Float tanks for healing, stress relief not just for athletes

CHICAGO (WLS) -- When the Chicago Cubs re-built their club house, they included a float tank, which is the latest craze for a healthy body and mind.

A float tank is essentially a personal pool filled with 10 inches of body-temperature water and 1,000 pounds of Epsom salt.

"It's a zero-gravity experience that cushions your body like a cloud," said Gloria Irwin, owner of Float Sixty in the city's River North neighborhood. She adds: "It really creates that euphoric state of complete weightlessness."

Float Sixty's clients include some of the most-recognized athletes from many Chicago sports teams.

Irwin said the magnesium sulfate helps the body - joints, muscles, etc. - naturally relax.

"It's a natural muscle relaxer. That's why it's so wonderful for people who are physically active," she said.

Jonathan Toews, Jeremy Roenick and Matt Forte are among the floaters at Float Sixty.

"Athletes just understand there are a lot of new methods out there for taking care of their bodies," Irwin said. "The quality of being in that space where there is absolutely no tension on your body whatsoever."

ACB7 Sports reporter Dionne Miller gave it a try. She had a tough time being still for 60 minutes, but believes that the art of stillness can have lasting benefits.