Lift / Next Level Floats

This was an experience that I’m glad I did once but not something I would do again. At the end of the day I did leave wondering did I really just pay $ 80 bucks to float on water & in part supported this gentrified brooklyn side of town? But it is supposed to be more than that. You definitely do lose some sense of your senses & it may be the closest experience I’ll have to feeling like an astronaut with no gravity. Try it at least once, it was a good place to meditate although i left my pod opened for most of it because it was getting a little too suffocating. Like it for a one time thing. Make sure you let the receptionist know its your first appointment for a discount. Also the place is located next to many different restaurant s with various cuisines & stores so that’s a nice little plus.

A little about me re floating:
First floated in 1982 and have done it all
over the country; knew Michael Hutchison
(Book of Floating author); have consulted
one of the east coast’s top float centers.
This review is about Lift – site, equipment,
staff; not my personal floating experience,
as each is unique to the person.
DELIGHTED:
–Friendly, accommodating staff.
–Nice, comfortable welcome area with hot tea.
–Clean and well laid out space, nice touch with colored ceiling lights.
–Float pod was new, clean, well maintained, easy to open and close; water was the just-​right body temperature.
–Convenient, short walk to the subway (came from Manhattan).
–Price was reasonable; well worth the investment.
COULD BE LIFTED (no pun intended):
–Provide shower slippers, or tell callers they should bring their own. Standing on public shower floor never a first choice, unless 100% sure it’s been disinfected after every float.
–Hot water dispenser for tea was buggy/​not so easy to use; also suggest greater variety beyond 2 teas and offer honey as an optional sweetener.
–Never heard any sound in my pod, e.g., the welcome message I was told I’d hear at the start.
No gently increasing music to signal the end of the float, just the lights coming on – not such a big issue, I’ve just always heard/​enjoyed music as the signal that the float time was up.
–Could have used a third towel/​bathmat.
–Quality of liquid soap, shampoo, conditioner? Curious; let the client know.
–Train staff to prep the float tank by wrapping a long washcloth in a loose knot on the inside handle of the float tank for wiping one’s eyes clear of the salty water (I knew to do this prior but is often an issue with new floaters if not done).
–Add a small (perhaps arrow) sign or two going up and at the top of the stairs, to confirm that this is the entrance for Lift; was unsure for a few moments that I was in the correct entrance.
LASTLY, for the Lift Float lead team:
There is only ONE target which best predicts growth and profitability in every successful business – no matter its size, industry or product/​service, according to the architect of the greatest business success story never told… I’d be happy to share this with the Lift team if of interest; my stock in trade is consulting to the Fortune 100.
Thank you and keep up the good work,
Matthew Cross

So I’m not going to give a rating based off of my personal experience while in the pod… How that goes is entirely up to the individual and no way reflects on the business itself. I went with 4 other people and their experiences ranged from seeing Divinci, seeing a rug wearing pants, complete relaxation, and laying in tepid water for an hour.
With that being said, this place is awesome! The customer service is great and the space is set up perfectly for the experience you’re about to dive into. The pods /​suites are well appointmented and top of the line to ensure you have the best experience possible…
Personally, I plan to go back again soon with a few other friends to hit that same level of relaxation and share an amazing experience with some of my boys.

Pro: the scheduled session started right on time and the staff was able to move my boyfriend’s session, which was going to start half an hour later than mine, to the same time as mine so we could start together.
Pro: the individual rooms come equipped with a shower with shampoo, conditioner, body wash and vinegar for getting the salt out of your ears afterwards, and a bench with two towels, petroleum jelly to put on any open cuts to protect them from the salt water (it will sting) and ear plugs.
Pro: when you turn off all the lights in the floating room, you actually feel like you’re in another world — weightless, soundless, lightless, motionless.
Pro: if you get too antsy being in the complete darkness, you can adjust the tub lights and the ceiling lights.
Con: one hour felt too long for me; the first 45 minutes or so were perfect but then I started fluttering around and moving my limbs to stay sane.
Con: sometimes you COULD hear outside noise, like water splashing in the next room over and footsteps.

