Last year, a new business opened up nearby: Float Harder Relaxation Center. You float in a room or pod with enormous amounts of Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) dissolved in the water. The concentration is so strong that even those with “negative buoyancy” like myself supposedly can’t help but float. There is also an added a sensory deprivation element as you relax in peaceful quiet and dim lighting. (Stranger Things fans, this is a ritzy version of the swimming pool that the gang set up for Eleven. Except you won’t be searching the Upside Down for missing people and scary creatures.) It was an instant hit with some of the guys at the Academy. They would go while were training extra hard to prep for an event or tournament. I’d only just heard that floating was a “thing” when a friend across the country raved about it. It’s getting very popular and, if you practice BJJ, anything that promotes recovery time is bound to get your attention.

But if you don’t have $65 to plunk down for one session of specialty relaxation… how about a couple of bucks and a bathtub?

To quote Cole: “Epsom Soaks are my jam.

Floating is essentially an amped up Epsom salt bath. An at-home version won’t have the same sensory vibe as going to a Float center. But proponents of Epsom soaks cite the same benefits* that you’ll find enumerated by Float centers, though perhaps to a lesser extent. Many people are low in magnesium and absorption through skin is supposed to be one of the most effective methods to up your levels. My personal experience has been reduced soreness, faster healing, better sleep, and detoxing. As a benefit, at-home soaks also don’t require advanced booking – if you have some free time on a random evening, you can run the water and hop in.

You can pick up a couple of pounds of Epsom salts at pretty much any grocery store or pharmacy, usually in the first aid section. Some even have essential oils or clay add-ins that are supposed offer added benefits. I keep it simple and stick to the plain stuff.

When one of my besties recommended Epsom soaks to me a few years ago, she gave me these instructions: “Run the water as hot as you can stand, add 1-2 cups of Epsom salts, soak until the water starts to cool. Rinse off and go na’nights.” I have a hard time sitting still. In the age of Smartphones & tabbed browsing, I’ve struggled more and more with doing just *one* thing at a time. So sitting quietly in a bath is kind of a struggle. It’s good for me, I like it, but my brain still wants to know “What else? What next?” I have employed some “rules” in trying to be more present and stay in long enough to reap the benefits. My brain is still busy – I composed most of this post in my head during my last soak – but I’m not rushing things. If you’ve got a busy brain, I suggest the following:

The Fidget’s Guide to an Epsom Soak

1. Run the bath close to bedtime. Especially if you’re doing this for the first time, are coming down with/fighting off an illness, and/or are expecting some detox. You’re likely to feel tired and/or content afterwards and not be up for doing much.
2. Run the water hot enough that you question whether you’ll be able to get in. I happen to like really hot baths so this is a bonus for me. While the tub fills, add 1-2 cups of Epsom salts. Sometimes I use 3 when I know my system is running well below its peak performance.
3. Put your smartphone (safely) nearby playing some tunes that you find relaxing. Make yourself a goal of how many songs you’re going to soak for – this is how I keep from jumping out after 5 minutes because I’m “bored.” The average radio hit is 3 minutes long, I usually aim for at least 4 songs.
4. Get in and find your first comfortable position. As a tall person, I know many of us have to play the “nips or knees” game when it comes to what is underwater. I’m lucky enough to have an extra-deep tub at my rental so if I put my knees to one side while keeping my head and shoulders point at the ceiling, I can *almost* get everything under. The good news is that the bath is so hot that your whole body will be warm, regardless of which parts are poking out of the water.
5. Try to relax into it. Enjoy the music (only skip a song if absolutely necessary) and find your next comfortable position. And the next position. And the next. When I’m sweating and my stomach starts gurgling, that’s how I know it’s working.
6. Force yourself to stay seated when you pull the plug just as the 4th song ends.
7. Stand up only when the water is almost gone and turn on the shower to rinse off.
8. Wrap yourself in a towel or two and prepare for a great night’s sleep.

Repeat as often as you’d like. Last year when I first started BJJ and had an endless supply of bruises and sore muscles, I averaged 1-3 soaks a week. I used them for recovery after my broken leg as well. Lately, I’ve only been soaking a couple of times a month on average. I’ll be aiming for closer to weekly as my training time increases.

If you’ve been able to go to a float center, I’d love to hear about your experience. A gift “float” was top on my list of Xmas wish list. Between my insane schedule and floating’s popularity, I only *just* booked my soak for the end of this month. I’m psyched to see what it’s like to take my soak to the next level!

*In doing some quick research for this article, I found mixed opinions about the effectiveness of Magnesium absorption through the skin and effects of soaking. Understand that all items in this article are “true in my experience.” Also, I’ve seen through a reliable scientific source that Epsom salts can act as an anti-fungal and help with ringworm – BJJ hazard bonus!