Read about our recent visit to Float in Norwich to try out their whole body cryotherapy treatment and a float in their relaxation pods.
What is Floating?
Floating, in one of the pods below, provides a relaxing experience unlike anything else. The pods are designed to remove as many external stimulants as possible, there are no distractions, which allows your mind to switch off and your body to relax completely. Each pod is 8 1/2ft x 5 1/2ft and contains 1/2 a tonne of Epsom salts dissolved in the water. The water temperature is maintained around body temperature which means you won’t get chilly or over heated. You will Float for around an hour. Float in Norwich currently has two individual pod rooms meaning you can enjoy this treatment alongside a friend or family member. A Floating experience makes a fantastic gift for someone you care about.
Who is Floating for?
Floating is beneficial for everyone and there are many different reasons people choose this type of treatment. In the world we live in we are often unaware of just how much hustle and bustle is going on around us. Even when you sit in a quiet room there are background noises, painful pressure points, thoughts whirling around our minds and ongoing distractions meaning we never truly ‘switch off’. Numerous studies across the world have proven that Floating can improve mental and physical conditions as listed below
- Stimulates the release of endorphins
- Creates calm and total relaxation
- Rejuvenates the mind and body
- Alleviates mental and physical stress
- Helps with fatigue and jet lag
- Improves sleep and insomnia
- Improves creativity, healing, and visualisation
- Expands awareness and heightens senses
- Enhances mental clarity and deepens your mental state
- Improves self-realisation and discovery
- Helps with anxiety, depression, and motivation
- Helps with phobias and addiction
- Helps with PTSD symptoms
- Decreases the perception of pain
- Relieves bones, joints, muscles
- Relieves aches, pains, and strains
- Relieves arthritis, migraines, and rheumatism
- Relieves fibromyalgia
- Helps with pregnancy pain
- Increases blood circulation and lowers blood pressure
- Improves immunity
- Helps athletes produce less cortisol, adrenaline, and lactic acid
- Helps athletes visualise their performance for success
- Helps athletes master the inner game and synchronise mind, body, and emotion
- Reduces the risk of further injury and overtraining
- Resets the body’s chemical & metabolic balance
- Speeds up the healing process and recovery
What happens when you get there?
Upon arrival you will be asked to slip your shoes off and place them in the storage provided. You are offered a glass of water and, if this is your first visit, you will be shown a short video on how the treatment works. The team at Float in Norwich are fantastic; they explain every stage – and for those that are uneasy with new experiences they are experts at putting you at ease. You are asked if you would like a relaxing soundtrack played during your session.
When your pod is ready you are taken into a private room that includes a shower. In the room a gown and towel are provided, along with disposable ear plugs, goggles and Vaseline (this is to cover any delicate skin, scratches etc to stop the salt water stinging). You will be shown two different types of head supports you can use, the therapist will then leave you to it. A button inside the tank allows you to call them if you need help. To get the best from a Float session it’s advised to Float without a bathing suit, however, this is down to preference. After undressing, grab a shower to wash off any lotions etc. You are now ready to enter the tank. The pod is internally lit with a blue light, when you climb in you take the lid handle, gently close it and you are now ready to experience Floating.
What is Floating like?
Once the lid is closed you will be able to lay back and relax. A button inside the tank will allow you to leave the light on blue, switch the light off entirely or have a rainbow effect. Within reaching distance in the tank there will be a flannel and bottle with fresh water in; this is in case you rub or splash your face with salt water. It will take a few moments to get settled but once you do the lights in the room will dim and your chosen soundtrack will begin playing. It’s now time to do absolutely nothing. Stretch out and take advantage of feeling completely weightless. For those experiencing chronic pain this can feel a bit overwhelming to start but you are now about to let your body relax in ways it hasn’t before.
It’s not uncommon for people to fall asleep whilst Floating but, don’t worry, you are brought round by gentle music and the blue light coming back on if you have switched it off. Gently sit up and lift the lid, step out and grab another shower. At Float Norwich they have provided you with shampoo, conditioner and body wash. When you have showered, dried and dressed you can make your way over to their pamper room which includes mirrors, cotton buds, heat treatment, ghd hairdryers and straighteners. Then you head back to reception where you are offered a herbal tea of your choice and a scoop of sorbet; the selection is scrummy and they use a local supplier too. You’re not rushed out and able to make your way out when you feel ready.
What will I feel like after Floating?
If you can, spend the rest of the day relaxing as much as possible and, as with any health treatment, drink plenty of water. You will feel more rested so let your body enjoy that feeling and don’t rush yourself back into the everyday craziness. Depending on your reasons for Floating you may feel a difference in your pain or tension levels. If you have suffered with chronic pain or stress for a while this can be an unusual feeling, embrace it. You will likely have one of the best nights sleep you’ve had in a long while too.
What other features are at Float Norwich?
We also tried the whole body cryotherapy treatment, which is where you stand in a tube, not to dissimilar to a tanning booth, you are then surrounded with cold air gradually dropping down to temperatures of -150 degrees. Whole body cryotherapy treatment is designed to assist the body with healing from inflammation, just as sportspeople will have ice baths. Treatments last three minutes and are extremely invigorating. The therapist is with you the entire time and will happily chat to you to keep you distracted from the drops in temperature. Once you step out of the tube your body temperature will gradually rise again.
Float Norwich also have a dry sauna and fully body massage chairs that you can use.
Where?
66-70, Ber Street, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 3EW
Parking is available just over the road at John Lewis.
How much?
Float sessions are from £60 an hour.
Cryotherapy sessions are from £40 for a 10 minute appointment, which include three minutes of treatment.
Packages are available.
Need more info?
Click Here to find out more about our local Float centre.