A table for an MRI system includes a top surface for supporting a patient being imaged and a motion sensor for sensing motion of the patient. The motion sensor is located below the top surface and includes a self-resonant spiral (SRS) coil and a coupling loop. The coupling loop generates a drive RF signal to excite the SRS coil to radiate a magnetic field having a predefined resonant frequency. The coupling loop also receives a reflection RF signal from the SRS coil. The motion sensor is located such that at least a portion of a torso of the patient being imaged is within the magnetic field. A controller is configured to detect patient motion based on the reflection RF signal.