Floating away

After my first float, I had a lot of comments and questions about the experience, so I decided to write a blog about it.

Find a float studio
I have been to 2: Mystic Float and Zee Float.  I got a discounted float from MF thorough Groupon.

Arriving at your appointment
Both spas have an inviting waiting room, where you fill out a waiver.  Then the attendant shows you to your float room.

Reception area at Zee Float.

Pre-Float

The attendant shows you the vanity area, for after the float and then goes through the float procedure.  The room includes a shower, and you must shower beforehand, to get oils off your skin, remove your contacts, put on earplugs, and apply petroleum jelly if you have any cuts/scrapes on your skin.  There is 1000 pounds of epsom salts in the water and you will float regardless, but there is also a foam headrest which is shaped a lot like a toilet seat, which I like to use to ensure my face stays above water. Getting any water in your eyes or cuts on your body will sting like a @#$&* if you are not careful.

Floaty time!

The tanks at MF and ZF are very different.  MF has a pod, and ZF has a tank.

"Escape Tank" at Zee Float.

Pod at Mystic Float.

I prefer the pod a lot more, as you can leave the lid open at any angle or close it completely, there's cool lights inside, and underwater speakers (you choose the light colour and music upon arrival).  The pod at MF is quite large (I floated 180 degrees during my session) and when the lid is closed, I cannot touch it with my arms outstretched.  The water is body temperature so it is not hot and steamy.  I think if it was steamy, I would feel very claustrophobic with the lid closed.

Then you get in, and float.  Sessions are either 60 or 90 minutes. At MF the lights inside come back on when the session is done, and at ZF, since it is silent throughout, music starts playing in the room.  I find the quiet time is very good for my anxiety and the magnesium benefits me as a runner.  My muscles are less sore, and I sleep like the dead afterwards.

Shower again.  Make sure you rinse out your ears! After my first float, I did not do this and was picking epsom salt dandruff out of my ears for a couple of days. Enjoy using the high end, organic skin and hair products.

Aftermath

At Mystic Float, at this point you are done, although you are free to chill in the reception area and drink some water/tea.  Nothing more except to pay.

At Zee Float, this was the beginning of my favourite part.  There is a lounge, with comfy chairs, funky lighting, books, a journal for sharing your floating experience, an oxygen bar, and a kombucha tap.  Everything is included in the price of the float, so I tried it all.

Oxygen bar with different scents.

The oxygen bar was really fun.  You stick hoses up your nose, and choose a scent and huff the scented air.  The benefits are dubious at best, but I'm sure it's healthier than huffing a Glade plug-in.

Looking like a hospital patient with the oxygen tube, and some light reading.

I had never tried kombucha until recently and I love it! It sounds pretty gross, and I imagine that some brands/flavours probably are, but the ones I've had were delicious.

Live Kombucha Naked blend, tastes like ginger ale.

I could have stayed and chilled in the lounge for a long time...but alas, it was time to go home.