In the fast-paced world we live in, finding time to recharge both mentally and physically can be challenging. Enter the somatic workout—an alternative therapy that’s gaining popularity for its holistic approach to wellness. It’s not just about getting fit; it’s about aligning your body with your mind for a happier, healthier you.
But what exactly is a somatic workout, and how can it help you? Let’s dive into it!
What Are Somatic Workouts?
Somatic workouts are exercises focused on improving bodily awareness through slow, deliberate movements. The idea behind this is simple—when you pay close attention to how your body moves, you create a deeper mind-body connection. Somatic movements stem from the word “soma,” meaning “living body” in Greek. So, in essence, it’s about tuning into your body’s inner experience to release tension, increase mobility, and reduce stress.
How Did Somatic Workouts Become Popular?
Although somatic therapy has its roots in early body-mind practices like yoga and tai chi, somatic workouts gained traction in the 1970s and 1980s thanks to Thomas Hanna, a philosopher and movement therapist. Hanna pioneered Hanna Somatics, which combines neuroscience with movement therapy to help people regain voluntary control of muscles affected by chronic stress, injury, or poor posture.
While somatic practices were originally used by dancers and athletes, everyday people soon recognized their benefits for overall mental and physical well-being. Today, they’re embraced by everyone from fitness enthusiasts to those recovering from trauma or injury.
Why You Should Try Somatic Workouts
Here’s the thing: we often store emotions and stress in our bodies without even realizing it. Somatic exercises help release that tension, making them particularly beneficial for people who experience anxiety, chronic pain, or PTSD. When you align your movement with mindfulness, you allow your body to heal from the inside out.
Key benefits of somatic workouts include:
- Enhanced body awareness: You learn how to recognize and release physical tension.
- Improved mental clarity: Somatic workouts calm your mind, making it easier to deal with stress.
- Increased mobility and flexibility: Movements are gentle yet effective in improving your range of motion.
- Emotional release: Somatic practices encourage you to process and let go of suppressed emotions.
What Somatic Exercises Should You Try?
The beauty of somatic workouts lies in their simplicity. Many exercises can be done at home, and they’re gentle enough for beginners. Here are a few moves to get you started:
- Body Scan: Lie down or sit comfortably. Start by focusing on your toes and slowly move your attention up through each part of your body, noticing any areas of tension. This is a great way to check in with your body and recognize stress points.
- Somatic Breathing: Sit in a comfortable position and place one hand on your belly and the other on your chest. Breathe deeply, focusing on your diaphragm. This helps to slow your mind and become aware of how you’re holding your breath.
- Pelvic Clock Exercise: Lie on your back with your knees bent. Imagine your pelvis as a clock face and gently rock it from 12 o’clock to 6 o’clock, focusing on the movement and how your body feels. This move improves lower back mobility.
- Cat-Cow Stretch: Get on all fours and slowly alternate between arching and rounding your back (like a cat and cow). Move in sync with your breath, paying attention to how each vertebra moves.
- Walking Meditation: Take a slow, mindful walk. Focus on how each foot connects with the ground, the shift in weight, and how your body moves as a whole.
Videos to Get You Started
While somatic workouts are easy to practice, having a visual guide can make all the difference. Check out these helpful video tutorials:
- Somatic Movement for Beginners – A simple introduction to somatic movements.
- Body Awareness and Tension Release – Focused on releasing built-up tension and increasing flexibility.
- Healing Trauma with Somatics – Learn how somatic therapy can help process trauma.
Somatic workouts are an empowering way to reclaim your physical and mental well-being. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, emotional stress, or just looking to improve your overall health, somatic exercises offer a gentle yet powerful solution. The key is to approach each movement with mindfulness, allowing your body and mind to reconnect and heal.
Give somatic workouts a try—you’ll be surprised by how much they can help you both mentally and physically! Remember, it’s not just about movement; it’s about feeling good in your body.
Love Life x
References:
- Hanna, T. (1988). Somatics: Reawakening the Mind’s Control of Movement, Flexibility, and Health. Da Capo Press.
- Levine, P. (1997). Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma. North Atlantic Books.
- Bainbridge Cohen, B. (2008). Sensing, Feeling, and Action: The Experiential Anatomy of Body-Mind Centering.