Just last week I experienced my second float therapy session. A few of you seemed intrigued about what floating is like and whether I enjoyed it. I am going to give you some details about the float therapy session I experienced from start to finish.
What’s float therapy all about?
Float tanks have been around for decades but have recently become trendy again with the mindfulness movement. The idea behind float therapy is that when your body and mind and free from gravity, you can achieve a deep mental and physical relaxation state.
My experience at OmFloat
This was my second time experiencing a float session at Omfloat in Ashburn, Virginia. The sessions are 90 minutes long which includes showering time before and after. Wow that sounds like a long time-is it?
I was concerned about the 90 minutes as well, at first. Turns out the time really did fly by. After showering and entering the tank, I spent about 15 minutes trying to float. Unlike when you float in a traditional pool setting, you do not have to actively attempt to float in a tank. The tanks are filled with 850 pounds of epsom salts.
Each float tank has about 10 inches of water which is kept at 94 degrees. A neutral body temp that allows your body to relax and not feel the water. As you lay back the water will come up just over your ears. Ear plugs are provided for your use. I did not use them. A relaxing “spa like” music plays in the background for the first 15 minutes before fading out. When your time is up, the music comes back on to alert you that your session is over.
As I mentioned, I took a few minutes to relax and decide what position my hands wanted to be in. It’s interesting to not the thoughts that come into your mind without any distractions. I decided do some yoga like breathing to help me relax and let go and could even hear my heart beating once I relaxed which was kind of different. Surprisingly, I know I fell asleep for a few minutes because I actually heard myself snoring.
Do you feel trapped?
Some of you have asked if I felt claustrophobic? Ironically, no. I am a person who does not like small spaces but I did not feel anxiety at all while in the tank. The attendant suggested that I could wedge a washcloth between the door so that I would have a sliver of light. This really helped and I was not worried at all.
After I emerged from my float tank, I was invited to relax in the recovery lounge. There is also a selection of hot teas and coffees. Exiting the tank and getting dressed, I felt refreshed as though I had taken a short nap. Would I do it again? Yes I would however the location is a little far from me and at about $50 a session a bit pricey.
Hope that gives you a brief synopsis of what a float therapy session is like. Tell me-have you ever tried floating? Any questions I did not answer?
Linking up with Fairytales and Fitness
You are right, 90 minutes sounds like a long time! Great review and I’m glad you enjoyed it.
I honestly was surprised by how quickly the time elapsed. I need the extra few minutes to relax at the beginning
So interesting. My daughter has tried this and thought it was relaxing. LOL at hearing yourself snore. I think I would fall asleep too. I’m sure there’s places closer? Or will be soon?
I believe there is one in Bethesda but figured it was easier to go out to Ashburn. You should try it w your daughter when she visits next time
huh, interesting. I used to float every other week when I lived in Portland (OR). It was a really hippy-dippy thing to do, not that I mind, I think it’s actually an amazing thing you can do for yourself. So, while I haven’t done it for at least 25 years, sounds like it’s pretty much the same. I do have claustrophobic feelings sometimes but I never felt that way in the floatation tank.
Yes I can see it being a hippish kind of thing. It does feel great to do it but not something I would do all the time
I have never tried this. I watched an episode of Big Bang Theory and I believe this is what Sheldon and Amy did to relax. Sounds interesting!
Ha yes it is super relaxing if you ever have the chance to try it
This sounds like such a peaceful experience! I would love to do something like this after a half marathon or marathon.
That would be great for recovery after a race
Interesting post. I have never tried floating therapy and here there are not spas where we can do it.
However I enjoy to relax myself at the local thermal baths.
That also sounds very relaxing!
Never heard of it. Not sure if it offered anywhere near me.
I’m not a big water person so I think I might be nervous that I wouldn’t float and would drown LOL
It is pretty much impossible to drown! You just have to relax
Thanks for sharing your float experience. Having my own experience has been on my list for a while. I looked at a few closer for convenience.
I know there is one in Bethesda as well. It only took about 20 m or so to get there. I hear they are adding in massage options for before or after which sounds amazing to me
Sounds intriguing! I have not heard (or seen) anything like this in my area (go figure LOL). I think I’d have a tough time relaxing, and the water in my ears would freak me out a bit, too.
It was hard to relax at first but eventually I was able to. Relaxing is hard for me!
That was so smart to put a washcloth in the door so you had some light. Being in complete darkness the first session would freak me out. Sounds like such an interesting way to relax!
Really interesting and yes putting the washcloth in the door gave me some peace of mind
I’ve always wanted to try float therapy! You’ve definitely convinced me that I need to try it ASAP! Thanks for the review 🙂
Let me know if you do!
I have never tried it. I’ve read a few reviews, and people really seem to like it. I think if I’m going to be relaxing that long, then I want a massage, LOL!
I am a huge massage fan myself. They are going to start offering massage therapy before or after in the fall. I may have to go back!
Oh wow! I think I would really love that as I love the water. I do wonder about getting a little claustrophobic but it does sound pretty awesome!
I know we have not met IRL (yet) but I do think you would like it a lot. Maybe they have one by you
I love floating! It’s so relaxing to be held up by all the salt. It’s great to get into a deep meditation.
It really is an interesting experience!
I had not heard of this before! It does sound like it would be relaxing, what a cool experience!!
It really is quite unique. Hope you have the chance to try it sometime
Very interesting, thanks for sharing. I like that they provide ear plugs as water in the ears would be a non-starter for me. I think I’d try one if there was an accessible one here
I should have worn the ear plugs as my ears felt like they had water in them for a few days