Regular weekly Somatics classes can have a strong positive impact on permanent pain relief and mastery over of one's movement. Hanna Somatic exercise classes teach gentle, easy movements that are dramatically effective at eliminating pain and stiffness while increasing movement and flexibility.  The exercise work by increasing sensory input to your brain in order to improve and increase motor output to your muscles. In this way you can intelligently change the way in which you move without forcing, over stretching, pushing, pulling or straining.

Hanna Somatic movements can be done by anyone, regardless of fitness level or physical limitations. These movement classes teach you to get "back in your body" and become aware of what it feels like to regain control of muscles that have been "frozen" and painful from overuse, accidents, compensation or stress. Participants often report an immediate change in their sense of muscle control, balance, coordination and flexibility. The more you learn to sense and control your muscles in movement, the faster you relieve pain, and the more mastery you will have over your own body. You will become your own best teacher.

Read what students are saying about the classes:

Every morning I do the Somatics “cat stretch”  that provides my body with flexibility and clarity to have a great day! These exercises only take 10-20 minutes....and my body feels more flexible now than when I was younger and training to be a professional dancer.

C.D. - Ashville, N.C.

I want to relate the experience I had this weekend after your workshop on “Releasing the Legs and Hip Joints”: My back had been in spasms after lifting a heavy table and then going jogging.  I often ignore the signals my body gives me, so Somatics has been important for me to make the brain/body connection again.

Although I believe in what Somatics can do to reprogram the human “computer” I have never felt such a dramatic shift in consciousness from something as simple as the movements we did on the floor! The back spasms are greatly reduced, and with continued practice, I hope to get back into jogging soon! Thank you, Martha!

L.L. - Philadelphia, PA

 I was introduced to Somatics during a special weekend training workshop.  Martha Peterson & Carrie Day, CSE, were wonderful with their understanding as well as their projection of Hanna Somatics.  For me, it was the first time that I had ever heard of Hanna Somatics.  The sensation (both mental & physical) that was felt after a session...was not only refreshing but also alleviated any discomfort that my body was feeling.  I certainly became a fan of Somatics; instantly!"

 People are often told that their chronic aches and pains are the natural result of aging. This misconception is what Thomas Hanna called "The Myth of Aging." Chronic muscular pain and tight muscles has more to do with learned habits of tightness and a loss of sensory awareness than with age. Whether you're 16 or 60, Hanna Somatic exercises will help you to reverse Sensory Motor Amnesia (the real cause of muscular stiffness and discomfort commonly attributed to aging), the state of habitually tight muscles that contribute to chronic pain and limited movement.  Check out the many different workshops available.