Lift is such a wonderful place. For anyone looking for a peaceful, spa like experience or an immersive meditative personal space from the chaotic atmosphere of City life, Lift might be your solution. They offer discounted packages which are very useful once you become hooked on the womb like peace of the sensory deprivation tank.

Absolutely amazing! Was recommended here by a friend that said it would be great for my pregnancy. I had terrible insomnia and swelling and this completely put me to sleep and the Epsom salt helped with the swelling in my body. I felt that I was able to connect more with my body and my baby. So peaceful.

I came here today for the first time and the staff was very pleasant. The place was clean but two thing turn me off. I found some one else’s hair in the Pod I used. Ewww that creeped me the hell out and the water was not warm enough to blend with my body temperature. If it wasn’t for that I would of enjoyed this experience a lot more. I would do the floating therapy again but probably won’t be back here.

Such a wonderful and truly blissful experience!!! I was given an hour float by my Wife for my birthday and we just went together yesterday. Every part of the experience was welcoming, gentle, reassuring and professional. David — the owner, made us feel right at home. Perfect for first timers like we were who have no idea what is about to happen. From the moment we walked into Lift, to the moment we left we felt very comfortable!!! Such a nice and calming energy in the place. What can I say except turn off the lights, turn off the sound, lay back, float, let yourself go
and tune into you. It is kind of like floating on your back in the ocean but without having to hold your breath to not sink and in complete darkness with no sound. Probably the quietest place in Brooklyn!!! Your body is the perfect amount above the water and submerged. Such a warm and happy and peaceful feeling!!! It is so great to basically defy gravity for an hour. It really helps with the stress on you body to be able to just let yourself go. After we were out we both felt a sense of rejuvenation like nothing else. When we left we truly felt like we were walking on a cloud. We will definitely be back again!!!

«I Gave up the control and let the universe to step in. From there, things got better.» Upon arriving, I was welcomed with such great energy from Alex. He was so detailed and knowledgeable, he made me feel very relaxed and at home. My experience in the flotation pod was INCREDIBLE such an amazing experience. What I’ve learned is when you constantly try to control the things that are outside of yourself, you create anxiety which can only produce unhealthy mindsets. But when you truly take a deep breath for the grateful gift of life, you realize the universe will always open a closed door. I’m very grateful for Alex, Gina and David for making my first experience incredible. Such wonderful energy. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!

I wanted to like the concept of Lift Next Level Floats. I wish I bought into the whole clearing-​your-​mind meditation thing. But that’s just not me; I’m a worrier, I think way to much. This review is purely on my own personal experience. Others may completely differ in opinion.
I got this as a Christmas present from my boyfriend, who was very excited for me to do his whole thing. He got one for his sister too, and we both did it on the same day. She didn’t like it either for similar reasons.
The staff was super friendly. When I walked in, I waited in their «lounge» type area. The pod was ready in 10 minutes, and one of the guys explained what I would be doing. Take a shower before you enter the pod (unclothed). Make sure to wipe your face dry otherwise you’ll be tempted to touch it (with your salty hands) when you’re inside the pod. Etc., etc. When I first got in, I noticed that the pod didn’t shut completely– i could see a halo of light. Didn’t matter, since I’d be closing my eyes. The temperature of the water is supposed to match your body temperature, but I still found it chilly. I could hear foot steps of outsiders while in the pod (even with the ear plugs in). Floating wasn’t an issue, but my neck/​upper back hurt the way I naturally floated and I had to push my head down further under the water to prevent the pain.
Probably the biggest problem I had with the whole experience was the timing. One hour is way too long to be stuck in a pod floating… I ended up trying to force myself to fall asleep (which I did for ~20 min) just to pass the time. Otherwise I’d just be thinking about when this whole session would be OVER. When I woke up my body hurt because a layer of salt had formed on the exposed portions of my body.
When it was finally done, I got out and took a shower. There aren’t any locker rooms or anything. The room where you pod and shower is is where you change. By the end, the floor was very very wet! I couldn’t try properly because the room was so wet, and had difficulty putting my jeans on (girls, you know exactly what I’m referring to). My hair was soaking wet and so were my feet. The floor was sacked, and even laying my towel down didn’t help. There is one dryer you can use in the back, but this guy was using it so I ended up walking out with wet hair and combing my hair in the lounge.
All in all, I’m glad I did this for the experience. Not worth the $ 90 in my opinion.

