We're Here To Guide You On Your Path Toward Relaxation and Healing.

How The R.E.S.T. Centre Began…

Brent Giroux, Owner, shares his personal journey and why he started The REST Centre

Like many people who try floating for the first time, I was desperate to find relief to the chronic pain I had been living with following a serious motor bike collision in 1987 that left me in a coma for two weeks and paralyzed for two months after I awoke.

I turned 21 while in that coma and when I woke up, I couldn’t walk, talk, read or write. My traumatic head injury led to depression, phobias, fears

and poor self-worth. I struggled with physical and mental health issues – including thoughts of suicide – for more than a decade following the accident.

I had been an athlete and was ranked in basketball but following the accident, every step I took was painful. I may have appeared fine on the outside but like many other people living with the debilitating effects of a head injury, I had difficulty concentrating and thinking. Going to places like a shopping mall or gatherings with high stimuli was so draining, I began to withdraw from society.

I was working for a psychiatrist as a behaviour therapist for people with head injuries when I first heard about floating. I needed a non-addictive way to manage my pain and decided to give it a try. I remember walking around in a daze following that first float because I was pain-free for the first time in decades. Colours, smells and sounds jumped out at me.

My next float was hugely disappointing. I arrived at my appointment early and was instructed to go have lunch and return. The meal and caffeine left me agitated so I couldn’t calm down in the pod to reach the brainwaves that result in deep relaxation. The advice I had been given was wrong and underscored the importance of choosing a float centre that’s knowledgeable about float therapy so you can optimize your experience and achieve your floating goals.

In 2011, I opened the first float centre in Ontario – the R.E.S.T. (Restricted Environmental Stimulus Therapy) Centre in Sudbury – and relocated it to Whitby in 2017 after moving to the area. My own success with floating, coupled with my in-depth knowledge of floating therapy, puts me in a unique position to offer sound advice on how use the floatation pod to improve your quality of life.

It has been hugely rewarding to help people discover a new beginning in their lives thanks to floating. Whether you’re looking for relief from stress, chronic pain or want to enhance creativity, I look forward to helping you achieve your goals! - Brent Giroux

What is Floatation Therapy?

Floatation therapy is a therapeutic practice that involves floating in a specially designed lightproof, soundproof, and temperature controlled floatation pod filled with water saturated with Epsom salt, which increases buoyancy and allows you to float effortlessly in the pod.

When you enter the tank and lie down, the dense saltwater supports your body, making you feel weightless. The pods are designed to minimize external sensory input, this sensory deprivation can lead to a deep sense of relaxation, introspection, and a feeling of detachment from the outside world. The water’s temperature is strategically chosen to match body temperature, making it difficult to sense where your body ends and the water begins, this allows for major physical pain relief and mental clarity.

Floatation therapy offers a sanctuary of stillness in a world of constant motion. Immerse yourself in warm, buoyant water infused with Epsom salts, effortlessly floating away stress and tension. Discover a moment of calm where your mind can find clarity, and your body can experience true relaxation. Whether seeking relief from everyday pressures or a meditative escape, floating provides a unique haven for your well-being.

Founder Brent Giroux Shares his Story with Float Therapy

The R.E.S.T. Centre was founded by Brent Giroux, a remarkable individual who has turned personal challenges into a beacon of hope.

Following a life-altering accident in 1987, Brent endured a profound struggle with chronic pain, depression, and the aftermath of a traumatic head injury. This experience fueled his determination to seek relief, and through sheer perseverance, Brent found solace in floating therapy, experiencing a pain-free existence for the first time in decades.

This profound change inspired him to open the R.E.S.T. Centre. Drawing from his personal journey and deep expertise in float therapy, Brent offers invaluable guidance on utilizing the floatation pod to enhance well-being.

With Brent's leadership, the R.E.S.T. Centre has made a huge impact on the evolution of pain management.

Embark on a transformative path with us today!

About Us

Brent is great! He agreed to customize my float with the soundtrack I wanted and I had one of the deepest meditations I've ever experienced so far. The place is clean, pods are well maintained and the energies are neutral. Great place for grounding! Thank you, Brent!
Hans T
The float tank 100% helped me with my concussion symptoms. I now make sure to float on a monthly basis, as it help me so to reset my mind, bring down my anxiety and keep me essentially regulated and feeling good. I also suggest trying out the cold plunge and IR sauna…so invigorating
Greg D
I did the floatation therapy and found the whole experience to be truly unique and relaxing, both from a physical and mental standpoint. I would highly recommend and go again, plus they’ve got other therapies there that I am very interested in.
Simon B
I just had the most AMAZING experience here. This was my first float ever. I got the massage from Nicole before my float. She did such a wonderful job targeting knots and helping me with pain. Great conversation. I was already very relaxed. Then Brent welcomed me into the float room. He went through everything so I was very comfortable with what my experience would be like and what to expect and do. It was 100% private with everything I needed for a shower before and after. I left and I have never felt better, more relaxed, or upbeat in my entire life. If you’re even considering trying it, DO IT. I cannot recommend the rest centre more.
Rebecca P
Brent is amazing and walked me through what to expect and how to have an optimal experience. It was my first time there. As a busy entrepreneur, the float experience was calmness, relaxation, and a creative boost. I will be back :-)
Eric P
My fiance and I had our first float this afternoon and it was fantastic! Brent is very welcoming, accommodating and we appreciated his thorough briefing. As first timers, his tips were very helpful. Speaking for myself, I have a very busy mind. It was really nice to have 60 mins to calm my mind, focus on my breathing, and slow down my thoughts. I left the R.E.S.T. Centre feeling very relaxed and eager to try another session. We will be back!
Jenna G
Had my first ever float here, all I can say is that it was a wonderful experience. Host made me feel very welcome and gave some excellent guidance on how to get the most from the session. The pod was fantastic , everything was very clean and the showers were great. Will definitely visit again
Conor F

FAQs

Floatation Therapy was invented by Dr. John C. Lily who was an American physician, neuroscientist, psychoanalyst, psychonaut, philosopher, writer and inventor.
We generally provide everything you need (earplugs, towels, shampoo & body wash). You may wish to bring a brush, bathing suit, and a safe place to put glasses or contact lenses while you are in the tank. We provide a post float room complete with a make up station, blowdryer and mirror.
We recommend the following to all floaters both new and experienced:
– Do not drink caffeine (coffee, tea, pop or sports drinks) 3 hours prior to floating
– Do not shave any body parts the day of floating as the salt water can irritate freshly shaven skin
– Eat a light meal 1 hour to 90 minutes prior to floating
PEMF therapy is effective for chronic pain, muscle discomfort, sports injuries, and stress reduction, and more. Learn more about what our treatments can help with on our service pages.
These therapies improve complexion, skin tone, and overall skin health through increased blood flow and detoxification. Learn more on our service pages.
Yes, red light therapy is non-invasive and generally well-tolerated by individuals with sensitive skin.