My Visit to The Floatworks plus your chance to WIN a float session for you AND a Friend!

Last Sunday I had a rare treat – a day to myself to try out the power of the Float!  I headed off on the high speed train, as I set off in the car I thought I was very organised – until I realised I’d forgotten my coat!  I almost bought a jumper at St Pancras but decided against spending £50 on a jumper I didn’t like just to keep warm – just.  The Floatworks is situated in Vauxhall, south London and is a 2 minute stroll from the tube.  I got the Victoria line from St Pancras and it was very easy (and peaceful).

Brrr, I was looking forward to getting into my floatation tank but I was a bit nervous, I’m OK with small spaces, smaller the better but the dark, not so sure.  I arrived at the glamorous looking St George’s Wharf, which is right on the river, with bars and restaurants, very nice.  I’m thinking of getting a bolt hole there (In my dreams).

I was greeted by Chris, the co-owner of The Floatworks, he had a chat to me, got me a drink of water and reassured me about the light situation, I could leave them on if I wanted to, I would have complete control about it, so I was really looking forward to it.  I was taken round to the locker room where I left my shoes and socks, and was given flip flops to wear, but you can bring your own if you want to.

I was then taken to my personal Float room, it’s like a massive bathroom, with a shower in one corner, a chair, and of course the Floatation pod.  It was open and inviting.

There was music playing, which I was told would last 10 minutes, along with the coloured lights, and then they would switch off to allow total relaxation – something which for a phone addicted brainstormer like me was actually a scary prospect!  I knew I could turn the light back on with a push button, plus there was a button to call reception if there was a problem.  I was advised to have a rinse off shower first and then a shower and hairwash afterwards to wash the salt out.  They use Epsom Salts to achieve the floatation effect.  You can go in naked or with a swimming costume.  I went for a bikini.  They give you ear plugs to put in – I forgot to put mine in at first, I got in, then remembered, so I got out again and some of the salt water got in my eyes – ouch!  Definitely remember to do the ear plugs first, don’t get your face wet!  There is a freshwater spray inside the pod which you can use.  When you get in, you pull down the pod lid, it felt very spacious inside.  I enjoyed the music and lights and waited for them to switch off… I put the lights back on… and off again… and on again…. and finally, left them off.  When you lie back you really do just float, it completely supports your entire body and head.  The water temperature is set to body temperature, so it’s not too hot and is even suitable to use in pregnancy, in fact it’s perfect, especially to ease those pregnancy aches and pains and relax.  At last, a spa type treatment pregnant women can enjoy!  OK, back to me, in the pod, in darkness, comfortable and warm, alone with my thoughts.  Relax.  I wonder how long I’ve been in here… I let my mind wander, tick off mental lists… I wonder what the children are doing?  I hope DH isn’t too stressed… can anyone see me in here?  I feel like I’m drifting, moving, but in reality I’m not.  This is nice… I notice shapes and spirals under my eyelids.  I try to meditate, I’m not very good at it.  I’m enjoying the quiet and complete aloneness of the pod, away from it all.  I take off my bikini, deciding there’s no way anyone can see me.  Freedom and pure relaxation.  It’s like your own primeval cave… Is the hour nearly up?  I could stay in longer… The music and lights return, my cue to get out.  I turn on the shower, I had a rinse off before with the telephone style shower head, I wondered why there were three taps, it was a bit hot so I tried to turn it down and suddenly got a cold shower from above!  Stupid me didn’t clock the massive lit up shower head above!  Needless to say I adjusted it and had a lovely shower.  Then I headed out feeling a bit sleepy to The Hollywood Room where they have hair dryers, straighteners and lit mirrors so you can re-beautify yourself. My skin felt lovely and soft and I felt a sense of wellbeing.

I met one of my fellow bloggers, Anna, and we got chatting; it’s lovely to meet people outside of the virtual world. We headed to the chill out room, this was wonderful, those of us who’d just floated all got chatting with the owners, it was really relaxed.  There was herbal tea and fresh water, and bean bags and soft chairs to sit on.  There was no pressure to leave within a certain time frame, I had a lovely time.

Here are my tips for floating:

• Bring a bag to put your wet swimming costume in
• Rinse out your swimsuit afterwards otherwise it dries like a board! (It washed out alright though)
• Don’t touch your eyes once you’re in there
• Remember to put your ear plugs in before you get in
• Take a towel with you for your hair
• Bring flip flops
• Relax, don’t overthink, let your mind wander naturally

Why should I try a float session?

There are many benefits, aside from general relaxation and it’s suitable for pretty much anyone.  They include:

General well-being

• Promotes total calm and peaceful relaxation
• Eliminates fatigue and jet lag
• Improves sleep
• Alleviates stress (mental and physical)
• Energises, rejuvenates and revitalises
• Increases motivation, diminishes depression, anxiety and fear
• Facilitates freedom from habits, phobias and addictions

Mental benefits of floatation

• Stimulates left/right brain synchronisation
• Shifts brain waves from beta to lower frequency alpha, theta and even delta
• Creates mental clarity, alertness
• Increases creativity, problem solving
• Heightens visualisation
• Deepens meditation
• Expands awareness, intensifies acuteness of all the senses, accelerates learning
• Enhances hypnotherapy and self-hypnosis

Physical benefits of floatation

• Decreases the production of cortisol, ACTH, lactic acid and adrenaline
• Increases production of endorphins
• Speeds up rehabilitation and recovery
• Relieves pain (arthritis, migraines, injuries and so on)
• Boosts immune function
• Improves circulation and distribution of oxygen and nutrients
• Reduces blood pressure, pulse, heart rate and oxygen consumption
• Improves athletic performance
• Helps prevent sports injuries, speeds healing process

So, now you know what to expect, here’s your chance to try Floating with my giveaway for a complimentary Float session for you and a friend!  Enter via the Rafflecopter widget below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms and Conditions:

Closes Midnight 02/05/2016 (The Sunday night), anyone can enter but the winner and their chosen friend must be able to get to The Floatworks centre in London, UK.  By entering you agree to your name being published on my blog should you win. This giveaway is also running on my Facebook Page, which you can also enter, all the names will be put together after the closing date and a winner will be picked at random.

Good Luck!

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Disclosure: I was offered a complimentary float session in return for my open and honest review.  

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