Body Movements Exercises: An Explanation and Discussion of Their Advantages for You
Article Remix:
Ditch the fitness trackers, vision boards, and personal bests for a change. Instead, focus on how your body feels while moving. Say hello to somatic movement, the mindful approach to physical activity.
Here's a lowdown on somatic exercises and their impact on your mind and body, courtesy of Cleveland Clinic's exercise physiologist, Dr. David Creel, PhD.
What are somatic exercises?
Somatic movement is a method that merges mindfulness with physical activity. It's not about forms, goals, or competing. It's all about how you feel while practicing somatic exercises. Somatic workout routines are about being present in the moment, listening to your body, and executing focused, intentional movements.
Types of Somatic Workouts
Some exercises have somatic methods built-in, such as yoga, dance, Aikido, tai chi, qigong, and even Pilates - but only if you choose the somatic approach. Remember, traditional Pilates is more goal-oriented. Almost any form of movement can be somatic when you choose to make it so.
Dr. Creel reimagined his morning bike ride as a somatic workout by focusing inward, noticing the feel of his legs pedaling, his feet gripping the pedals, and the energy flowing through his legs. He also paid close attention to his breathing.
Benefits of Somatic Workouts
Although research on somatic exercises is limited, existing studies indicate promising benefits for heart health, memory, stress relief, trauma resolution, enhanced mindfulness, increased resilience, and improved self-awareness[1][2][3][4].
Physical Benefits
Somatic exercises can improve balance, strength, flexibility, posture, promote flexibility, joint mobility, and ease chronic pain.
Mental and Emotional Benefits
Somatic movement reduces stress by regulating the nervous system[4], supports emotional regulation, helps manage intense emotions, provides tools for processing trauma, and improves mood.
Additional Advantages
Regular somatic movement practice can lead to greater emotional balance and stress tolerance, enhancing self-awareness and body attunement, supporting more effective self-regulation, and promoting a sense of increased resilience and self-care[3].
Choose the Right Fit
Whether you're 4, 47, or 104, there's a somatic exercise out there for you. When seeking a somatic exercise instructor:
- Look for certification through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) or the American Council on Exercise (ACE).
- Ensure they have experience working with people with similar medical histories and needs.
Remember, safety should always be your top priority[1]. The beauty of somatic movement is that you can always practice it independently, as long as you put your mind to it.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6152693/[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5047397/[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6387343/[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6633796/
- Embracing somatic movement can contribute significantly to personal health and wellness, improving not only physical aspects like balance, strength, and flexibility, but also mental and emotional well-being, promoting stress relief, emotional regulation, and self-awareness.
- Mindful fitness practices like somatic exercises are instrumental in one's journey of self-development and personal growth, enhancing resilience and fostering a heightened sense of self-care.
- In the realm of education and self-development, learning about somatic movement can provide valuable insights into the connection between mind and body, furthering understanding in fields such as psychology, neuroscience, and health-and-wellness studies.
- Optimal stress management and mental wellness are crucial components of successful relationships, and incorporating somatic exercises into one's routine may help in building stronger emotional bonds and fostering greater mindfulness with others.
- For individuals seeking financial stability and professional advancement, a strong emphasis on health, self-care, and personal growth can lead to increased productivity, improved decision-making skills, and overall enhanced well-being, contributing to overall success in various aspects of life.
- Pursuing diverse physical activities like dance, yoga, tai chi, and Pilates, adopting a somatic approach, can result in enhanced fitness-and-exercise routines, fostering a deeper understanding of one's body and fostering a holistic approach to sports and wellness.
