SOMATICS & PILATES FOR GREATER HEALTH AND WELLNESS
July 13, 2021
The wellness industry has had a recent boom in “somatic” practices, many of which stem from Eastern Philosophy and Healing arts such as Yoga and Tai Chi.
SOMATICS – THE HISTORY
In the 1970’s the late Thomas Hanna Phd. coined the term “somatics” to describe movement and relaxations techniques that increase proprioceptive awareness and muscular control.
At the turn of the 19th century, German born Joseph Pilates developed a method of physical conditioning that is considered somatic as it emphasizes a mind-body connection to increase concentration, balanced muscular strength and improve proprioception. The work of Moshe Feldenkrais, also prominent at the turn of the century is the grandfather to the development and theory behind the work of Dr. Hanna. Hanna Somatics and Pilates are both integrative mind-body modalities that compliment and parallel each other in numerous ways.
HANNA SOMATICS
While Pilates generally tends to focus more on balanced control and strength, Hanna Somatics focus is more on movement awareness and muscular release. They both are somatic in nature in that the objective is to improve one’s awareness and control of their body. Joseph Pilates initially called his method, “corrective exercises” and later labelled it “Contrology” the Science of Control. Thomas Hanna called his method Clinical Somatics and focused on the sensory motor system and learning how to regain control of the muscular systems in relation to stress reflexes. Both movement systems share a common theme, control: the ability to regain and develop the mind-body connection thus improving the overall quality of life. Both methods seek to improve neural-motor connections via movement patterning that result in a more balanced body with increased bodily awareness.
MI STUDIO CLIENTS
As a movement practitioner, I have integrated Somatic movements into my movement and Pilates practice for over 20 years. Often leading my clients into a somatic movement exploration that gradually integrates into a Pilates exercise. Allowing my clients to sense and feel how the movement originates and evolves into a functional movement. By sensing and feeling what and why they are doing a movement, my clients are less likely to become injured and become more autonomous and able to build balanced strength, muscular release and increased awareness. Working from a place of ease, economy and efficiency, I teach movement that is educational in nature. Somatic movement is what we do before we do anything else. Learning how to let go of tight muscles enables us to reach our true potential for strength conditioning. If we are tight, essentially we are weak. So by releasing unresolved tension in the muscular system we are regaining strength and awareness. Our potential is limitless.
My clients love the balance of Pilates and Somatics. They find that Somatic movement prepares their bodies by releasing tensions and re-patterning movements that enable them to practice their Pilates with more ease. They can then enjoy the more direct visceral satisfaction of feeling their muscles work from a strength conditioning point of view. Somatic movement makes the nature of Pilates more understandable and accessible to everyone. It’s the doorway through which our clients can enter and dive deeper into sensory awareness and the gain a deeper understanding of the principles of movement that can be the life changing difference between living with pain or living a life pain free to it’s fullest.
Both Hanna Somatics and Pilates practices can cultivate internal growth and individual awareness allowing you deepen your understand about how you move, heal and live your life.
CurioUs and want to experience how I can help you regain freedom of movement, strength and overall physical wellbeing?
Email me on info@mistudiotx.com and claim your FREE class. (Free Class is applied to new account holders with the purchase of either one Pilates or Somatic Movement Class with Janet Wood)
Come and try my classes today and learn how Pilates and Somatic movement can change how you live your life and live freely.
How Hanna Somatics and Pilates integrate into a whole-body movement practice for greater health and wellness.
