Transitions – an opportunity to learn about and improve Movement Intelligence
by: Peled Michaeli

In our day to day lives we are used to moving from place to place often without giving much attention to the way we move. Once our mission of moving from point A to point B is accomplished, we, as well as others, deem it a success. If we miss the mark, it will be deemed as a failure.

The Body Cognition method places great importance on the way of getting from point A to point B. The way we see it, the way and mode of executing the move from the set point to the goal point reflects the ability just as much as arriving at that point does.

It is very clear why a route conquered up/down hill is not straight and short, but rather winding and longer. The straight route is indeed shorter, but is not the correct path to choose – it requires extreme and at times dangerous effort. On the other hand, the winding path divides the strain of the sharp climb and slows the inertia of the steep descent; this way the moderate path makes the transition from point A to point B possible, reasonable, safe, harmonious and even enjoyable.

Another example can be taken from the world of Mathematics – though there is only one solution to a mathematical problem – there are a few ways of solving it. There are elegant ways, usually shorter ways, and there are winding ways. It is customary to regard the way as reflecting the ability, just as much as the arrival at the solution itself does. Moreover, even if the solution is incorrect but the way is, it is usually considered a partial success and not irrelevant. On the other hand, a solution reached in a wrong way, will not be considered a success.

Can we make a deduction onto movement as well? Are there more elegant, more correct ways? Is there a right and wrong in transitional movements?
The “Body Cognition” believes that the quality of movement is reflected in daily life, outside the world of dance for example, where those engaged are trained in the quality of movements. The quality of movement reflects movement intelligence, just like the arrival at a mathematical solution reflects mathematical intelligence.

In order to improve the movement intelligence it is required to enrich one’s personal movements, raise one’s awareness to the nature of the movement, give positive or negative feedback when faced with different movement solutions and to put emphasis on the method and not just on the goal.

A smart way of moving will be executed precisely and therefore more efficiently. The economic way is less wearing and thus decreases and even eliminates the risk of physical damage. The ability to vary the movements and choose a way, though the set point and goal point remain the same, enables greater involvement of various joint movement range, as well as the use of different muscle fibers which are not normally used on a daily basis.

Movement intelligence also means planning a movement while considering the body’s limitations as well as environmental limitations, timely shifting of one’s weight, and simultaneously distributing the burden so that it does not frequently exhaust any particular body part.
A proper management of movements requires among other things, inner and outer attentiveness, sharpening the feel of our body in space and being aware of one’s limitations.
Sounds like too much? Not when it becomes our clear personal management language.

The movement intelligence can be explored, enhanced and improved. Body Cognition is a method aimed to supply the tools and show the way to improve movement intelligence, so that the correct use of the body will reduce and relieve some of the age related manifestations, moderate and even prevent wear, balance and solve problems stemming from muscle, joint and nerve disharmony in the movement system. The brain, which with the right training can be freed of old and incorrect movement patterns, may operate as second nature, our movement system for the betterment of the body.

All of the above should be done by a trained professional, Body Cognition provides a unique solution through a fascinating journey.
You are welcome to experience, explore and get to know the “Body Cognition’s” way of thinking and your body.