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Synergy Float Center in Alexandria.
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Photo by Beth Lawton
Synergy Float Center
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The first of its kind in Alexandria — a float center — has opened, promising to heal what ails you.
Retired Navy veteran Chris Jones opened the Synergy Float Center (www.synergyfloatcenter.com) in November 2017 in Old Town North after finding that floating was the answer to treating his Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Transformed by the experience, he knew this would make for a great business, he said.
Sensory deprivation tanks or “floating” has become a popular wellness trend to aid in rest and relaxation. Hoping to bring relief for people with PTSD, chronic illnesses, or stress, Jones said he believes floating is about “mind, body and soul.”
Walking down the steps into Synergy Float Center at 1240 N. Pitt St., I found myself in a quiet oasis away from the hustle and bustle of Old Town.
Jones said he aims to collaborate with the community and outside organizations wherever possible. Art decorating the space is from a local artist, meditation pillows were made by a disabled veterans group, and Synergy has partnered with Pathways for Veterans to provide free flotation services to veterans suffering from PTSD.
While the entrance may come off as a bit industrial, the underground spot helps to reduce light and noise for a more relaxing experience.
Kim Beatty, Synergy Float’s general manager, showed me a variety of services they offer, including Magnetic Resonance Therapy, and gave me a look at the meditation room and an infrared sauna.
For Synergy Float's primary flotation service, there are several options varying from an open pool to a closed pod that provides a full sensory-deprivation experience. The rooms are outfitted with a shower, bathrobe, towels and toiletries that help you prep for the float. The pool itself is filled with 2,000 pounds of epsom salt and is thoroughly filtered following each session.
The floating is surely a relaxing experience (I wondered if I could achieve the same results in a bathtub at home?). I’ll admit, feeling a little claustrophobic, I didn’t stay in my "cabin" for the full 60 minutes. Once I was showered, I made my way to their beauty bar, outfitted with hairdryers, a counter and stools to put on makeup.
Once you’re dressed and ready, clients are encouraged to spend time in the post-float room, outfitted with a journal to write about the experience as well as books about floating that you can read while enjoying a cup of tea. If you’re really curious about the floating effects, clients can add on additional services such as a heart rate monitor and the Muse, a headband that measures brain waves so you can track the changes before and after your float or meditation session.
For first timers, a 60-minute float is $65 and then $85 per float afterward. Synergy Float Center offers a variety of packages, as well as a membership program for frequent floaters. While reading through the post-float journal, the reviews varied from “otherworldly experience” to “incredibly relaxing.” As many swear by it — and it seems Synergy is already building quite a loyal clientele in their short time being open— it’s certainly worth a try.
