Somatic Yoga: Your Body’s New Best Friend After 50
- Joy Bartholomew
- Jul 23
- 5 min read
Hey, beautiful souls over 50! If you’re craving a way to move that feels gentle, nourishing, and deeply you, let me introduce you to somatic yoga. It’s not your typical yoga class with perfect poses or sweaty flows—it’s a soulful practice that’s all about listening to your body and rediscovering ease, joy, and connection. For those of us navigating the wisdom years, somatic yoga is like a warm embrace for your body and mind. Let’s dive into what it is, why it’s perfect for women over 50, and how it can light you up.
What Is Somatic Yoga, Anyway?
Picture this: instead of pushing your body into a pose because it’s “supposed” to look a certain way, you move in a way that feels good, guided by your own inner sensations. That’s somatic yoga. Rooted in somatics—a field that focuses on how your body feels from the inside out—it’s less about achieving a goal and more about exploring what your body needs in the moment.
Think slow, mindful movements, like gently rolling your shoulders or stretching your spine while noticing every little sensation. It’s paired with deep, conscious breathing and a curious mindset, helping you release tension and old habits your body’s been holding onto. Unlike traditional yoga, there’s no “right” way to do it—just your way. It draws inspiration from practices like Feldenkrais or Hanna Somatics, blending them with yoga’s wisdom to create something truly unique.
For our Tulum retreat, somatic yoga is a cornerstone, inviting you to tune into your body under the jungle canopy or by the ocean, surrounded by a sisterhood of amazing women.
Why Somatic Yoga Is a Game-Changer for Women Over 50
If you’re over 50, you know our bodies are telling new stories—maybe it’s a creaky joint, a touch of menopause magic, or just a longing to slow down and reconnect. Somatic yoga meets you exactly where you are, offering benefits that make it a perfect fit for this season of life. Here’s why it’s so special:
2. Calms Your Nervous SystemStress doesn’t take a vacation, but somatic yoga does wonders for soothing your nervous system. By pairing slow movements with breath, it activates your vagus nerve (yep, that “chill button” we love), helping you feel grounded and relaxed. Perfect for unwinding during a digital detox or full moon yoga session.
3. Boosts Body AwarenessEver feel disconnected from your body? Somatic yoga helps you tune in, noticing how your hips feel or where you’re holding tension. This awareness is empowering—it’s like having a heart-to-heart with yourself, fostering personal exploration and self-love.
4. Improves Balance and CoordinationAs we age, staying steady on our feet is key. Somatic yoga’s mindful movements strengthen your body’s natural coordination, making everyday activities—like dancing at a Tulum cultural event—feel more confident and fun.
5. Supports Emotional HealingYour body holds onto emotions, and somatic yoga creates a safe space to release them. Whether it’s grief, stress, or just the weight of life, moving with intention can help you process and let go, leaving you lighter and more open to joy.
6. Promotes Restful SleepWho doesn’t want to sleep like a queen? Somatic yoga’s calming effects help you wind down, making it easier to drift off and wake up refreshed for a day of beach time or nature connection.
7. Adapts to Your Unique BodyNo matter your fitness level, injuries, or limitations, somatic yoga is for you. It’s gentle and customizable, so you can honor your body’s needs without pushing past your comfort zone.
How Somatic Yoga Fits Into Your Life
The beauty of somatic yoga is how simple it is to weave into your day. You don’t need a fancy studio or hours of free time—just a willingness to listen to your body. Here are a few ways to try it:
• Start Small: Lie on your back and gently roll your head side to side, noticing how your neck feels. Breathe deeply and move as slowly as honey. Even five minutes can feel amazing.
• Try a Cat-Cow Flow: On all fours, arch and round your spine, but let your body guide the pace. Feel each vertebra move, like a wave. It’s a great way to wake up your spine.
• Pause and Sense: After any movement, pause and check in. How does your body feel? Where do you feel ease or tightness? This curiosity is the heart of somatic yoga.
At our Radiant Renewal Retreat in Tulum, we’ll dive deep into somatic yoga, practicing under the stars or by the ocean. You’ll explore movements that feel like a love letter to your body, all while connecting with nature and a supportive community of women over 50. It’s a chance to rest, reflect, and rediscover what makes you feel alive.
Why This Matters for Us Over 50
As women over 50, we’re in a season of embracing our wisdom and rewriting our stories. Somatic yoga isn’t just about moving better—it’s about trusting your body, honoring its journey, and celebrating what it can do. It’s a practice that grows with you, helping you feel stronger, calmer, and more connected to yourself.
Whether you’re joining us in Tulum or trying somatic yoga at home, this is your invitation to slow down and listen. Your body has so much wisdom to share, and somatic yoga is the key to unlocking it.
So, grab a cozy spot, take a deep breath, and let’s move with love. Here’s to feeling radiant, grounded, and totally in tune with the incredible woman you are!
Namaste-
Joy
P.S. Ready to experience somatic yoga in the magic of Tulum? Join us for the Radiant Renewal Retreat and let’s move, connect, and thrive together! Check out the details reinventretired.com/tulumyoga
Joy Bartholomew is the founder of Reinvent Retired Travel and Wellness. She is a travel advisor specializing in helping empty-nesters, retirees, and the "50+ travelers" find their perfect vacation, whether it's a new city, country, or continent. She enjoys helping couples, individuals and groups check off itineraries from their bucket-list, and enjoy all of the luxuries and comforts in midlife on a mid-level budget. As a yoga teacher, she works with the same 50+ travelers to improve their health and wellness so they can travel better for longer and enjoy all of life's blessings.
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