Is somatic yoga a real thing?

Yes, somatic yoga is a legitimate practice ( 4 )( 10 ). It uses slow, intentional yoga movements that focus on improving the mind-body connection. Unlike other forms of yoga that may prioritize posture, flexibility, and other fitness measures, somatic yoga emphasizes how you feel during movement, aiming to release stored tension and improve the mind-body connection.

Can somatic yoga help you lose weight?

While somatic yoga is not designed with weight loss as a primary goal, it may contribute to your weight management goals when paired with a healthy diet and lifestyle. Somatic yoga promotes mindfulness and relaxation, which can complement your weight loss efforts by providing a more balanced mindset. For those with weight loss as a primary focus, more vigorous forms of yoga or other physical activities may be more effective.

What is an example of somatic yoga?

A well-known (and beginner-friendly) example of somatic yoga is the cat-cow stretch, which uses simple yoga stretches that are performed with a focus on body awareness, deep breathing, and mindfulness. Here’s how to do a basic cat-cow stretch ( 9 ): Start position: Start on your hands and knees with your wrists aligned under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. Breathe: Take a few moments to breathe deeply and focus on your current feelings and physical sensations without judgment or trying to change them. Cow pose: Inhale and arch your back, lifting your tailbone and chest toward the ceiling. Allow your belly to drop toward the floor while gazing slightly upward. Cat pose: Exhale and round your back, tucking your chin to your chest and your belly button to your spine, and pressing the floor away with your hands. Repeat: Continue this process, coordinating your movements with deep breaths, inhaling into the cow pose and exhaling into the cat pose. Finish: After several rounds, carefully return to a neutral spine position and take a few deep breaths before moving on, noticing any physical sensations in your body such as tension, tightness, or tingling.

How do I start somatic yoga?

Before you start somatic yoga, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider to ensure it is aligned with your health needs and goals. Once you have their approval, a great way to start is with a 28-day somatic yoga challenge , as these programs can help you learn the basics and establish a consistent yoga practice. For additional guidance and resources, consider exploring the BetterMe app , which offers valuable tutorials and support to guide you along your somatic yoga journey.