SOMA Training®

Strengthening of the Abdominals & Thoracic Diaphragm

Course 1 of the SOMA Training program

The Strengthening of the Abdominals & Thoracic Diaphragm course is the first strengthening course within the internationally recognized SOMA Training® Program, developed by the late Guy VOYER, DO. This course establishes the foundation for understanding how the abdominal wall, thoracic diaphragm, fascia, posture, breathing, and movement interact to create stability, force transmission, and optimal human performance.

SOMA Training® is a comprehensive educational system that combines osteopathic principles, biomechanics, anatomy, fascial relationships, movement science, rehabilitation, and athletic performance. Rather than viewing muscles as isolated structures, SOMA Training® teaches practitioners to understand the body as an integrated system where every structure influences function, movement quality, and performance.

The abdominal wall and thoracic diaphragm are among the most important functional structures in the human body. They influence posture, breathing mechanics, spinal stability, force production, digestion, athletic performance, and aesthetic development. When properly trained, these structures create a foundation for efficient movement and long-term structural health.

This unique course combines detailed relational anatomy, fascial anatomy, and applied biomechanics with extensive practical application. Participants will learn how to properly strengthen the abdominal system through progressive exercises that integrate the spine, pelvis, rib cage, diaphragm, and fascial chains.

Throughout the course, students will learn over 100 strengthening exercises and their variations, ranging from muscular re-education and rehabilitation applications to advanced strength and conditioning methods. These techniques can be applied in rehabilitation settings, sports performance programs, personal training environments, and clinical practices.

In addition to functional and therapeutic applications, the course also explores how proper abdominal training contributes to strong, balanced, and aesthetically developed abdominal musculature. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how posture, alignment, breathing mechanics, and fascial tension influence both performance and physical appearance.

Course Objectives

Participants will learn:

• Functional and fascial anatomy of the abdominal wall and thoracic diaphragm
• The biomechanical principles underlying effective strengthening programs
• The relationship between the abdominals, diaphragm, spine, pelvis, and thorax
• How the fascial system contributes to force transmission throughout the body
• Proper exercise execution and progression strategies
• Methods to prepare tissues and joints prior to strengthening
• Injury prevention through appropriate exercise selection and sequencing
• Breathing mechanics and their role in core stability and spinal support
• Multiple strengthening methodologies and their clinical applications
• Program design for rehabilitation, fitness, and athletic performance
• Recovery strategies and appropriate cool-down methods
• Nutritional considerations that support training adaptations
• Muscular re-education techniques
• Sports preparation and performance enhancement strategies

Applications

The methods taught in this course can be utilized for:

• Core stability training
• Spinal support and postural improvement
• Athletic performance enhancement
• Strength and conditioning programs
• Low back dysfunction and lumbo-pelvic instability
• Abdominal wall dysfunction
• Diastasis recti and abdominal separations
• Hernia prevention and management strategies
• Breathing dysfunctions
• Digestive and visceral support programs
• Aesthetic abdominal development

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for:

• Personal Trainers
• Strength & Conditioning Coaches
• Physical Therapists
• Chiropractors
• Osteopaths
• Athletic Trainers
• Massage Therapists
• Pilates Instructors
• Rehabilitation Specialists
• Movement Professionals
• Fitness Enthusiasts seeking a deeper understanding of functional strength

About SOMA Training®

SOMA Training® is one of the most comprehensive osteopathic performance education systems available today. Built upon osteopathic principles, tensegrity biomechanics, and the concept of complexity, the program provides practitioners with a unique approach to rehabilitation, movement, and strength & conditioning.

The SOMA Training® curriculum consists of 14 progressive courses designed to enhance anatomical knowledge, biomechanical understanding, assessment skills, movement quality, rehabilitation outcomes, athletic performance, and structural balance. Through the study of anatomy, biomechanics, fascia, strengthening, stretching, posturology, and osteopathic principles, students develop both practical skills and a systematic approach to understanding human function and performance.

Combining in-depth theory with extensive hands-on application, SOMA Training® teaches precise exercise techniques ranging from analytical and segmental strengthening to proprioceptive training and myofascial stretching. These methods provide valuable tools for helping clients improve movement quality, recover from dysfunction, and optimize physical performance.

Designed for personal trainers, strength coaches, physiotherapists, chiropractors, osteopaths, athletic trainers, Pilates instructors, massage therapists, and other health and wellness professionals, the program develops a deeper understanding of how the body functions as an integrated system.

The Strengthening of the Abdominals & Thoracic Diaphragm course is Course #1 of the SOMA Training® curriculum and establishes many of the fundamental strengthening concepts that will be expanded upon throughout the remaining courses. Participants will gain practical tools and advanced knowledge that can be immediately applied in clinical practice, coaching environments, rehabilitation programs, and performance training settings.

Upon successful completion of all 14 courses, participants earn the designation of SomaTrainer®.

Schedule:
Sunday Oct 18th – Monday Oct 19th: 9.00am – 6.00pm

Contact Info:

showfittw@gmail.com

Additional Information: