~Private Sessions:
Please wear comfortable clothing to allow free movement. No skirts or jeans, please. Expect to remove jewelry, watches, and belts. Office located at Shakti Yoga, 1861 Springfield Ave, Maplewood, NJ. Email carrie@daysomatics.com or call (828) 280-4252 for an appointment.$125 for the first session, $100 subsequent sessions. Or $300 for 3 sessions. 60-90min, depending on need. Inquire about a sliding scale if cost is prohibitive.
~Workshops and Weekly Classes:
Unless otherwise noted, all classes are held at Shakti Yoga and Living Arts, 1861 Springfield Ave., Maplewood, NJ, (973) 763-2288.Release & Relax: Yoga & Somatics
Bring Somatic awareness to your yoga practice. We will explore the basic elements of yoga poses in order to improve breath and flexibility through introspective muscle control. Through slow, mindful movement we will explore basic elements of yoga poses in order to improve balance, breath, flexibility, and coordination. The class begins with the basic Hanna Somatic cat stretch, followed by a series of mindful standing and sitting yoga poses. We will close with meditation and savasana. This class is for both those completely new to yoga or somatics, and those more experienced wishing to slow down.Mondays 9:30-11:00am
$18 Per class, discount available with class card
4 Week Somatics Basics Series
Learn the basics of pain relief through movement!In these 4 classes you will learn to regain sensation and control of muscles that, when held unconsciously, contribute to chronic pain patterns, normally assumed to be the inevitable result of aging. Through gentle, pain-free movement patterns, you will learn how to eliminate pain as you move your body with a new sense of awareness, and improve your freedom of movement, muscle control, mobility, balance and coordination. These movements are considered the most basic, essential exercises in the practice of Hanna Somatics. Because of the progressive nature of the lessons, please make every effort to attend every class in order to get the most out of the series. You will learn a wonderful daily routine that can be done anytime, anywhere to reinforce the progress you make in class. This series is appropriate for people of all activity levels and ages, even (and especially) throughout pregnancy.
- Freedom and control of the muscles of the back
- Relax the waist muscles
- Learn to control trunk rotation
- Release the hip joints
- Pain free neck and shoulders
- Free and easy walking
Taught by Martha Peterson
4 Wednesdays, 7:45-9pm, September 8-29
$60 for the 4 week session. No drop-ins.$35 in advance, Register by calling 973-763-2288, or online
Hoop Dance Jam in the Park
Join us for a Hoop Dance jam in the park. Jams are a great way to meet other hoopers and play in an informal setting. We'll have the music, you bring a smile. Beginning hoopers welcome to learn the basics, and experienced hoopers come share your skills.Bring your own hoop or borrow one there. Limited handmade Hooping Harmony hoops available for sale as well. (These are not the Hula Hoops from the '50s that you buy for 99 cents. They are bigger & a little heavier. The bigger the better for adult hoop dancing! Prices run from $40-$60 for these beautiful hoops.) For you DIYers, you can also try your hand at making your own hoop. Instructions can be found here.
Maplewood Memorial Park, on the grass below the train station
Fridays 10-11:00am July 16 - August 20, September 24
Weather permitting
By Donation
Somatic Essentials
This Somatic Essentials class teaches the essential tools for body maintenance and can serve as a refresher for those with previous knowledge of Hanna Somatics, or as an introduction to Somatics, for those who are curious about Somatics and would like to try out a class before signing up for the Myth of Aging series.Taught by Carrie Day / Martha Peterson (classes will resume in September)
12:45-1:45pm, Check www.ShaktiNJ.com for the most current information.
$18 Per class, discount available with class card
Somatics for Runners: Happy Feet, Healthy Knees
Healthy and strong knees depend upon balance and symmetry in movement. If the center of the body is out of balance, the knees will be strained and the legs and feet will be tired and sore. In this workshop you will learn a variety of somatic movements that integrate the upper body with the legs and hip joints resulting in more fluid walking, running, flexibility. We will also work with the sacroiliac joint and pelvis. This workshop is of particular interest to runners, walkers, dancers, and practitioners of yoga.Taught by Martha Peterson
Saturday, September 18, 1-3pm
$35 in advance, $40 day of workshop, Register by calling 973-763-2288, or online
~Upcoming Workshops in Summer & Fall 2010:
6 Week Somatics Basics Series
Learn the basics of pain relief through movement!In these 6 classes you will learn to regain sensation and control of muscles that, when held unconsciously, contribute to chronic pain patterns, normally assumed to be the inevitable result of aging. Through gentle, pain-free movement patterns, you will learn how to eliminate pain as you move your body with a new sense of awareness, and improve your freedom of movement, muscle control, mobility, balance and coordination. These movements are considered the most basic, essential exercises in the practice of Hanna Somatics. Because of the progressive nature of the lessons, please make every effort to attend every class in order to get the most out of the series. You will learn a wonderful daily routine that can be done anytime, anywhere to reinforce the progress you make in class. This series is appropriate for people of all activity levels and ages, even (and especially) throughout pregnancy.
Week 1 - Freeing and controlling the muscles of the back
Week 2 - Relaxing the waist muscles
Week 3 - Learning to control trunk rotation
Week 4 - Releasing the hip joints
Week 5 - Pain free neck and shoulders
Week 6 - Free and easy walking
Next series starting soon!
$90 for the 6-week session. No drop-ins.
Pain Free Neck and Shoulders
Learn to relax and release contracted muscles in the shoulders, back and neck. In this workshop you will increase your somatic awareness with exercises that will help to reverse stooped, hunched shoulders and imbalanced posture that can come from repetitive computer work, excessive driving or sitting. We will also address stiff, tight necks that can occur due to overly contracted back muscles.Next date TBA
$30 in advance, $35 day of workshop
The "Myth of Aging" 6 Week Basic Series
In this series, you will learn to relax and release muscles that, when habitually contracted, contribute to chronic muscular pain. Those with back, neck, shoulder, hip joint pain or problems with flexibility can benefit from this series. These movements are considered the most basic, essential exercises in the practice of Hanna Somatics. You will learn a sequence of exercises that can be done anytime, anywhere in order to maintain better coordination, and balance, and will result in fewer aches and pains commonly attributed to aging. Because this is a progressive class, please make every effort to attend all the classes.Appropriate for all levels, even (and especially) throughout pregnancy.
Next date TBA
$90 for the 4-week series. No drop-ins
Play Yourself Fit!
Combining the awareness of Somatics with the exuberance of fun, play-based fitness, this workshop will leave you with a new awareness of what it means to move with control, strength and speed. You will learn Somatic Movements on the floor before you get on your feet for more vigorous movement. We will do balancing, partner-resist, and functional movement. All movements are optional.Next date TBA
$30 in advance, $35 day of workshop
Somatics for Yoga Teachers This workshop is open to yoga teachers only.
In this workshop you will learn the fundamentals of Hanna Somatic Education and how they can be applied to your yoga teaching in order to further help your students in their practice of yoga. You will learn about 'sensory motor amnesia' and how it affects ones muscular awareness and movement. We will also discuss the stretch reflex, and the pandicular response, which helps to re-set muscular tonus. We will also teach you how to recognize the three most common dysfunctional postural patterns and how to help your students to become aware of them within the context of their yoga practice.
