We tried out Just Float centre at Moreton Hall Health Club, in Bury St Edmunds, and this is what we thought

Described as an experience 'unlike anything else on earth', I approached my first experience inside a floatation pod with an open mind.

I had signed up to try the newly reopened Just Float centre at Moreton Hall Health Club, in Bury St Edmunds.

Following closure during the pandemic and a change in ownership, the club's popular float centre is now up and running once again.

I arrived on a gloomy Monday morning, fresh-faced (otherwise known as make-up-free) and swimming kit in hand, to meet Marcia, who was there to guide me through the experience.

She walked me to the Just Float Centre and showed me around.

With an area to remove make-up before a float to shelves stacked with fresh towels, the entrance felt warm and welcoming.

The floatation pod itself is a fibreglass capsule containing 25cm of constantly-heated skin temperature water filled with 300kg of Epsom salts which nourish and soften your skin without wrinkling it – so you do not emerge looking like a raisin.

The concentration of salt allows you to float, bobbing comfortably in the water and giving the feeling of zero gravity.

I had heard great things about the benefits of floating. It is said to relieve stress, anxiety, nerves, jet lag and insomnia; help aches and pains; boost your energy; clear your mind and stimulate creative thinking and reduce anger and agitation.

Meanwhile, floatation can ease medical conditions, including: arthritis; back pain; fibromyalgia; pre-menstrual tension; post-natal depression; asthma; migraines; multiple sclerosis; cardiovascular conditions and osteoporosis.

Floatation therapy is a form of extreme relaxation, allowing you to switch off from the hectic world and focus on your physical and mental wellbeing.

With this in mind, I could not wait to hop in.

But first, Marcia had to run through a few instructions with me.

"Do you have any make-up on?" was her first question. I was staggered she could not tell by my grey and haggard appearance, but the fact I was already make-up-free meant I did not need to take it off beforehand.

Marcia explained I needed to pop in some earplugs – to stop salt crystals from building up in my ears – before showering and washing my hair (but not conditioning it) in the floatation pod room.

Once ready (swimwear is optional, as you are alone in the room) Marcia said I could step into the water – which is heated to skin temperature of 35.4 degrees– and use the inflatable pillow beneath my head to get comfortable and relax.

She also advised me not to splash in case I got salt water in my eyes. This didn't happen to me, but Marcia showed me where fresh water spray bottles were if I did need to rinse my eyes.

She also asked if I would like gentle music playing during my float (I said yes) and showed me how to operate the pod from within.

So, after my shower I stepped into the pod, got myself comfortable (if you do not want to have the hood of the pod closed you do not have to), closed the lid and adjusted to the sensation.

You can have the lights on inside the pod or float in darkness. I kept the lights on – you can control them from inside the pod – but had my eyes closed throughout the 45-minute session.

Some people float with their arms by their side, others with their arms under their head. I, on the other hand, floated with my arms gently resting on my torso, giving me the appearance of a hamster. It's my traditional favourite sleeping or sunbathing position, although I do look a little silly.

Then, all I had to do was float, allow my mind to wander and relax into the experience.

Floating is not like taking a bath. Or sitting in a hot tub. Or swimming. It is something else entirely.

I did not fall asleep but I did find myself having an almost out-of-body experience.

I started off trying to think gentle and relaxing thoughts, but at some point I just stopping thinking about anything at all.

My mind was suspended somewhere between the real world and unconsciousness as I floated in a completely comfortable state.

At the end of the session the lights flickered off and on quickly – reminding me of where I was – and the lid opened.

I opened my eyes, slowly stood up and then stepped back under the warm shower to wash my hair and body with the toiletries provided.

While I felt extremely relaxed immediately after the experience, I think the benefits to my general wellbeing lasted for several days, if not weeks.

I usually suffer from terrible hormonal insomnia at certain times of the month, but I have now slept like a log for more than three weeks.

Apparently you feel the benefits for a few days after your float sessions. However, most people fully appreciate all the benefits of floating after having experienced three floats – so I probably need to book in for a return visit, or make it a monthly treat.

Just Float tips:

- Do not shave or wax just before floating as cuts or scrapes can sting in the pod

- You do not need to wear a swimming costume as you are alone in the float room

- Before floating use the toilet, shower with soap and wash your hair without using conditioner

- Tell the operator if you would like music as otherwise it will fade to silence

For more information, go to https://www.moretonhallhealthclub.co.uk/just-float or call 01284 704232.

One float costs £45 for 45 minutes or you can have a membership allowing one float a month for £30 or two floats per month for £55.

The club is currently running an introductory offer of three floats for £99.