"Body Cognition" is a method of exercising and treatment suitable for every person interested in broadening their awareness of the body, improving their body's condition, and to prevent and treat bodily damage.

Body Cognition is founded on the perception that optimal results can be obtained through a slow, attentive, clever and considerate approach to the body, whilst perceiving it as a whole complex.

This method highlights the understanding that each body is individual, and although it has limitations, it also has a natural potential for improvement and enhancement.

Body cognition is a method that was developed and designed through many years of treatment and study by Yosefa Michaeli, a physiotherapist and a physical education teacher.

The method is based upon a comprehensive and thorough scientific knowledge of anatomy, physiology and biomechanics, as well as an intensive research of the "moving" body, including the malfunctions and problems which come into being through life.

The Body Cognition offers solutions to existing bodily problems as well as prevention of future ones, by means of learning different ways of how to use and maintain the body.

This method combines defined and accurate instructions side by side with individual freedom of movement. During the lessons the participant meets his body with the limitations, feelings and his personal appropriate pace. Such acquaintance enables him to know how far, and with how much effort he should proceed, and when and how he should bypass or give up in order to achieve a better result with no harm.

Treatment in the Body Cognition method takes place in the format of an exercise class, once or twice a week. In cases in which the person can not attend a class, or needs a specific treatment because of a trauma or a chronic condition, an individual treatment is given.

The lesson is composed around a main topic, and is planed in a way that lets the participant acquire throughout it new knowledge concerning his body. The lesson's topic is selected according to the aim requested:

·        Correction of posture defects

·        Change of wrong and damaging movement and response habits

·        Learning correct response and movement habits

·        Strengthening and lengthening muscles

·        Work upon joints in order to keep and improve movement ranges.

·        Providing the ability to perform aesthetic, flowing and integrated movements, together with performing the exercises accurately.

·        Improving the coordination which tends to deteriorate with the passing years.

A lesson in the Body Cognition is not conducted as the regular exercise class. The instructions are verbal only with no demonstration. That is why the participant is required to constantly think and be aware of his body, so that he can activate it logically and with consideration. Because the physical activity is individual there is no place for imitation or competition among the students. Terms like achievement by all means, accelerated efforts and dictated pace are strange to this method. Body Cognition proves that one can attain strength, correct posture, significant bodily well- being in an atmosphere and activity which are calm, relaxed, free of stress or compulsion, which takes into consideration the participant's body.

The lessons are varied and each lesson presents to the participant a new challenge and a different look each time on the learnt subject. The variety also allows maintaining and improving of the movements' ranges and the abilities of the joints and tissues.

The lessons take place in small groups which enables the teacher personal attitude with the student. There is no use of any equipment or background music. This allows the student to be totally in tune with his body and to listen to the instructions which are given clearly and gently.

Specific difficulties and acute problems are treated individually. The treatment is based upon anatomical, biomechanical and pathological knowledge and is being done with no mechanical equipment. The therapist uses his hands, combining the sense of touch and sensitivity in the use of massage, passive manipulation of the patient and usage of special therapeutic techniques which were developed throughout many years of acquired experience and knowledge.

In the basis of the Body Cognition method lies the notion that optimal results are achieved through non- traumatic ways, but rather by means of a delicate, slow and attentive relation to the body.