In the ever-changing world of health and fitness, the definition of “wellness” is evolving. Focusing exclusively on strength, endurance, or even flexibility is not all our body needs. Today, we need a more holistic experience—one that not only changes how we look, but also how we feel. There is a great deal of research around the physical benefits of yoga, did you know there are also significant mental benefits? Learn more about how somatic yoga is like doing therapy and exercise together.
WHAT IS SOMATIC YOGA?
“Somatic” comes from the Greek word soma, meaning “the living body in its wholeness.” Somatic healing involves engaging the body towards a mental and emotional balance. It moves us away from the conventional “fix your body” model and into a “listen to your body” model.
Somatic yoga involves flow, movement and strength-building, but it also entails breathwork, sensory awareness, mindful movement, and nervous sys tem education. These practices empower you to feel rather than just function—to become aware of how stress and lifestyle patterns are showing up in your body and to shift that into something more positive.
HOW DOES YOGA HELP HOW I FEEL?
The nervous system is our body’s command center for stress, movement, healing, and recovery.
Most exercise is focused on the mechanics of the body: muscles, bones, and movements. But our workouts aren’t focusing on the regulation of emotional and physiological stress that are now recognized as contributors to the success or failure of our fitness goals.
We are all carrying stress, anxiety, trauma, or burnout. Without tools to regulate our nervous systems, even the most well-designed training plan can fall short. This is where yoga comes in. It gives us the ability to shift out of chronic stress and into a state of safety and presence—making fitness not only more effective, but also more sustainable for the long-term.
How do I know if Somatic Yoga is right for me? As a program created by a clinical social worker with decades of experience in yoga and somatic therapy, every tool is rooted in neuroscience, physiology, and psychology. Healing, after all, is a personal, soulful journey. Somatic yoga is mindful and heart-centered, it honors the full spectrum of what it means to be human. It’s a call to start practicing yoga or to elevate your practice, expand your impact, and be part of a holistic experience for your fitness.
Soma Power Yoga in East Cobb has become a safe space to embrace your inner yogi. This isn’t just for those interested in enhancing their yoga skills, it is also for people seeking a new opportunity to balance their mental and physical health. There is no judgement, there is laughter, peace and community with every class. Learn more here: somapoweryoga. com/classes.
