A B M P m e m b e r s e a r n F R E E C E a t w w w. a b m p . c o m / c e b y r e a d i n g M a s s a g e & B o d y w o r k m a g a z i n e 69
due to its lighter, drop-stitch inflatable
technology. The shell is similar to an
inflatable stand-up paddleboard, which,
when deflated, is small and light, but has a
hard-shell exterior when you blow it up.
What are the pros and cons of having
a float tank in your home? According
to Shane Stott, co-owner of Zen Float
Company, the most obvious benefit is you
can float anytime you want. "Your health is
an investment, and while a tank costs more
upfront, having 24-7 access will help you
develop a regular float routine for maximum
benefits. Whether you float in the morning
to set the tone for the rest of your day, or at
night to quiet the mind before you sleep, you
can do it in privacy and at your convenience
with a tank at home," Stott says.
With this convenience comes the
need to maintain and care for the tank,
just like you would a hot tub. "It's fairly
simple," Stott says. "It only takes 15
minutes a week, and the water and salt
will last for the next two years."
One of the main reasons home-based
flotation tanks haven't caught on until
now is that most commercial tanks are
large and bulky. According to Stott, in
addition to using lighter, more affordable
materials, the new Zen Float Company
tanks "use submersible filtration, which cuts
down on the space required for external
heating and water cleaning."
If you've never tried floating before,
it might take you a couple tries to get
comfortable with being in the tank. But
once you are able to fully relax and enjoy
the experience, it can be an incredibly
relaxing, stress-relieving experience—
almost as good as getting a massage.
FOR FURTHER READING
Abbie Mood. "We Tried It: Sensory Deprivation Float Tank." ESPN. June 2, 2016.
Accessed May 2018. www.espn.com/espnw/life-style/article/15904514/we-tried-
sensory-deprivation-float-tank.
Notes
1. A. Kjellgren and J. Westman, "Beneficial Effects
of Treatment with Sensory Isolation in Flotation-
Tank as a Preventive Health-Care Intervention—A
Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial," BMC
Complementary and Alternative Medicine 14 (2014):
417, https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-14-417.
2. J. S. Feinstein et al., "Examining the Short-Term
Anxiolytic and Antidepressant Effect of Floatation-
REST," PLOS One (February 2, 2018), https://
doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0190292.
3. Phil Perry, "Patriots Keep Up with Floatation Therapy
Throughout Run to Super Bowl LI," NBC Sports,
February 5, 2017, accessed May 2018, www.nbcsports.
com/boston/new-england-patriots/new-england-
patriots-keep-floatation-therapy-throughout-run-
super-bowl-li; Chris Tognotti, "Olympic Gymnast Aly
Raisman is Back and Feeling Stronger than Ever,"
Bustle, July 9, 2016, accessed May 2018, www.
bustle.com/articles/171621-olympic-gymnast-aly-
raisman-is-back-and-feeling-stronger-than-ever.
4. Phil Perry, "Patriots Keep Up with Floatation
Therapy Throughout Run to Super Bowl LI."
Brandon Twyford is editor, online and digital
strategy for Associated Bodywork & Massage
Professionals.
