Somatic Exercise for Weight Loss
Does it work?
Nowadays, the culture of fitness is at its peak; everyone wants to be fit and slim, but today's modern era has a hectic lifestyle and culture. So, attaining fitness is very challenging, as we know that in ancient periods physical activity was a very effective way to attain fitness, but if we add on the internal effects of exercise, then it would have a very significant impact on our health and fitness.
Yes! Today, I'll talk about the Somatic Exercise for Weight Loss. Now the question arises in our mind: Does it work or not? I'll explain it in detail in my next paragraph.
Somatic workout for weight loss
Prof. Thomas Hanna is recognized as the pioneer of Somatic exercise, and one of his well-known works in this area is "Bodies in Revolt: A Primer in Somatic Thinking." The term "somatic" comes from the Greek word "soma," which translates to the human body, indicating a connection to the living body. Somatic exercise emphasizes tuning into our internal experiences, such as movement, expansion, and self-awareness.
According to Prof. Hanna, our physical interactions are more effective when our brain is actively engaged. His book illustrates how athletes utilize slow-motion videos during training to enhance their focus and master the techniques of their movements.
How does somatic exercise work?
Losing weight is one of the most difficult tasks for us on both sides of our body, along with the needs of our mind. Engaging in somatic exercise can effectively help reduce excess body fat in several ways:
1. High cortisol levels are a major contributor to weight gain, but practicing somatic exercises can help bring cortisol levels back to normal, leading to a reduction in belly fat.
2. These exercises foster a deeper internal awareness that connects with external activities, highlighting how impactful exercise can be for weight loss.
3. Somatic exercise also promotes mental well-being, positively influencing our thought processes and psychological growth, which are crucial for shedding those extra pounds.
4. It helps regulate hormonal mechanisms that are vital for effective weight loss.
5. The physical advantages of somatic movements include reduced pain, improved flexibility, better coordination, and increased strength. These benefits can enhance your regular workouts, indirectly supporting your weight loss journey.
What is the advantage of somatic exercise?
Somatic Exercise offers a variety of benefits, some of which are highlighted below:
1. Strong Mind-Body Connection
Somatic exercise fosters a powerful connection between the mind and body. It enhances internal awareness, providing therapeutic benefits that can help tackle deep-seated emotional challenges. This mind-body therapy is particularly effective for weight loss, treating it as a psychological journey.
2. Alleviates Mental Stress
Engaging in somatic exercise can significantly lower mental stress levels, improve sleep quality, and assist those struggling with insomnia.
3. Aids Pain Relief
Somatic exercise serves as an effective method for pain relief. By focusing on internal awareness, individuals can develop a heightened sense of their bodies, which can stimulate healing through somatic experiences.
4. Promotes Flexibility and Posture
Somatic exercise is essential for achieving better posture and flexibility, which can also contribute to weight loss. Some examples include:
- Deep breathing enhances circulation and warms up muscles for improved mobility.
- Yoga plays a crucial role in weight management.
- Pilates is beneficial for enhancing flexibility and posture.
Scientific data-
Research conducted in 2014 revealed that a 10-minute body scan can provide instant relief for those suffering from chronic pain.
Additionally, somatic exercises have been identified as an effective pain-relief therapy. Furthermore, a study from 2013 indicated that Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) could help alleviate neck pain symptoms.
Does somatic exercise work for belly fat?
Somatic exercises can be beneficial for reducing belly fat, primarily by alleviating stress. These exercises focus on the mind-body connection, promoting awareness of bodily sensations and encouraging relaxation. This holistic approach not only enhances physical well-being but also addresses emotional and psychological factors that contribute to weight gain.
The hormone cortisol plays a significant role in managing weight, and elevated cortisol levels are often a major contributor to weight gain, particularly around the stomach. Chronic stress can lead to consistently high levels of cortisol, which has been linked to increased appetite, cravings for unhealthy foods, and the accumulation of fat in the abdominal area. This visceral fat is particularly concerning, as it is associated with various health risks, including metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes.
By practicing somatic exercises correctly, you can help normalize cortisol levels fairly quickly. These exercises often include gentle movements, breathwork, and mindfulness techniques that promote relaxation and reduce tension in the body. As you engage in somatic practices, you may notice a decrease in stress and anxiety, which can lead to lower cortisol production. This reduction in cortisol can help mitigate the physiological responses that contribute to weight gain, particularly in the belly area.
Moreover, somatic exercises encourage a greater awareness of your body and its needs, fostering a more intuitive approach to eating and physical activity. This heightened awareness can lead to healthier lifestyle choices, such as opting for nutritious foods and engaging in regular physical activity, further supporting weight management efforts.
In addition to their direct effects on cortisol levels, somatic exercises can also improve overall well-being. They can enhance mood, increase energy levels, and promote better sleep—all of which are crucial for maintaining a healthy weight. When you feel better physically and emotionally, you are more likely to engage in positive behaviors that support weight loss and overall health.
In summary, incorporating somatic exercises into your routine can be a powerful strategy for reducing belly fat by alleviating stress and normalizing cortisol levels. By fostering a deeper connection with your body and promoting relaxation, these exercises can help create a healthier environment for weight management and overall well-being.
Final words
Somatic Exercise for Weight Loss. In this article, I aim to cover all aspects of somatic exercise. However, if you have any additional insights or questions, feel free to share them in the comments, and I’ll be sure to take them into account.
To summarize, "somatic" refers to the living body. Through somatic exercises, we enhance our awareness of our bodily experiences, which also contributes to psychological healing. These exercises offer numerous benefits, including pain relief, reduced mental stress, improved mind-body coordination, and enhanced flexibility and posture, all of which can lead to weight loss.
FAQs
How do I start somatic exercise?
Stand straight with feet rooted, then contract and release your foot muscles, mainly calf muscles, then take a deep breath and notice your abdominal muscles' contraction and relaxation. And finally, scan your body from head to toe and focus on how your different muscles feel.
Is yoga a somatic exercise?
Yoga is the connection of body and mind that influences the whole body's cells. And ultimately lose weight significantly.
Looking forward to helping you unwind again soon!