Improved Posture

Improved Flexibility without stretching

Easier more efficient movement

Better balance and coordination

Physical and mental resilience due to better efficiency and self regulation

By its nature it is tailored to you and not generic one size fits all.

The majority of what I teach is SME as developed by Thomas Hanna . These are a series of exercises with infinite variations which address the basic movement of flexion , extension, side bending and rotation. They are largely performed lying on the floor ( supine , prone and sidelying) but can be adapted to seated and standing. Some will look similar to those done in a Pilates class. The movements are slowed down so that you have time to feel what you are doing and how you are doing it . They will include a method called Pandiculation which helps to release tension and improve flexibility without uncomfortable stretching.

In the “somatics “ classes I offer I will also include taking a somatic approach to yoga postures/ flows and Qigong ( similar to Tai Chi)

Doing Somatic Movement helps you feel more connected to yourself. As we navigate our way through life we take on all sorts of stress and tension , and this can become stuck as habitual tension in our bodies. This tension can mean our movement becomes stiffer or we start to get aches and pains which we just put down to getting older. Somatics is different from other exercise methods in that it helps you learn to consciously release tension patterns from your body so that you can move more easily and efficiently . So it helps how you feel day to day , as well as meaning that any other workout you do will be more effective because your body has learned to be better balanced and alligned.

Somatics may well improve painful joint conditions, however the fundamental basis of Somatics is that it is working with the nervous system and with the body as an entire integrated structure. If the structure functions better as a whole then individual parts will be more in balance and under less strain. Stress which manifests as muscle tension will increase feelings of pain in the body, Somatics helps to address chronic stress habits and so can reduce the experience of pain.  

Fascia is the connective tissue which links everything in the body . It has sensory receptors and has gained a great deal of attention in health and fitness . Somatic movement is based on the sensory experience so will be collecting information from the fascia, movements will invite whole body awareness and so including the whole fascial network. The specific movements of flexion/extension/sidebending and rotation will reflect the fascial chains as described by Thomas Hanna. When performing a Pandiculation it is not uncommon to feel something release somewhere else in the fascial network – it’s all connected !

Pandiculation is a process whereby you consciously contract a muscle or group of muscles pause, then consciously smoothly coordinated the release of the contraction , and then pause to experience the relaxed state of the muscles.

Pandiculation is used to help muscles which are held in a chronically tight state which then limits flexibility . If you stretch a muscle in this state you will generally get a limited uncomfortable stretch which is often demanded from the tendon and connective tissue rather than the muscle itself. The nervous will perceive this stretch demand as something which might damage it and thus send signal to the muscle to protect itself and shorten further. The body also becomes aware of which muscles feel tight to stretch and can brace itself against the stretch . All in all stretching can end up pretty unhelpful as well as uncomfortable.

Pandiculation on the other hand does not take you into that uncomfortable zone , it may however take you to a place where you aren’t sure what you are feeling or have limited control of the ability to move smoothly or relax. This is because these functions have been underused and forgotten. With practice your body will learn how to relax the tension from the muscle thereby returning it towards its natural resting length where it will be less disruptive on joint function.

A Somatics class should leave you feeling looser and easier in your body . Some movements will take you through larger ranges of movement , but you will not be guided into holding stretching positions . You  will generally asked to avoid pushing yourself into a stretch but to instead find the experience of how the body supports itself so you can let go of tension .

See Pandiculation .

Flexibility is about being able to move with more ease – yes Somatics can help with this.

Excessive flexibility can end up being very challenging for joints as they do not have enough support . Somatics is very helpful for hypermobile people , although they may find it challenging. Somatics relies on the felt sense of a movement . For hypermobile people there is less conscious feedback  from the muscles and tendons. More guidance may be required using self hands on , and props to help bring more awareness . Hypermobile people can hugely benefit from the improvement of movement awareness and control gained from somatics.

Somatic movement is teaches you to move with better awareness and coordination. It should enhance any exercises you have been given. However you are advised to check with your physio before joining a class. And be sure to stick to the guidelines of “no stretch , no strain” just learn to do what you can do more efficiently.

It would be advisable to have a one to one session prior to joining a class so you can learn how to manage your injury during certain exercises.

NO : The somatic approach and especially the SME help the brain and muscles to communicate better . The method helps to restore and create function in the body , you can then benefit from this in your usual recreational and competitive sporting activities.