retail

Love you all!

Carolina Real