You Gotta Try This: Float therapy at Forest City Float in downtown Rockford
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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You Gotta Try This is a Rock River Current feature typically dedicated to must-try dishes from your favorite local restaurants. Occasionally we depart from our focus on food and feature activities to try at local businesses. Want to see one of your favorites here? Email news@rockrivercurrent.com to suggest a local staple.
Where: Forest City Float
Address: 223 E. State St., suite 202, Rockford
Owner: Tami Bogard
You gotta try: 60-minute float
Why you should try it: Forest City Float Owner Tami Bogard greets you with the words “welcome back” when you step back into the lobby after your hourlong float session.
It’s a fitting greeting because after an hour in the quiet, weightless atmosphere of the saltwater pod you feel like you’re returning from an entirely different world.
Float therapy is designed to have both physical and mental benefits. The 1,000 pounds of Epsom salt and 200 gallons of water can sooth sore muscles as you effortlessly float on top. But it can also help you quiet your mind and relieve stress.
It takes a bit to get used to the sensation, but once you learn to trust the buoyancy of the water it’s relaxing enough to fall asleep.
Related: Forest City Float in Rockford aims to serve as ‘antidote’ to mental stress of hyperconnectivity
Pro tip: Bogard has plenty of tips to help you enjoy the experience, from how to get out of the water without getting salt in your eyes to what temperature the water should be in your pre-float shower.
We’d also recommend bringing a water bottle, and down the whole thing after your float is done. While the tank won’t dehydrate you, the water will be a welcome way to quench your thirst and support the detoxification process.
You can go through a list of FAQs on the Forest City Float website here.
On the web: forestcityfloat.com
Contact: Call 815-708-8055 or email tami@forestcityfloat.com.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas.
