Somatic Pilates

Somatic Movement Education Class

What is it?

Somatic Movement involves a series of specific exercises that reconnect the brain with the muscles so you can let go of tightness in the body. The movements are slow and mindful, and are preferably performed on the floor but can also be done sitting in a chair or standing up. The educator leading the class will verbally teach you the exercises rather than demonstrate, and you can feel free to close your eyes while you do the exercises. By not demonstrating the movements, we encourage an internal learning process. You can make changes in your nervous system more effectively and efficiently when you focus completely on your internal sensations rather than on copying someone else’s movements.  No pain = more gain!

Who is Somatic Movement Education for?

Anyone who has chronic pain, aches and pains or stiffness, or who wants to keep their body youthful! It doesn’t matter how old you are or how fit you are. The classes also help to improve your Pilates, Yoga, Barre or other sports and your overall quality of movement.

How will Somatic Movement Education help my pain?

Somatic Movement addresses the root cause of WHY you are in pain and teaches you HOW to reverse it.

When a muscle has been contracted over a long period of time, the brain accepts this as “normal” and doesn’t know it’s contracted – this is known as muscle sensory motor amnesia. You are in pain because the muscles are constantly over-contracted, causing them to be weak and tired. These contracted muscles can then compress the joints and trap nerves, causing further pain. Your body tries to compensate, changing the way you move and using other muscles instead, which sets up a further pattern of pain.

The specific somatic movements “wake up” the brain to the reality of the contracted muscles, and retrain them to release and move in a more efficient and pain-free way!

Once this happens, every day movements will seem much easier, you’ll be able to take up those hobbies that you had to put on hold because of pain and stiffness, and you’ll no longer have an excuse not to do your chores! You will be able to enjoy playing with the kids (or grand kids) and will achieve greater results in your sport and fitness training. You will look and feel younger as you move more freely.


What’s the difference between Somatic Movement Education and Yoga or Pilates

Compared to Yoga and Pilates Somatics is not considered so much a workout for your body but more for your brain. The movements provide a sensory feedback loop from the brain: you’ll teach your brain to notice when muscles are contracted, and then educate the muscles to fully release and work in a more energy-efficient and pain-free manner. If you cannot feel it you cannot change it! You have to be aware of your habitual patterns and contracted muscles first so you can actively change and release them. However, a Somatic Movement class is very relaxing for body and mind. You will leave with a sense of peace and a greater awareness of yourself.

You’ll find that somatic movement will improve your Pilates or Yoga – you’ll be able to move deeper and further, and with greater ease.

Written by Pilates instructor Regina Flueck