Nia is a workout, lifestyle and personal growth program. More than a physical fitness or weight loss program, Nia is a way to condition, heal and transform your body, mind, emotions and spirit. Nia is a system that blends Eastern and Western movements, concepts and philosophy derived from three main movement forms: Martial Arts (mindful precision), Dance Arts (personal expression) and Healing Arts (self-healing). The philosophy of Nia is based on the pleasure principle: If it feels good, keep doing it; if it hurts, stop and adapt what you do to feel better.
I am a Nia teacher. Everytime I read this description of Nia, or one very similar I have to stop and think about what it means to me in that particular moment. When a prospective student asks me what Nia is, I still struggle with a simple definition, because from my perspective, Nia is not simple. Nia is organic and fluid. Today when I shared class with my students, it was a fitness program to condition my cardiovascular system. Yesterday, in my personal practice, it was a way to open my heart and express myself creatively. When I guide workshops, it is often a program that blends movement disciplines to strengthen the musculoskeletal system and challenge the nervous system.
