Nia is based on The Body's Way
Simply put, everything we do in Nia is supported by the design of the body, which tells us how and why we do what we do. The Body's Way is our map that when followed, allows the body's own elegant responses to create functional movement.
A Synergy of Nine Movement Forms
Nia blends steps and stances taken from the essence of nine movement forms including Martial Arts (Tai Chi, Taekwon Do, Aikido), Dance Arts (Jazz, Modern and Duncan Dance) and Healing Arts (Yoga, the work of Moshe Feldenkrais and Alexander Technique).
Movement with Purpose
In Swahili, Nia means with purpose. It is a living system that works with the body's natural wisdom and intelligence. Nia supports the Pleasure Principle. If it feels good, keep doing it. If it hurts, stop. Nia can be done on your choice of movement levels one, two, or three on any exercise. The levels are basically just more creative and more difficult amplifications of the same movements so you can pump up the volume on any exercise at any time. Nia is a complete program that tones and trims the body superbly -- through pleasure, not pain. So kind to the joints, it is done barefoot. It starts with fitness and ends with comprehensive healing of the whole self. It is a cardiovascular program that uses whole-body, expressive, grounded movement, rather than repetitive jogging or lifting. Nia is adaptable to every level of fitness, every age, and type of body, even those with special limitations such as asthma, arthritis and is even adaptable during pregnancy.
What You Need
Nia is a cardio movement class so wear something that is cool and comfortable to move in. It is done bare foot but if shoes are necessary, they must be clean indoor shoes. Please bring a water bottle and anything else you may need.
No Nia classes for Fall 2016
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