Have you ever felt worried, upset, or angry and didn’t know why? Sometimes, our bodies hold on to stress and feelings even after our minds have forgotten them. As a result, we might feel tense, tired, or just not quite right. Fortunately, there’s a gentle way to help: it’s called somatic fitness.

What is Somatic Fitness?

The word somatic means “to do with the body.” In other words, somatic fitness is about using slow, mindful movements to help your body feel calm and relaxed. Unlike fast exercises or heavy lifting, somatic fitness helps you connect to how your body feels inside. Therefore, it’s perfect when you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed.

Why Do We Store Stress in the Body?

When something scary or stressful happens, your body quickly gets ready to protect you. This is called the fight, flight, or freeze response. For example, your muscles tense, your heart beats faster, and your breathing changes. However, if you don’t get a chance to fully relax later, some of that stress stays in your body.

Over time, this can cause sore muscles, poor sleep, and even grumpy moods. That’s why somatic fitness can be so helpful – it teaches your body how to release that hidden stress.

How Can Somatic Fitness Help?

Somatic movements are simple, slow, and focused. Because of this, your body starts to feel safe and calm again. In fact, just a few minutes a day can make a big difference. As you move, you learn to notice where you’re holding tension and how to gently let it go.


Easy Somatic Exercises to Try

Here are four simple activities you can try at home or at the gym. Before you begin, find a quiet space where you feel comfortable.

1. Body Scanning
Lie down and close your eyes. Start at your head and slowly move your focus down to your toes. Meanwhile, pay attention to any tight or sore areas. Then, breathe deeply and try to relax those spots.

2. Shaking It Out
Stand up with your feet flat on the floor. Let your arms and legs hang loose. Next, gently shake your body – start small, then shake a bit more. After about 30 seconds, stop and take a deep breath. You’ll feel more relaxed right away.

3. Slow Stretching
Stretch your arms out like you’re reaching for the sky. Then, slowly move them in big circles. As you do this, keep breathing deeply. Try to go slowly, like you’re moving through water. Taking a Yoga class is a great way to incorporate somatic movement into your daily routine too!

4. Grounding Movements
Sit or lie on the floor. Press your hands or feet gently into the ground. At the same time, notice how strong and steady the ground feels. This can help your mind and body feel safe and supported.

When Can You Use Somatic Fitness?

Somatic movements are useful in many situations:

• When you’re feeling stressed or anxious
• Before bedtime to help you sleep
• After school or work to unwind
• Or simply when your body feels tight or tired

No matter when you do it, you’ll start to feel the benefits quickly.

To sum up, somatic fitness is a kind and gentle way to help your body release stress and feel good again. Even though it’s simple, it can have a powerful effect. Rather than ignoring how your body feels, somatic movement helps you listen, move, and let go.

So next time you feel tense or upset, don’t just think about it – move through it. Your body might be ready to feel better, and now you have the tools to help it.