Somatic Movement: The Secret Weapon I Didn't Know I Needed (Until Now)
Sometimes you just want to ditch the spin class and the heavy-weight training and listen to how your body is feeling that day. That’s me at least a few times a week. I wake up and I don’t want to take an intense workout.
My living room has transformed into the hottest movement studio in town. Imagine this: house party music pumping, a collage of movement that's part yoga flow, part high-intensity workout, and part uninhibited dance class. Close your eyes, feel the beat vibrate through you, and let loose like you're lost in a friendly rave. You feel your breath move through your lungs, the stretch in your muscles and you listen to the the way your body wants to move. This, my friends, is the essence of somatic movement.
It all started with a nudge from my therapist. Looking to heal from past experiences, regulate my emotions, ground myself in the moment, and reconnect with my feminine energy, I embarked on a journey of rediscovering my body through movement. Virtual classes like Kinrgy quickly became my regular escapes, offering a unique blend of physical expression and emotional exploration.
Somatic movement is unlike any workout I've ever experienced. Sure, you'll get your heart rate up and your muscles engaged, but the somatic movement is all about inner exploration. It's more than just pushing your body to its limits or following a routine. It's a conversation between your mind and your body. Through yoga like stretches, explorative movements, and breathwork, somatic movement encourages you to tune into your internal sensations. You become aware of how your body holds tension, where you have limitations, and where freedom of movement lies. You quickly learn to train your brain from telling you that you can’t do something to empowering yourself to push through. It's a journey of rediscovering your physicality, one mindful movement at a time. Our world bombards us with information, constantly vying for our attention. Somatic movement has become my refuge, offering a space in my day to quiet the noise, harpen my focus, and rediscover childlike joy.
Think of it as a conversation between your mind and your body. You're not forcing one to listen to the other; you're creating a dialogue. This newfound awareness can have a ripple effect, extending beyond the confines of your living room "studio." You might find yourself with more confidence, approaching challenges with a calmer mind, or simply feeling more at ease in your own skin.
I’ve been practicing yoga and meditation for years. I lost my consistency for a while but I’m happy to have found new methods like somatic movement for practicing. My therapist, close friends, family, and boyfriend have all said they’ve seen a positive impact even 15 minutes of somatic movement has had on my overall mental well-being, mood and confidence. It’s helped me get out of being stuck in my head and just go with the flow. My cortisol levels which are your stress hormone are also at their lowest since getting back to having a mindfulness routine.
Based on my experience, here’s the difference between Kinrgy and the Class.
Kirngy: Unleash your inner rockstar with Kirngy's dance-focused classes. These sessions help you connect with your body through expressive movement, fostering a sense of confidence, self-discovery, playfulness and sensuality. Interested in trying Kinrgy? Try a month free using my referral link.
The Class: The Class takes a cathartic approach. Get ready to sweat, scream (it's okay!), cry, shake your body, and laugh as you move through a dynamic blend of yoga, HIIT, and emotional release exercises. Wear your sneakers during your first few classes. The movements may not seem hard but you’ll thank me later that you wore shoes. You may need a hot Epsom salt bath after a workout with The Class because my joints feel the workout afterward. Interested in trying The Class? They offer 14 days of complimentary digital access to all new subscribers.
These are just two virtual somatic movement options. I have subscriptions to these two platforms but there are free classes available to try on YouTube. Somatic movement is any form of body flow that inspires natural emotional release, A few other examples I like to do include dance, meditation, breathwork, walking outside to guided meditations, yoga, and simple stretches to ease tension in my body.
Disclaimer: Somatic movement can be a powerful tool for stress reduction and improved well-being. However, it is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you are struggling with mental health concerns, please reach out to a qualified therapist or counselor.
Have you tried somatic movement? What are your favorite methods to ground yourself?