Flotation Philly: Ail Those Aches
The 411
Ever wonder what it was like in the womb? No? Prior to my visit to Flotation Philly (FP), I didn’t either. But according to Google, it’s a common reoccurring thought when floating. What is floating? Wikipedia describes it perfectly: "Float tanks also referred to as isolation or sensory deprivation tanks, are lightless soundproof tanks with high Epsom salt content content filled with salt water at skin temperature, in which individuals float." The concept has been around since the 50’s when an American neurophysiologist, Dr. John Lilly, invented it for mental health research. Now it’s used for holistic restoration and medicinal purposes. There are over 250 float centers in the US.
FP has three different floating chambers. Frequent floaters usually have an enclosure preference. I was in a large, white fiberglass pod, which was like if space odyssey and Phillipe Starck had a baby. After showering (soap, shampoo, conditioner, towel provided) I was instructed to enter the pod, which is filled with 10 inches of the salty water. 1,000 lbs of it, to be exact, which is denser than the Dead Sea. The buoyant effect of the salt water causes you to float and therefore feel weightless. You cannot feel the bottom of the pod unless you do so intentionally. Like a full yoga session, each float is an hour and a half.
A lot of claustrophobic people told me they could never handle being fully enclosed, but the pod is actually very easy to open and close. The top half can close all the way or you can keep it partially open, it’s all up to your discretion. About 10 minutes into the session all the lights go off. So it’s just you, the salty water, your thoughts and weird alien heartbeat music, which you can turn off or down if you want. I left it on because in the dark, with the pod shut, I couldn't find the switch to turn it off. At first, I stretched out and moved around trying to get comfortable with the vulnerability of the darkness, really just making sure Voldemort wasn't about to pop-out.
Although the water is 94 degrees, body temperature, upon initial submergence, I was chilly because my top half was not underwater. But once I splashed the water all over and shut the lid, I warmed up. After getting comfortable with the stillness I did what I was there to do, I floated physically and mentally. I fell into a nice meditative state and let my thoughts go.
I was in for what seemed like a while before I started to think about my grocery list, the kids, dinner, errands, work, Biggie (my beloved bulldog), laundry, my email, what color I’d like to paint the living room… unfortunately, I wasn't the Jedi master I hoped to be. I tried to push the thoughts aside. I attempted every relaxation and meditation trick in the book but none worked so I embraced my to-do list and went with it. Those last 30 minutes (guessing here) were tough. My brain was already on the next task. I could’ve ended it the session early, but that’s not my style.
Although I was anxious to get showered and move on with my day, I did feel like I had given myself a gift. I (mostly) embraced being detached in a place where I couldn't be contacted, although it took a while to get there. The anti-gravity and quiet were reminiscent of a deep-water scuba dive but without the visual stimulation. I didn't achieve my hope of uncovering some pearls of creative wisdom lying deep in my shell but I guess I'll just have to keep on floating.
Space
Two cute well-behaved dogs immediately greeted me when I entered FP, along with Tess at the desk and Russ, the owner. The small, casual lobby doesn't prepare you for the 4-star experience of each room. The pod is in a nicely appointed, private, dimly lit room, with a large spa-like exposed stone floor shower. There are earplugs (to use during your float), a hairdryer and some other amenities to keep your bag light.
Vibe
As you’d expect, FP has a calm spa-like feel. Russ patiently explained the entire process, the float philosophy and what to expect. Due to my inquiring nature, he also graciously explained his personal float history and what inspired him to open FP.
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Cost ranges from $59.00 for a 60-minute float to $69.00 for a 90-minute float. Various packages are available should you want to be a repeat floater.
Amenities
