Somatics for Better Balance
Overcoming the Fear of Falling Through Somatics
It’s a common belief that as we age, we are more likely to fall. But, is it age or something else? There are many factors that increase the risk of falling, many of which you can address with particular training and greater sensory awareness, ultimately increasing your confidence.
First, become aware of your posture and alignment. Have a friend take photos of you from all four sides. From the front and back views, notice if your shoulders are level. Is one hand lower than the other? Are you leaning to the side or jutting out a hip? From the side views are your ankles, hips, shoulders and ears inline with each other, or are your shoulders rounded and head forward? Is your low back excessively arched? Next, close your eyes. Can you sense what what the photos show?
The difference between what you think you are doing and what the photos show is what Somatic Educators call Sensory Motor Amnesia. Your brain is no longer fully aware of your chronic muscle tension and has lost the ability to sense the true resting length of your muscles. Poor posture can lead to poor balance, which leads to fear of falling, which creates more tension. It’s a vicious cycle.
Typical approaches to correcting postural imbalances include stretching and strengthening exercises to pull the body into the correct alignment. These techniques layer on tension against the existing tension. Somatics, on the other hand, helps you learn to release your muscles to their true resting length, correcting alignment gently and without force. People are amazed at the results and sound almost apologetic when they say, “Somatics seems too easy!” But really, life can be easier and more enjoyable when we have greater awareness of what we do with our bodies.
As you practice Somatics, through the science of neuro-plasticity, you begin rewire your nervous system to have better voluntary control of your body. Standing, balancing, walking, playing your sport, etc. gets easier and more enjoyable.
From there, you can add strength exercises for your glutes and back muscles; incorporate exercises that challenge your balance, agility and reaction time; move your body in different directions/planes; and have fun while moving your body in ways you haven’t in years! Your brain and body will thank you!
This was written by Kristin Jackson and originally published in the September issue of Positively Haywood. You can learn more at thinksomatics.com
First, become aware of your posture and alignment. Have a friend take photos of you from all four sides. From the front and back views, notice if your shoulders are level. Is one hand lower than the other? Are you leaning to the side or jutting out a hip? From the side views are your ankles, hips, shoulders and ears inline with each other, or are your shoulders rounded and head forward? Is your low back excessively arched? Next, close your eyes. Can you sense what what the photos show?
The difference between what you think you are doing and what the photos show is what Somatic Educators call Sensory Motor Amnesia. Your brain is no longer fully aware of your chronic muscle tension and has lost the ability to sense the true resting length of your muscles. Poor posture can lead to poor balance, which leads to fear of falling, which creates more tension. It’s a vicious cycle.
Typical approaches to correcting postural imbalances include stretching and strengthening exercises to pull the body into the correct alignment. These techniques layer on tension against the existing tension. Somatics, on the other hand, helps you learn to release your muscles to their true resting length, correcting alignment gently and without force. People are amazed at the results and sound almost apologetic when they say, “Somatics seems too easy!” But really, life can be easier and more enjoyable when we have greater awareness of what we do with our bodies.
As you practice Somatics, through the science of neuro-plasticity, you begin rewire your nervous system to have better voluntary control of your body. Standing, balancing, walking, playing your sport, etc. gets easier and more enjoyable.
From there, you can add strength exercises for your glutes and back muscles; incorporate exercises that challenge your balance, agility and reaction time; move your body in different directions/planes; and have fun while moving your body in ways you haven’t in years! Your brain and body will thank you!
This was written by Kristin Jackson and originally published in the September issue of Positively Haywood. You can learn more at thinksomatics.com
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