Once of my favorite things about New York is being able to try things that probably wouldn’t be available in smaller places. Sensory deprivation float tanks? Cool!
The lobby was very chilly when I walked in, but I was greeted by the receptionist. I was told to take off my shoes since the rooms can be wet from the showers and then wait in the waiting area. The floors are cement and I was really cold at this point.
I was shown to my pod and given brief instructions about the steps before and after the float. I kind of wish there was a changing area either outside of the room with a robe or a place away from the shower in the room to change. I struggled to change and not get all of my clothes wet, since the shelf was literally next to the shower and there was a client right before me. I kept dropping things on the wet floor.
This is the real problem I had — the neck pillow was totally deflated. It wasn’t something I could blow up as it looked to me like it needed a pump. I think I may have been more comfortable with a pillow — without one, my ears were completely submerged and my ear plugs kept popping out. I was told the pillow was optional, and I was soaking wet and naked so I didn’t really want to walk out to the reception to tell them.
The floating aspect was neat, but I didn’t have the most relaxing time because I was struggling to find a comfortable position with my head and kept having to pop the earplugs back in for fear my ears were getting filled with salt water. I still have a slight swimmers ear type feeling. I didn’t fall asleep and at no point was I like «wow, I am so comfortable». To be fair, I have a really hard time turning off my thoughts, but it is much harder when my thoughts are ‘God I wish this pillow was working at all because my neck hurts”. I kept leaving the tank and standing anxiously in the cold pod room wondering what to do. I ended up leaving early because I got so frustrated.
The area to blow dry my hair was already occupied, so I awkwardly stood in my room until I heard the dryer go off. When I finally blow dried and left, the waiting area was full of blissed out post-​floaters and there wasn’t really much room to sit. I was feeling very flustered and honestly a little disoriented about the whole experience, and the receptionist (someone different than when I came in) didn’t tell me to sit and have tea or anything so I just got my coat and left.
I am sure floating can be very relaxing and amazing — my friends who have floated love it. I just didn’t have the same experience.

I went here last weekend for my first float. Amongst the other sensory deprivation tanks, this one seemed to have the best pictures and I was immediately drawn into its modern look. As I arrive into Lift however, the 2 receptionists in the center was more occupied in the conversation they were having. I didn’t feel very welcomed, and when my friend asked questions, they answered very briefly and went back to their own conversation about wedding dresses.
We waited for a while, and after that we got escorted to our rooms. At this point, I was still pretty excited. I lay down in the pod and started to float. However, I felt really uncomfortable. My head was heavy and I felt a lot of tension on my neck. I wondered to myself whether I was doing this right.
Afterwards, I realize that my friend was given a floating pillow while I didn’t. The staff barely did anything to compensate for this mistake. I was the one who pointed it out to them, and they went to the room and came back only to say I was right, there were no pillows. Due to this significant amount of time tensing my neck, I felt really sick on the way home. The next morning, I had a terrible migraine and had to take a couple of tylenol to feel better. I believe I was feeling seasick from the experience.
I believe the staff should have a procedure to check whether everything is okay in the room before the customer enters the room. An additional advice for the lift is also to inform new time floats with more information. Me and my friend got our eyes burnt due to the epsom salt. At one point I had to go outside the pod and wash my face because the burning was unbearable. I think they should point out the important precautions for floating for new timers instead of simply handing out a back-​to-​back laminated card with instructions. They can’t expect us to remember all the steps (there are a LOT of them, 2 pages worth of steps) with one read. If they’re not going to brief us, at least provide these instructions in the room?

