Body Intelligence

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Body Intelligence

Body Intelligence (BI) is a unique movement form developed by Meret Storck-Matchett.

Influenced by yoga, Pilates and kinesiology, the aim of BI is to increase body awareness, prevent injuries, stabilise joints, strengthen muscles and correct imbalances.

31/12/2019

Happy New Year!

11/10/2019

AB strengthening sequence

10/09/2019

This is a short stretching sequence covering the major muscle groups of the legs.

Hold each stretch for at least 30 seconds but feel free to hold them for as long as you feel comfortable in the stretch. Imagine “inviting” a stretch rather than “pushing your way through resistance”. The body will naturally and gradually adapt to each stage of the stretch and you might find yourself going a little deeper into it every few breaths. Try not to have a “goal” in mind though – just let the body relax with gravity and focus on long, deep exhalations.

Enjoy!

17/07/2019

An interview with founder Meret Storck-Matchett showing students during a class.

28/05/2019

A few weeks ago, I completed a 12-week cycle in my classes exploring the organ clock, based on the meridian-organ system rooted in TCM (traditional Chinese medicine).

According to that model, every 2-hour window is best suited for certain activities whereas other activities and bahaviours can contribute to creating imbalances in the associated meridian-organ system.

Below is a VERY BRIEF summary of the twelve 2-hour windows of the organ clock.
It is by no means complete but many of my clients found the summary helpful.
I hope you feel inspired 

Stomach meridian-organ system
Theme: take in energy & information
Most energy: 07:00-09:00
What to do in that 2-hour window: have a hearty breakfast
What causes imbalance: stress & over-saturation (food & information)

Spleen meridian-organ system
Theme: use the energy (from above) being mentally and/or physically active
Most energy: 09:00-11:00
What to do in that 2-hour window: study, work, exercise
What causes imbalance: worry and being overly empathic (unclear boundaries > weakens immune system)

Heart meridian-organ system
Theme: community
Most energy: 11:00-13:00
What to do in that 2-hour window: spend time with friends/family exchanging news and sharing a light meal
What causes imbalance: withdrawing, shutting down

Small Intestine meridian-organ system
Theme: filtering
Most energy: 13:00-15:00
What to do in that 2-hour window: nap, go for a walk, make decisions
What causes imbalance: work that requires focus or “manic” work

Bladder meridian-organ system
Theme: standing up for oneself, being self-confident
Most energy: 15:00-17:00
What to do in that 2-hour window: second window to be productive (mentally & physically)
What causes imbalance: self-doubt

Kidney meridian-organ system
Theme: replenishing the body’s main reservoir of vital energy
Most energy: 17:00-19:00
What to do in that 2-hour window: slow down!
What causes imbalance: uncertainty, fear & anxiety

Pericardium meridian-organ system
Theme: protecting the heart, healing emotional wounds
Most energy: 19:00-21:00
What to do in that 2-hour window: spend time with those closest to your heart
What causes imbalance: being hyper-sensitive, being inauthentic

Triple Warmer meridian-organ system
Theme: connection; connects different body parts (warmers) as well as mind-body-soul
Most energy: 21:00-23:00
What to do in that 2-hour window: withdraw and get ready for bed
What causes imbalance: long-term stress

Gallbladder meridian-organ system
Theme: There is a perfect time for everything
Most energy: 23:00-01:00
What to do in that 2-hour window: sleep; don’t get upset if you can’t ;-)
What causes imbalance: being “nice” (leading to resentment) - have the courage to say NO

Liver meridian-organ system
Theme: finding balance between planning and being spontaneous
Most energy: 01:00-03:00
What to do in that 2-hour window: sleeping while breaking down the day’s “toxicities”
What causes imbalance: over-planning

Lung meridian-organ system
Theme: letting go of what no longer serves, rhythm (breath)
Most energy: 03:00-05:00
What to do in that 2-hour window: releasing through dreams
What causes imbalance: letting go prematurely (if you have a choice!)

Large Intestine meridian-organ system
Theme: making space for the new
Most energy: 05:00-07:00
What to do in that 2-hour window: cleaning & cleansing rituals, acknowledging and enjoying emptiness (after bowel movement)
What causes imbalance: inability to let go of what no longer serves

21/05/2019

This is a short sequence consisting of six exercises; some strengthening, mobilization and two stretches.
It only takes between 15 and 20 minutes to complete this sequence. Have fun :-)

16/04/2019

Another potent buttock strengthening exercise improving hip stability!
Pay attention to the hip position of the lifted leg; there is a tendency to lift that hip and rotate the pelvis away from the standing leg. If properly aligned (hips level and pelvis “square”) you’ll feel your buttock muscles on the standing leg working pretty hard!
Also ensure your spine stays in neutral while in the hinged position. As soon as you tuck your tailbone under, you’ll lose proper buttock muscle engagement.

09/04/2019

I love this stretch!😍
It is similar to the “hip flexor stretch with side bend”, which I posted a while back.
However in this stretch you rotate towards the front leg to deepen the stretch in the hip flexor muscle group (iliopsoas) instead of side-bending.
As always hold the stretch for a good few deep breaths (at least 20-30 seconds if not longer).
I find a tight psoas doesn’t like to be stretched forcefully so take your time to gradually deepen the stretch...

02/04/2019

This exercise (a modification of the traditional “side kick”) strengthens the abductor muscles of the hip in a stabilizing capacity (kneeling leg) while activating the same area on the straight leg to lift it up against gravity.
Therefore you might feel a challenge in your buttocks/outer thighs in BOTH legs simultaneously.
Happy buttock strengthening😄

26/03/2019

This is a fun alternative to the more common plank with a leg lift.
However, it is quite a bit MORE CHALLENGING!
Pay attention to your pelvis when lifting the hand off the floor; the goal is to keep the pelvis still (i.e. no rotation in the torso).
Start with 4-5 attempts keeping the hand in the air for just a couple of breaths and gradually work towards 2-3 sets holding the position for longer.
Have fun😃

19/03/2019

A straight-forward exercise to strengthen your abdominals and hip flexor muscle group.

NB!!!
Pay attention to the spinal curves of your lower back (lumbar) and neck (cervical).
Maintain neutral curves along the spine throughout the leg movement.
I.e. avoid lifting the chin and/or arching the back.
Change in curvature of your lower spine translates into a change in distance between your fingertips (on the lower ribs) and thumbs (on the pelvic rim).
If the distance is increasing, you’re arching/hyperextending the lumbar spine.
If the distance is decreasing (less likely but possible), you’re flatting/flexing the lumbar spine.

12/03/2019

When doing this hip flexor stretch, prioritize tucking of the tailbone over leaning back. Only lower yourself closer to the mat if you can do so without arching the lower back, i.e. without hyperextending your lumbar spine.
NB! If your knee is uncomfortable in this stretch, rather choose an alternative like the hip flexor stretch I posted last year in September on this page.

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Cape Town
7979

Website

http://www.bodyintelligence.co.za/

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About Meret Storck-Matchett

A certified Pilates Instructor and Personal Fitness Trainer with 20 years experience in yoga, Meret has worked closely with physiotherapists and chiropractors to develop Body Intelligence®, which she has been teaching for ten years. Applying research in the field of joint stabilization techniques and based on her ongoing studies in exercise science, kinesiology and anatomy, she has created her own movement form, which never stops evolving.

She’s created this page to share her knowledge and insights gained over almost two decades in the exercise industry with a broader audience. Short, easy-to-follow videos of Body Intelligence exercises will be posted on a regular basis so anyone can benefit from and enjoy the Body Intelligence experience.