Nia Brings New Approach to Mind, Body, Spirit Fitness

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People nationwide are getting fit through Nia, a body, mind and spirit, fitness and lifestyle practice introduced in 1983. Also known as Neuromuscular Integrative Action, Nia is the first and foremost “fusion fitness” program of its kind that combines dance movements and heart-pumping martial arts moves infused with subtle therapeutic techniques designed to heighten body awareness.

Whole-Body Conditioning Through Expressive Movement
Nia is done barefoot to music to deliver cardiovascular and whole-body conditioning. Because Nia is self-guided and based on creating a loving relationship with the body and following “The Body’s Way,” or the innate intelligence of the body, it is adaptable and safe for any fitness level, from stiff beginners to highly fit athletes.

Through expressive movements, Nia empowers people to achieve physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. Practitioners make their own movement choices by offering a flexible structure they can personally modify to suit individual needs and creativity.

Aerobic Exercise Combines Nine Forms of Martial Arts
Nia blends nine movement forms of the martial arts, dance arts and healing arts, including T’ai Chi, Tae Kwon Do, Aikido, jazz and modern dance, yoga and the teachings of Moshe Feldenkrais. All students of Nia are encouraged to interpret the choreography in a way that speaks to them. And Nia supports the “if it feels good keep doing it; if it hurts, stop” philosophy.

As in the martial arts, Nia practitioners can choose to progress through levels of training called belts. Nia is taught in yoga centers, YWCAs,  Pilates studios, and in gym and fitness centers. For more information about Nia, visit nianow.com.

What Are the Benefits of Nia?

As a holistic approach to fitness, the Nia mind-body program:

  • Helps weight loss and enhances proper weight maintenance
  • Strengthens muscles, improves muscle tone and increases muscle definition
  • Calms the mind and relieves stress
  • Improves endurance
  • Increases grace and flexibility
  • Balances the autonomic nervous system
  • Improves posture
  • Improves organ function, particularly the heart and lungs
  • Enhances sensory awareness
  • Helps alleviate emotional problems, including depression, anxiety and stress
  • Improves circulation of blood and improves lymphatic drainage
  • Strengthens immunity
  • Improves concentration and cognitive function
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