What is Movement Intelligence?

Movement Intelligence (MI) is a training system for dynamic postural re-education, extending mind-body suppleness into an active old age. Developed by Dr Ruthy Alon, MI is based on Dr Moshe Feldenkrais’s approach to somatic learning.

MI incorporates conventional kinesthetic concepts of flexibility, balance, alignment and strength, as well as integration and endurance, but it is something more: it recognizes the human organism’s ability to organize itself ‘organically’ – elegantly and in its entirety, with spontaneously co-ordinated harmony – for optimal efficiency, and pleasurable, sustainable living. Intrinsic to MI is the sense of effortlessness that stems from having and heeding well-calibrated sensory-motor feedback.

In line with current research on neuroplasticity, MI recognizes that overcoming physical limitations and dysfunctions is as much a matter of working with the ‘software’ of the brain as with the ‘hardware’ of the body.

Under the umbrella of Movement Intelligence are five programmes:

• Bones for Life focuses on natural movement that can be enhanced in order to help develop the postural integrity, flexibility and stability that support strong bones. Its 90 movement processes can transform habitual patterns into ways of moving that lead to what Ruthy Alon called a state of ‘biological optimism’.
• Chairs is designed to eliminate strain and promote dynamic sitting. The rudiments of Bones for Life are adapted for anyone who cannot easily get down to the floor.
• Walk for Life promotes ease in walking – upgrading quality and coordination whether taking a hike or strolling round the block.
• Movement Solutions offers self-care strategies and a broad variety of movement insights to resolve common issues people may have with their functioning, thereby guiding the neuro-muscular system into effective and satisfying patterns of movement.
• Mindful Eating shows how exploring the bio-mechanics of eating can help us create strategies that promote healthy eating habits.

“I have nothing against the many labour-saving devices and inventions that have come into our lives. I only regret that this means we tend to use our bodies in limited, mechanical ways: we stiffen ourselves, and move only one body part at a time.
Movement Intelligence uses sensory guided movement to improve the interdependent relationship among all the many moving parts of the body, ensuring a healthy division of labour.
No human being need deteriorate prematurely. If you do not move well, then life in general will be a difficult struggle, rather than rewarding, pleasurable, and beautiful.”

Dr Ruthy Alon

Ruthy Alon 1930-2020

Meeting the right teacher at the right time determined Ruthy’s life’s calling. She graduated from Moshe Feldenkrais’s first training in 1969, went on to become a senior Feldenkrais trainer for many decades, and benefitted from a close working relationship with Dr Feldenkrais until his death. The Feldenkrais Method is “not just a method of body movement” said Ruthy, “but rather an awakening of bodily resourcefulness and creativity.”

In 1970 Ruthy published the insights of her teaching in her book Mindful Spontaneity, which has been translated into seven languages and was awarded the Book of the Year Prize for Natural Healing by the Jungian Society in Italy. A second edition was published in 2018.

Until her late 80s Ruthy continued to teach Movement Intelligence throughout Europe, North and South America, and the Asian Pacific to practitioners, students and the general public. She became an elder and mentor to students in over 30 countries.

One of the special qualities that Ruthy brought to her teaching was her capacity to decipher complex combinations of movement management and to design solutions for how to improve them.

She offered clear verbal explanations that empowered her students to comprehend and master the work on their own, with a sense of personal achievement.

In her mature years, she was a living model of what she was teaching, as demonstrated by her youthful, flowing way of moving, which she always said was getting better every year!

Movement Intelligence in the UK (Co-Directors: Silvia Gray and Marye Wyvill)

Silvia Gray taught the Alexander Technique and Pilates for many years, before attending the first of several workshops with Ruthy Alon in 2013. She subsequently trained to teach Bones for Life with Adam Ward, and received both Bones for Life and Movement Solutions Trainer Certification from Ruthy in 2017. She qualified as a Trainer of the Chairs programme in 2021, and is also qualified to teach Walk for Life and Mindful Eating. In 2020 Silvia completed the four-year Feldenkrais Training in London.

Marye Wyvill taught yoga for over 20 years, including a period as resident and teacher at Mandala Yoga Ashram in Wales. She is also a keen practitioner of Authentic Movement. Marye completed her Bones for Life training with Adam Ward, and attended Ruthy’s workshops on Walk for Life and Chairs. She received Bones for Life and Movement Solutions Trainer Certification from Ruthy in 2017. She qualified as a Trainer of the Chairs programme in 2021 and is also qualified to teach Walk for Life and Mindful Eating.

Ruthy taught two memorable six-day courses in Solutions for Optimal Mobility at Triyoga in north London, in July 2017 and July 2018. Her teaching, as ever, was superb, and her stamina astounding!