Next date TBA
$30 in advance, $35 day of workshop
Releasing Tight Hamstrings
In this workshop you will learn to release tight back muscles and in turn release the hamstrings for more ease of movement. Tight hamstrings are often the result of a tight back, so learning to release both the back and hamstrings at the same time will result in better balance and coordination in walking, running, dancing, yoga, etc. This workshop may be of particular interest to fitness instructors, runners, high school athletes, dancers and yoga students.Next date TBA
$30 in advance, $35 day of workshop
Walking with Ease
Learn to walk easily and effortlessly! As we get older, many of us complain of stiffness in our hips, knees and feet while walking. You will learn Somatic Exercises that release and relax the muscles of the back, waist, hips. and legs for more fluid, coordinated and balanced walking. There will be special attention paid to regaining movement in the pelvis and sacrum, which aids in a freer, easier stride. This workshop is of special interest to runners, hikers and walkers.Next date TBA
$30 in advance, $35 day of workshop
Fuller, Freer Breathing
Breathing properly positively affects one's physiological well being. Shallow breathing can cause a host of problems. You will learn about the muscles involved in breathing and how any restriction in those muscles can make full, easy breathing difficult. Using slow, easy movement exploration you will learn to release the muscles of the back, stomach, waist and ribs in order to deepen your ability to expand your lungs when breathing. This workshop is of special interest for those suffering from asthma or anyone who wishes to breath more fully and feel healthy.Next date TBA
$30 in advance, $35 day of workshop
Solving the Mystery of Back Pain
Learn why back pain occurs and how to end it for good! Learn how muscles become habitually tight and why. You will learn Somatic Exercises which will teach you to relax and release those muscles which, when chronically contracted, contribute to back pain. Learn to control the entire lumbar spine for more ease of movement, flexibility, and pain relief. This workshop is appropriate for all fitness levels.Next date TBA
$30 in advance, $35 day of workshop
Injury Free Strengthening- the Somatic Way!
Many of our clients ask us how to strengthen without straining and overstretching. This workshop teaches you to apply the concepts of Hanna Somatics to whatever kind of strength training you enjoy. Learn to develop strength, control and balance in your muscles without the threat of overuse injury so common to most workout techniques. These concepts can be applied to weight training, physical therapy exercises and any other strength training system you may participate in.Next date TBA
$30 in advance, $35 day of workshop
Somatics for Runners - Happy Feet and Healthy Knees
Healthy and strong knees depend upon balance and symmetry in movement. If the center of the body is out of balance, the knees will be strained and the legs and feet will be tired and sore. In this workshop you will learn a variety of somatic movements that integrate the upper body with the legs and hip joints resulting in more fluid walking, running, flexibility. We will also work with the sacroiliac joint and pelvis. This workshop is of particular interest to runners, walkers, dancers, and practitioners of yoga.Next date TBA
$30 in advance, $35 day of workshop
Align Your Spine
In this workshop you will learn exercises that will help to reverse the muscular imbalances that occur due to the repetitive stresses of life, and which can result in spinal misalignments (kyphosis, lordosis, scoliosis). You will create more flexibility and symmetry in the muscles of the waist, back, hips and ribs. We will assess each person's alignment and work to address individual issues as well.Next date TBA
$30 in advance, $35 day of workshop
A Somatic Approach to Sciatica
In this workshop you will learn exercises that will help to reverse the muscular imbalances and chronic tension in the center of the body that leads to the condition of sciatica - that lower back pain that sends pain down one or both legs. If you have it, you know, and it's not fun! Using the gentle, easy movement exercises of Hanna Somatics, you will learn to relax and release the muscles of the back, waist and buttocks that, when chronically tight, can lead to the debilitating pain of sciatica. We will also explore what habitual postures and movements might aggravate this condition. A handout of exercises will be given.Next date TBA
$30 in advance, $35 day of workshop
Pain Free Movement for Delicate Backs
This is a gentle and slow workshop in which you will learn easy movements to help you recognize and reverse the chronically tight muscles in your body that cause pain and stiffness. This workshop is of special interest to those suffering from severe back pain, fibromyalgia, scoliosis, sciatica or any other acute condition that can result in muscular pain. It's also a terrific introduction to Hanna Somatics for those who are new to this work.Next date TBA
$30 in advance, $35 day of workshop
Releasing Legs and Hip Joints
Rid yourself of nagging hip pain that interferes with your running, dancing or active lifestyle. In this workshop you will learn somatic exercises that integrate the upper body with the legs and hip joints resulting in more fluid walking, running flexibility, balance and coordination. This workshop is appropriate for anyone regardless of activity level. You will learn to use your brain to "re-program" your muscles to lengthen and relax, regaining more efficient muscle control, thereby eliminating pain and stiffness.This workshop is of particular interest to dancers, runners, and yoga practitioners.
Next date TBA
$30 in advance, $35 day of workshop
