Somatic Workouts: What Is It?

@exercere_

In a world filled with HIIT classes, weightlifting regimens, and yoga flows, you may have missed a rising trend in fitness and mental health: Somatic Workouts. If the word "somatic" sounds like something you’d hear in a science class, you’re not too far off. This practice digs deep into the body-mind connection, helping you tune in to the body's natural movements, sensations, and feelings. So, what exactly is a somatic workout, and why is everyone talking about it?

Somatic Workouts 101

The term "somatic" comes from the Greek word soma, meaning “body.” Unlike traditional exercises that focus solely on strength or endurance, somatic workouts emphasize awareness of how your body moves. Think of it as meditation in motion, where you’re invited to notice the subtleties of your muscles, joints, and breath.

A somatic workout isn’t about burning calories or building abs of steel. Instead, it’s about reconnecting with your body through slow, deliberate movements that may seem unusual but have profound effects. It's often described as “waking up” parts of your body that have become stiff, tense, or restricted due to stress or poor posture.

The Science Behind It

Somatic workouts are rooted in the idea of neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to rewire itself. Over time, due to repetitive movements, stress, or even trauma, our bodies develop habitual movement patterns that may not serve us well. Somatic exercises help break these patterns by promoting new, more efficient ways to move and feel.

According to research in somatic education, this type of practice can help release chronic muscle tension and pain by retraining the nervous system. By bringing awareness to movements, you can teach your brain to let go of tightness that’s been locked in for years.

One of the key methods used in somatic workouts is called Hanna Somatics, developed by Thomas Hanna in the 1970s. This approach involves gentle, slow exercises that help you sense and control your muscles voluntarily, rather than being dictated by unconscious habits. The goal is to restore full range of motion and function, particularly in people with chronic pain or injuries.

Benefits of Somatic Workouts

1. Improved Body Awareness
   If you've ever had that “aha” moment where you suddenly realize how slouched your posture is or how tense your neck feels, somatic workouts are here to help. They teach you to recognize and release tension before it becomes chronic.

2. Enhanced Mobility
   Somatic movements, being so gentle and mindful, often lead to greater flexibility and freedom of movement. It's like giving your body a permission slip to relax and move naturally.

3. Stress Relief
   Stress shows up in our bodies as tight shoulders, clenched jaws, and shallow breathing. Somatic exercises help you slow down, breathe deeply, and melt away the physical manifestations of stress.

4. Injury Prevention
   By helping you move more efficiently and with greater awareness, somatic workouts can lower your risk of injury. You’ll start moving in ways that don’t strain your muscles or joints.

5. Chronic Pain Reduction
   For people suffering from conditions like back pain or fibromyalgia, somatic workouts can offer relief by teaching the body how to relax and move more freely.

What to Expect in a Somatic Class

In a typical somatic workout, don’t expect loud music, high-energy instructors, or heavy dumbbells. The vibe is much more low-key. Classes often start with gentle warm-ups and guided movements, focusing on how your body feels as you move. You’ll likely spend a lot of time lying on a mat or seated, slowly exploring ranges of motion in your joints and muscles.

The instructor may use cues like “sense your breath” or “notice the length of your spine,” guiding you to pay close attention to internal sensations. It’s the kind of workout where less is more—less intensity, more mindfulness.

Is Somatic Fitness Right for You?

If you’re dealing with chronic pain, stress, or want a more mindful approach to fitness, somatic workouts could be your new go-to. Even if you love high-energy classes, adding some somatic movements into your routine could improve your overall performance and well-being. It’s like hitting the reset button for your body and mind.

So, the next time you’re tempted to jump into a high-impact workout, maybe slow down instead, and give somatic fitness a try. Your body will thank you.

References

1. Hanna, T. (1988). Somatics: Reawakening The Mind's Control of Movement, Flexibility, and Health. Da Capo Press.

2. McCormack, M., & Porges, S. W. (2015). Somatic Movement and Polyvagal Theory. Frontiers in Psychology, 6, 228.

3. Shusterman, R. (2012). Thinking through the Body: Essays in Somaesthetics. Cambridge University Press.

Read related articles