At 39 weeks pregnant there are few things that I find relaxing these days. I had my first float today and it was amazing! I have been having a lot of pressure in my hips and legs and this really helped. Gina was extremely helpful in making me feel comfortable and catering to my situation.
The whole experience was so relaxing and I left feeling better than I have in a while. I wish I had done this throughout my entire pregnancy. I will absolutely be back and will be telling all of my fellow pregnant friends to book an appointment.
Thank you!

Had my first float and loved it! The staff was warm and attentive. The facilities are super clean and fresh allowing for a deeply relaxing experience. My thoughts slowed way down and I nearly fell asleep a few times. Loved the room with starlight as well as total darkness and next time would love to try the pods.

I went here last night with my wife. I probably won’t detail everything since it seems that most people do that already.
The entrance/​lobby was very pleasant, dimly lit and comfortable. the reception was warm and friendly.
I’m a little claustrophobic so I chose the suite over the pod. But looking at the size of the pods, I think I would have been comfortable. Everything is very clean. the showers have very nice water pressure and the shampoo and soap is of good quality.
The suite is fantastic. It’s completely private, (which is good news since you’re supposed to float in your birthday suite) The floating space is huge, and the lights (if you keep them on, are very cool. Water is human body temperature, so you feel like you’re floating in space… very nice. Also, there are «star» lights on the ceiling which are also kinda cool.
But the point of sensory deprivation is, of course, to turn it all off. Which I did. And here we have success. Once I turned off the lights, it was pure bliss. No light could get through, and I was in perfect darkness.
Afterwards, I re-​showered, dressed, and chilled with a cup of tea in the lounge before leaving.
Overall, an excellent experience, I highly recommend.

I’d been wanting to try floating/​sensory deprivation since before Lift made its debut, and heard many good things about the positive effects on stress. After a stressful week, I booked a session on a whim and went out to give it a try, only nominally knowing what to expect.
The experience itself is pretty neat. You shower beforehand within your room and then start your session inside the tank. And yes, you really do float (you couldn’t NOT float if you tried). I opted for the starlight effect on the room — I briefly tried the pitch-​black option, and it wasn’t for me (at least not this time — made me slightly panicky). The room option (vs the pod) doesn’t play music while you’re floating (only at the end to indicate your session is over), but that was OK. You really do lose track of time when you are inside, and it’s nice to have no distractions whatsoever. I’m a Type A person who kept thinking during the session about the assorted tank tricks one could do while weightless in the water (… but I imagine Type B people don’t need to go to sensory deprivation tanks anyway, if we want to get technical). It’s a good place to meditate and/​or just focus on your breathing. Some have mentioned that you also become aware of any tender or weak spots on your body — totally true. But it’s very relaxing as an experience, and that night, I slept like a rock, which is a major bonus for me and not something that often happens.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t say the customer service could be a tad friendlier. When I walked in, the receptionist was giving tips to a customer who’d just come out of a float. I wasn’t acknowledged for several minutes (I was the only other one there) — I don’t think it would take much to say «I’ll be with you in a moment» while you finish up with whoever you’re with. Once I was acknowledged as standing there, he even said «you’re — — , right? «(I booked online.) So he knew who I was, but was sort of brushed off as I stood there. Hm. He explained the room to me, no problems there. Then when I finished my float (I was the last of the night and no one else was in the facility), there was no acknowledgement as I went to leave — unless I had asked the building address as I grabbed a car (a Lyft — ha), I’m not sure anything would have been said as I walked out the door. No «thanks» or «how did you like your first float» or whatever. I’m not overly chatty in these situations and I don’t need coddling as a customer, but it was strange/​awkward to be virtually ignored twice.
Anyway, other than that, there’s really nothing like the experience itself and no other flotation places like this in all of NY, so I’m giving 4 stars. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.

