What is Nia? ~ An article by Maria

I am a Nia teacher and at the end of the day, I allow myself an hour of complete indulgence and good quality 'me time'. I do a Nia workout which lasts an hour and dance and move through a multitude of different feelings, experiences and sensations.

Jazz ~ the joy of movement

With the Jazz dance element of Nia I can just let go and have a good old boogie as though nothing else matters at that moment - you know the feeling? Dance like nobody's watching and totally let rip? I love it, makes me feel totally full of energy - not to mention the sheer joy of being alive!

Martial arts ~ external and personal power, focus

With the martial arts I kick and punch away all the frustrations that I may be carrying, whether conscious or subconscious all I know is that I feel so much better for it. Think about it. All day we are experiencing a vast variety of emotions, thoughts and feelings due to external stimulation, be it work, colleagues, family, relationships etc. It's like taking all of this stuff, but when do I actually allow myself the space or time to digest what has happened? If I don't do this then all the 'stuff' sticks around rather like an unwelcome house guest that just doesn't get it that you want them to leave.

Peace ~ stillness, connecting with the inner self

I flow and become peaceful with the soothing moves of Tai - chi. My body feels like a feather, floating timelessly through the windy sky. Because Nia uses creative visualization, such as; 'Imagine you are walking on a beautiful sandy beach. Sense your toes squidging into that warm wet sand as you watch the sun go down. And it's like - wow! I'm there. I can create places in my mind and animate them in a fitness class - well this is my kind of fitness class!

Background ~ how did it all happen?

I have always been into sport and fitness and actually trained as an aerobics teacher. It was ok but I would just get bored of all that repetitive up and down, side to side uncreative movement. I have a dance background always wondered; would it be possible to turn a rather dull and uninspiring aerobics class into a creative fun fun fun experience where I would be totally in my element? And don't get me started about the music! That mind-numbing techno music that they play in classes does nothing for my love of music. Have you ever been to an amazing gig or concert and just felt goose bumps to that heart kicking music that just left you happy and energized for ages afterwards? Imagine that type of experience in a fitness class…

Working with cancer and fibromyalgia patients

On a more serious note, I have worked with cancer patients and fibromyalgia sufferers with Nia to control pain management. Nia has proved very effective in pain reduction and management because it works 'the body's way' which means that you only do what the body will allow you to do, and by listening and being attentive to that, the body gently releases stresses and tensions at a level where the participant is ready to let it happen. This is what is unique about Nia, working out 'your body's way' is the only way that it will work in the long term. Most fitness fads come and go, but this is about really building a loving relationship with my body and like all good relationships, it requires listening. Nia works with the healing technique of Feldenkrais, which is all about connecting to sensation. For example, pain is a way for the body to communicate that it needs some sort of adjustment, or change the way I am doing things. It's not something to ignore or push away. In this way, I have seen how countless people have overcome painful back ache, knee problems etc.

Well, the rest is history, I discovered Nia and it offered everything on my wish list and much much more. I could go on, but I'd rather you came and experienced it for yourself. Nia is like chocolate… you just have to try it to know how good it is.

A really beautiful quote which I love really explains this well. Read the Shaman quote.