Somatic Workouts for Beginners: What is It & Does It Work?

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Have you ever finished a workout feeling physically stronger but strangely disconnected from your body? Or maybe you’re looking for an exercise routine that goes beyond just burning calories and actually helps you manage stress or past trauma. If so, somatic workouts might be the perfect fit for you.

Somatic workouts, also known as somatic exercises or somatic movement exercises, are a unique approach to exercise that focuses on the mind-body connection. Unlike traditional workouts that focus solely on building muscle or burning calories, somatic exercises aim to create a deeper awareness of your body and its sensations. This can be incredibly helpful for people looking to improve their mental health, manage stress, or even recover from past trauma.

What are somatic exercises?

So, what exactly are somatic exercises? Unlike the set routines you might find in a gym class, somatic workouts are more about gentle exploration and awareness. They often involve slow, controlled movements that encourage you to pay attention to how your body feels in each position. This focus on internal sensations can help you identify areas of tension, improve your body awareness, and even release pent-up emotions.

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What do somatic workouts do?

Here are some of the key benefits of somatic workouts:

1) Improved body awareness

By focusing on your internal sensations, somatic exercises can help you become more aware of your body’s movements and limitations. This can be especially helpful if you struggle with body image issues or chronic pain.

2) Stress reduction

Many somatic exercises incorporate breathwork and gentle movement, both of which are powerful tools for managing stress and anxiety.

3) Trauma recovery

Somatic therapy, which incorporates somatic exercises, has been shown to be effective in helping people recover from trauma. By focusing on body awareness and releasing physical tension, somatic exercises can help you feel more grounded and safe in your body.

4) Improved mental health

The mind-body connection is undeniable. By promoting relaxation and body awareness, somatic workouts can contribute to improving your overall mental well-being.

Do somatic workouts work for weight loss?

While somatic workouts aren’t specifically designed for weight loss, they can still be a valuable part of a healthy lifestyle. The focus on gentle movement and body awareness can help you make healthier choices about food and exercise.

Additionally, some somatic exercises can improve your core strength and posture, which can indirectly contribute to weight management.

How to do a somatic workout

The beauty of somatic workouts is that they’re incredibly accessible. Many somatic exercises can be done in the comfort of your own home, requiring no special equipment.

Here is an example of a somatic workout series:

If you’re interested in exploring more of the therapeutic benefits of somatic exercises, consider working with a somatic therapist. They can create a personalized plan to address your specific needs and goals.

Three types of somatic therapy

There are a variety of somatic therapy techniques, but here are three of the most common:

• Feldenkrais method: This method uses gentle movements and guided awareness to improve posture, flexibility, and coordination.
• The Alexander technique: This technique focuses on improving posture and movement habits to reduce pain and tension.
• Hanna somatics: This technique uses gentle pressure and movement to release tension in the fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds your muscles and organs.

To sum up

If you’re new to exercise or have any concerns about your physical health, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before starting a new workout routine. They can help you create a safe and effective exercise plan that’s right for you, including a personalized somatic workout plan.

Somatic workouts offer a unique approach to exercise that can benefit your physical and mental health. So why not give a try to a more mindful way to move your body?