I had been hearing about the benefits of somatic exercise for people in “this time of life,” but I was unsure exactly what “somatic” meant. Co-CEO and founding teacher at The Class, Natalie Kuhn, was able to fill me in. In my 20s and 30s, I primarily focused on cardiovascular exercise and dabbled in yoga for flexibility and stretching. As I transitioned into my 40s and now in my 50s, my exercise routine has shifted, and my long walks have been my form of exercise, although my doctor insists that it’s just “movement” unless my heart rate is elevated.
While experiencing menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats, I’ve been seeking new forms of exercise that will help alleviate these symptoms. I had heard about somatic exercise from a friend, but was unclear about what it was and if it would be beneficial for me. I soon learned that somatic therapy combines both mind and body, which sounded promising and similar to yoga. When speaking with Natalie Kuhn, she explained that “somatic practices” are a variety of methods that bring awareness to the body, emphasizing the importance of being present and mindful of our thoughts and feelings.
At The Class, somatic exercise involves a variety of movements that tap into the mind-body connection, including elements of traditional fitness and ancient somatic practices like Qi Gong. The sessions are music-driven and mat-based, providing a unique exercise experience that I was intrigued to learn more about.
During a somatic exercise class, participants may engage in simple yet effective activities, such as tapping their heels to the beat of the music. These movements send sensations through the body, helping to improve body awareness in a lighthearted way that is beneficial for enhancing overall well-being.
Somatic exercise isn’t just about physical movement; it also serves as a tool to bring attention back to the body, especially in moments where we are consumed by recurring or troubling thoughts. The practice aims to help individuals return to the present moment, improve emotional healing, and promote overall positivity. Aside from its mental and physical benefits, somatic exercise can also help individuals better manage daily life and feel more connected to themselves and the world around them.
The Menopause Series offered by The Class Digital Studio, led by Aimee Cox, specifically caters to women going through menopause. This series helps women exercise in a different way to create new stimuli that get their muscles strong again while addressing specific symptoms that come with perimenopause and menopause.
I tried The Menopause Series somatic exercises and found the experience to be beneficial. The 7-minute intro video provided insight into what to expect, and the 57-minute class targeted my specific symptoms, providing a similar experience to flow-style yoga. It was a gentle yet effective form of exercise that helped address my menopausal symptoms and improve my overall well-being.
As someone who was looking for exercises to help alleviate my perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms, The Class provided a unique and beneficial experience. Whether participating in the digital studio or in-person classes, I highly recommend incorporating somatic exercise into your routine for a mindful and holistic approach to overall wellness.
