Movement Medicine: Why Somatic Exercises Are Taking Over Yoga Studios

If you’ve spent any time in yoga studios or wellness spaces recently, you may have noticed a subtle shift happening. Alongside the familiar flow of traditional yoga classes, there’s a growing interest in practices like somatic exercises, TRE (Tension Release Exercises), Feldenkrais, and functional movement. These methods are gaining traction for one simple reason: they help people reconnect with their bodies in a new, healing way.

For older adults especially, somatic practices offer a gentle yet effective approach to improving mobility, reducing chronic pain, and relieving long-held tension—without requiring intense physical strain. But what is this "movement medicine," and why is it becoming so popular?

Let’s explore.

What Are Somatic Exercises?

The word somatic comes from the Greek word “soma,” meaning the body as perceived from within. In other words, somatic exercises focus on your internal experience of movement—how it feels rather than how it looks.

Unlike traditional fitness methods that emphasize repetition or holding postures, somatic practices are about slow, mindful movements that rewire your brain-to-muscle connections. This approach helps you release habitual tension patterns and restore natural, pain-free motion.

Why Somatic Practices Are Ideal for Older Adults

As we age, our bodies often carry years—sometimes decades—of stress, tension, and ingrained movement habits. You may notice stiffness in the morning, discomfort during simple tasks, or a loss of ease when walking or standing. While traditional stretching or exercise can help, somatic movement goes a step further by addressing the root cause: how your brain controls your muscles.

Here’s why somatic exercises are particularly beneficial for older adults:

1. Gentle on Joints and Muscles:
   Unlike intense workouts, somatic practices prioritize small, intentional movements. This makes them safe and accessible for those with arthritis, chronic pain, or reduced mobility.
2. Releases Long-Held Tension:
   Years of stress and repetitive movements can cause muscular tension you might not even realize you’re holding. Somatic practices help your body unlearn these patterns, releasing tightness and improving ease of motion.
3. Improves Coordination and Balance:
   By retraining your body to move more efficiently, somatic exercises enhance your overall coordination and stability—key for preventing falls as you age.
4. Enhances Body Awareness:
   The focus on slow, mindful movement helps you reconnect with your body, improving your ability to sense and respond to discomfort before it becomes a bigger issue.

Popular Somatic Practices You Might See in Yoga Studios

1. Feldenkrais Method
   Developed by physicist and engineer Moshe Feldenkrais, this method uses gentle, exploratory movements to help you re-educate your nervous system. The goal? To improve how you move through the world—whether that’s walking, standing, or reaching for a cup of tea—while reducing unnecessary tension.
   Key Benefit: Pain-free movement and improved posture.
2. TRE (Tension Release Exercises)
   TRE uses a series of simple exercises to trigger a natural tremoring reflex in the body—something animals do instinctively after stress or trauma. This gentle shaking helps release stored tension from the nervous system, leaving you feeling deeply relaxed.
   Key Benefit: Stress and tension relief.
3. Functional Movement
   Functional movement focuses on the basic, everyday motions our bodies were designed to perform—like squatting, bending, or reaching. These exercises retrain your body to move naturally and efficiently, which can be especially helpful for older adults who want to stay active and independent.
   Key Benefit: Improved strength, balance, and mobility.

The Science Behind Somatic Healing

The magic of somatic exercises lies in something called neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and form new connections. When you practice slow, mindful movements, you’re essentially teaching your brain a “new way” to communicate with your muscles. This can break old habits of tension and replace them with easeful, efficient movement.

In addition, somatic exercises help regulate the nervous system. If you’ve ever felt “stuck” in fight-or-flight mode due to stress or pain, these practices can calm your body and shift you into a state of relaxation and healing.

How to Get Started with Somatic Practices

You don’t need fancy equipment or years of experience to benefit from somatic movement. Here are a few tips to help you begin:

1. Find a Class: Many yoga studios now offer Feldenkrais, TRE, or somatic-based classes. Look for gentle or beginner-friendly sessions.
2. Explore Online Resources: There are excellent tutorials online for simple somatic exercises you can do at home. A quick 5-10 minute session can make a noticeable difference.
3. Listen to Your Body: Somatic movement is about feeling, not forcing. Move slowly, stay present, and pay attention to how your body responds.
4. Be Patient: Releasing years of tension takes time. Small, consistent practice can lead to lasting improvements in mobility and comfort.

Conclusion: Movement as Medicine

As we age, movement shouldn’t feel like a chore or a struggle. Somatic practices remind us that movement can be healing, nourishing, and—most importantly—pleasurable. By incorporating methods like the Feldenkrais Method, TRE, and functional movement into your wellness routine, you’re not just improving your physical health; you’re cultivating a deeper connection with your body.

So, the next time you see a “somatic movement” class at your local yoga studio, don’t hesitate to give it a try. Your body—and your mind—will thank you.

Stay well. Stay connected. And keep moving with ease.