About Nia
   Photos courtesy of www.NiaNow.com
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Fast Facts • Nia is a sensory-based movement practice that leads to health, wellness and fitness • Nia was created in 1983 by Debbie Rosas and Carlos AyaRosas • Classes are taught in more than 50 countries • There are approximately 2,500 practicing Nia teachers in the world • Nia cultivates the 'Joy of Movement' as a way to strengthen, heal & age with grace • Nia is suitable for all fitness levels, abilities & ages What is Nia? Nia is a transformational movement practice that teaches you to be more JOYFUL, EXPRESSIVE, and ALIVE in your body, both inside and outside of the studio. It empowers people of all shapes and sizes by connecting the body, mind, emotions and spirit. Classes are taken barefoot to soul-stirring music in more than 45 countries worldwide. Trainings are designed for those seeking personal enrichment and professional development. Every experience can be adapted to individual needs and abilities. Nia is a holistic form of exercise that combines movements from 9 different disciplines. These disciplines include: 3 Dance Arts - Modern Dance, Duncan Dance and Jazz Dance (for grace and fluidity) 3 Martial Arts - Tai Chi, Tae Kwon Do and Aikido (for their mindfulness and meditative techniques) 3 Self-Healing Arts - Yoga, The Alexander Technique, and the Teachings of Moshe Feldenkrais (for awareness and alignment) It is delivered in a non-competitive, playful and self-explorative way which allows the participants freedom to express and adapt the movements guided by the sensation of pleasure and joy. There are easy-to-follow steps delivered in an easy format. The instructor guides you through a blend of moderate to dynamic cardio conditioning and gentle healing holistic moves. The one hour classes are practiced barefoot, and draws further passion and inspiration from a range of energising music to improve one's strength, flexibility, agility, self-awareness, vocalisation, cardiovascular conditioning, balance, co-ordination, confidence and vitality. By encouraging people to discover moving in their Body's Way, students form a closer, healthier relationship to their own body - and discover a joy in the incredible variety of movement possibilities available to them. Who is Nia for? It is safe and beneficial for people of all ages, genders, body types, dance abilities, fitness levels and walks of life. The balance of positive muscle tension with relaxation, and form with freedom, is the perfect recipe for anyone wishing to attain a healthy body. People of all backgrounds, professions, interests and culture find the benefits fill in that 'missing gap' in their life. |
Why do Nia?
- Nia improves posture, balance, circulation, co-ordination and stamina.
- Nia calms the mind and relieves stress.
- Nia chooses the path of least resistance, rather than one of strain.
- Nia cultivates better mind-body connection.
- Nia is driven by desire not guilt.
- Nia trains all muscle groups thus resulting in better muscle balance and tone.
- Nia promotes wellness in body, mind, spirit and emotions.
- Nia allows the rise of one's natural grace and self-expression.
- Nia strengthens the nervous system and immunity.
- Nia improves concentration and cognitive function.
- Nia build reservoirs of chi.
- Nia can alleviate emotional problems, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorders.
- There is no fear of getting anything 'wrong' - in a Nia class there are no 'wrong' moves!
Background of Nia
Nia was created in 1983, during the aerobics boom, by Debbie Rosas and Carlos AyaRosas - two US fitness professionals who felt the need to change the way people approached their health and fitness. They sought a more 'mindful exercise', one that brought safety, joy and awareness while still offering a whole-body workout. By blending the wisdom and creativity of both Eastern and Western philosophies, they were able to develop this uniquely powerful body-mind-soul practice.
Today Nia has over 2,500 Licensed Teachers in 45 countries. The number is constantly growing as the word is spread. It has transformed the lives of the many people who appreciate the versatility, depth and healing powers of this practice.
Nia in the Public Realm
As Nia offers a rich range of benefits, there have been articles featured in a variety of media sources.
Here are a sprinkling of them:
Marie Claire Jan 2013 (South Africa)
Good Living (New Zealand) Sept 2011
Natural Awakenings June 2011
Senior Living Magazine (Canada) Sept 2011
Conscious Dancer Magazine Spring 2011
Spirituality Health magazine Jan/Feb 2011
Marie Claire (South Africa) Feb 2011
Woman and Home Magazine (South Africa) Feb 2011
Asia Spa magazine 2010.
Psychologies Magazine Oct 2010
Nia is also presented at the bi-annual Body Mind Spirit Festival in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney and participates in the yearly New York Dance Parade.
Here are a sprinkling of them:
Marie Claire Jan 2013 (South Africa)
Good Living (New Zealand) Sept 2011
Natural Awakenings June 2011
Senior Living Magazine (Canada) Sept 2011
Conscious Dancer Magazine Spring 2011
Spirituality Health magazine Jan/Feb 2011
Marie Claire (South Africa) Feb 2011
Woman and Home Magazine (South Africa) Feb 2011
Asia Spa magazine 2010.
Psychologies Magazine Oct 2010
Nia is also presented at the bi-annual Body Mind Spirit Festival in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney and participates in the yearly New York Dance Parade.
Watch Nia in Action
Links
Nationwide classes, trainings and events are listed on the Nia Australia website. You can also subscribe to their free quarterly newsletters (scroll to the bottom of the webpage).
The main international Nia website, is NiaNow.com where you can also join their mailing list, access lots of information, listen to the music, buy Nia products and get inspired!
