Nia

 

Class Schedule

Tuesday – Fairfield Community Center - 6-7 p.m.
Thursday – Monterey Center - 1-2 p.m.

 

What do I wear to a Nia class?

Most people wear pretty much the same thing they would wear to a yoga class: yoga pants, leggings, short sleeve or sleeveless tops. Some women enjoy wearing skirts and dresses, either on their own or with pants or shorts underneath. Sometimes I wear tunics over pants. You can shop at a dance wear store and get fancier gear – Nia actually sells their own line of clothing at their website, and if you search through my Nia profile, you can get a discount on your purchase. But you needn’t buy a new wardrobe to dance Nia - anything that makes you feel comfortable and free to move is fine. Many participants find that layers work well: a light sweater or cover up over a sleeveless top for instance.

Like yoga and some martial arts, Nia is done barefooted.There are some 7,000 nerve endings in your feet, which give you feedback on how you are moving.  When you use our feet to sense the ground and send information back to your brain your body can effectively compensate and adapt. For your safety, take off your shoes or wear soft-soled shoes, such as gymnastic shoes. But there are times when footwear might be necessary: if you have an injury, or need to wear orthotics, wearing shoes is appropriate. We who are in our bare feet will appreciate your wearing indoor only shoes to class.  

Your First Class: What to Expect

In Nia, we start easy. Small is good: it allows you to sense your body and establish the neurological connections that lead to self-healing. So we start with “level one” movements, focusing on finding the foot pattern or rhythm of the music, and an easy pace. We gradually add the arm motions when we are ready. And then we slowly build intensity. Going at level two, we begin to add a larger range of motion or intensity: taking bigger steps and lifting our legs and arms higher, and level three giving it more personal expression along with a higher intensity. You can choose which level to work at, based on your fitness level and even how you are feeling on that day of class.

In each Nia class, although the music and moves might be different, we start with a warm up, moving into a higher intensity – cardiovascular level – and end with a cool down. Since the three levels are demonstrated in each song, you can do an entire Nia class at level one, working slower and longer rather than faster and harder, or level two – or three, or a combination. It’s up to you.

The class flows. While I may take some time to demonstrate new moves, or how a particular move is done, you will not hear ’you aren’t doing that right’. Class isn’t stopped for individual correction. What you will hear are reminders to work at your own pace and to listen to your body, and to enjoy yourself, especially if you are a beginner. You only get to be a beginner once, so allow yourself the freedom to enjoy being a beginner. It is all about the joy of movement!

 

Articles about Nia in the Canadian Media

Senior Living Magazine, Victoria, B.C. September 2010: “Modern science allows us to disguise much of the outer signs of aging, but a body conditioned by conscious movement, one that is strong, agile and flexible can defy age more than any cosmetic, dye or procedure on the market.”

Canadian Living, June 2006: “It’s like a movement meditation that leaves one both calm and energized.” “Its movement options create strength, flexibility, balance and cardiovascular benefits – the hallmarks of good health and fitness.”

The Toronto Star, May 20, 2006. “It’s designed to enhance both mental and physical fitness. Nia reveals the way that dance helps mend broken connections between mind and body.”

The Vancouver Sun, Sept 12, 2005. “The first principle of Nia is joy. It zealously rejects the ‘no pain, no gain’ principle that fitness experts have propounded for decades. And this makes it suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.”

North of the City (Richmond Hill publication), Nov/Dec 2004. “The physical benefits of a toned, flexible and strong body are secondary to the sense of being connected in mind, body, emotions and spirit. A nicely toned body – that’s just the side effect.”

Leah McLaren, Globe and Mail, July 26, 2003.”Even more surprising is the fact that Nia is currently one of the most popular fitness courses on offer at the Canadian Armed Forces Base in Kingston, Ontario. Long gone are the days when soldiers cut their teeth running up muddy hills with heavy packs. Instead many of the soldiers currently on the ground in Afghanistan got their physical training , in part, by following their hands to the beat of Enya.

The Kingston Whig Standard, August 29, 2003. “Men and women of all ages, and of all fitness levels are ‘doing Nia! The basics of the technique are so easy to understand that all of us should consider trying it. Students say that NIA is the most imaginative combination of fitness and fun without compromise! So, if you are looking for: a rejuvenating activity, a natural way of moving, an individualized, FUN, full body workout, a new form of cross-training, meditation, relaxation, stress relief, and a little peace of mind…NIA really does it all!

 

Links
Facebook Page: Nia Classes with Deborah – Sacred Athlete
Visit Nia Headquarters webpage, and my Nia page 
Globe and Mail article – July 2010
Canadian Living profile – June 2006

I love Nia!  I think of it as a joyous, moving mediation. There is that point in Nia class where it all comes together: that feeling of no-thoughts and detachment from ego, really of being One. And yes, at times Nia is as challenging as sitting meditation: impatience and wishing to be somewhere else when fatigue sets in! And then as I refocus and rededicate my attention it overflows into a delicious sense joy and deep peace.  

Deborah Redfern, Certified Nia Teacher   

© Deborah Redfern 2011 – 2012. All rights reserved.