I went here yesterday for my first ever float.
The place is beautifully designed and even has a lounge area where you can relax, get your bearings and drink tea after your float.
The staff are extremely helpful, professional and friendly.
I was greeted warmly by one of the owners, David, who totally put me at ease as I have a fear of water and am unable to swim. I opted for the pod experience, which comes with your own private suite with a shower. Everything you need is provided for you.
The place is clean, modern and nicely laid out.
My floatation experience was amazing. It felt like the best massage I have ever had times a 100. Relaxing beyond belief. I had the option of music and different light settings but decided to go without as I wanted the whole sensory deprivation experience. It was magical and surreal. I would highly recommend this to anyone and definitely to do it here with lift floats.
Also I live in Manhattan and took the 5 train to Borough Hall and walked 10 mins to get there, took the f train back which is even closer to the Lift floats location. Very easy to find and get to. Great area to shop in and or have a bite after your float. The staff gave me a great recommendation for a local restaurant and directions.
I have already booked my next float and can’t wait!
Thank you to lift floats, David and Anthony for a providing such a wonderful experience.

Maybe I did it wrong?
LOL
Okay 1^st off, it was easy to find. I was running a bit late and had a meeting RIGHT after, so I think this may have also added some stress.
The receptionist/​owner possibly was very nice and my friend who arrived earlier of course, got an extensive how to’s but again, I had to be rushed which is all my fault.
I showered, unclothed and got into the room (I decided to let my friend try the pod, since there was only one available and I was the one that lured her into doing this with me.) The only thing I really remember being told about the room were the buttons that start and stop the lights, and Music will begin playing at the end of my session.
So I laid there, pushed the button and «TRIED» to relax. Well I couldn’t really, because «am i doing this right?». I heard my heartbeat, but that was annoying. Wish I had soothing music. I’m all about spending money on crap, so I really want to give this another try using the pod.
At the end we felt refreshed and calm when we left, but I attributed that to the epsom salt. I couldn’t really wait for my session to be done. I really tried to open my mind and I really tried to read all of these reviews and business responses over and over again. But honestly, if my friend who used the pod said she felt any differently, then I would have said you know what… maybe it was just me.
Sigh. (Ill be back? LOL)

All of me is a fan!
Float, then read the statement above. ;-)
Great space, cordial staff. Next time, two hours…

I want to preface this review with a quick overview of what «floating» is for those who don’t know much about it: Float tanks are basically designed to provide a zero gravity experience that is therapeutic for your body and mind. The water tank that you float in is perfectly warm and alienated so that your body «floats» and your muscles can fully relax. You can either float in a totally dark and quiet tank for the true sensory deprivation experience or have light and sound on if that’s not your thing. It’s equally popular with athletes who have injuries/​pain as it is with more hippie types (like yours truly) who are interested in meditation and bodywork.
While the floating trend was big in the 70s it seems to be getting more popular. I’ve really wanted to try it but it’s hard to find nice spaces that you can float in especially on the East coast. I was super psyched that Lift opened prettyvclose to my neighb and was even more impressed when I saw the space! It’s really gorgeous and thoughtfully designed with both floating pods and larger chamber-​like tanks you can float in for those who want a less enclosed space.
So. on to the float! After a tour of the space and a rundown on how to operate the light and music in the tank, I was ready. Floating is not meant to be like a day spa and it’s not like getting a massage, but it was a nice combo of physically relaxing and pampering. What is most amazing is how my body seemed to melt into the water to the point that its hard to perceive the space around me. It felt very like a meditative state. I was able to drift into a very relaxed sense of time and awareness of myself in my body.
I felt physically and mentally refreshed after the 60 minute float was over and slept incredibly well that night. I will definitely be back again soon and recommend the floating experience to anyone who could use a little R&R!