Somatic movement classes are a gentle and attentive way to reconnect with the body. Through simple and mindful movements, they help develop body awareness, improve mobility and bring greater ease to everyday movement. The classes I offer in Albi draw on principles of somatic education and the Ehrenfried Method.

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What is somatic movement or somatic education?

Somatic movement classes offer a gentle and attentive way to explore movement, with a focus on body awareness, ease and natural alignment. Rather than approaching movement as exercise or performance, these classes invite you to reconnect with how your body moves and feels from the inside.

The word somatic comes from the Greek word soma, meaning “the living body”. In this context, it refers to movement practices that develop awareness of sensation, posture, balance, breath and coordination. Through slow and mindful movement, the body can gradually release unnecessary tension and rediscover more efficient and comfortable patterns of movement.

Modern lifestyles often place repetitive demands on the body. Long hours of sitting, stress, limited movement or habitual postures can lead to stiffness, muscular tension and reduced mobility. Somatic movement approaches these issues by gently re-educating the body, helping it return to more balanced and natural ways of moving.

Another important aspect of somatic movement is the development of sensory awareness. By moving slowly and paying attention to internal sensations, participants often discover new ways of organising movement that feel lighter, more comfortable and less effortful.

What are somatic movement classes like?

Somatic movement classes typically involve a series of simple, mindful movements performed slowly and with attention to breathing and sensation. The movements may include gentle stretches, joint mobilisation, subtle coordination exercises and explorations of posture and balance. Rather than pushing the body, the emphasis is on listening, and exploring movement within a comfortable range, while remaining open to new movement possibilities. Movements are done in various positions on a mat or moving around the space, usually independently but sometimes in small groups.

Who would benefit from this style of class?

As the practice is gentle and focused on your own exploration, it’s accessible to almost everyone! With regular somatic movement classes, many people notice greater ease in everyday movements, such as walking, sitting, standing or bending.

It can also be beneficial for those involved in more performance-based activities, such as dancers and musicians, as it can support more efficient and sustainable movement. As whole-body awareness develops, it becomes easier to recognise patterns of tension and gradually replace them with more balanced and efficient movement.

What are some of the benefits of regular somatic movement practice?

• Releases unnecessary muscular tension, reduces stiffness, and increases overall mobility and flexibility
• Improves posture and natural body alignment by developing body awareness and coordination
• Supports healthy, coordinated breathing patterns and improves circulation
• Helps reduce stress and encourages relaxation
• Improves overall vitality and tone, and supports recovery from daily physical activity

What method do I practice?

The Ehrenfried Method was developed by the German physician and physiotherapist Dr. Lily Ehrenfried in the early 20th century. After studying movement, breathing and therapeutic gymnastics, she refined her approach while working in Germany and later in France.

Her work evolved into what she called Holistic Gymnastics, a method designed to restore natural posture, mobility and body awareness through gentle, attentive movement. Initially the method was mainly practiced within therapeutic professions such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy, but it has since expanded into other fields, including the performing arts and movement education.