Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose Nia?
Nia
is a fun, dynamic way to work out! "Nia is like chocolate. It's difficult to describe,
you have to taste it!" A
Nia class will awaken feelings and sensations throughout your entire
body. The movements allow you to listen to and trust your body, to grow
through self-expression, to relax while building strength, improving coordination, and conditioning your whole body, and to
revitalize and uplift your spirit and emotions.
What is Nia?
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 adjust the move to feel better.
What should I bring?
Bring water. Most important, bring your curious mind and a desire to have fun!
Wear anything you are comfortable moving in that gives you a full range of motion.
The class is active, so be prepared to sweat! Nia is done barefoot. If you need the support of shoes please bring inside shoes.
Nia was created in the early 1980’s by Debbie and Carlos Rosas, then fitness professionals in California. They were searching for a smarter and safer way to workout and stay fit. Debbie and Carlos Rosas envisioned Nia would change the way people go about finding fitness and wellness. By incorporating the whole self, body, mind, spirit and emotions, by moving the body's way, they have created a truly unique fitness program.
What type of movement does Nia involve?
Nia movement integrates dynamic, expressive, systemic movement. It is
based on thirteen foundation principles, 52 basic moves, and the energy
of three arts: Martial Arts, Dance Arts and Healing Arts. A variety of
speeds and styles, ranges of motion and energy dynamics are all part of a Nia experience. If you like to dance to diverse music and move with joy and freedom, then you'll enjoy Nia.
What is the science behind Nia?
Nia is based on The Body’s Way, which means, using the body’s design
to improve function. The biochemistry, joint and muscle action are
triggered using imagination, music, emotion and vocal sound. Movements
work with and against gravity and include: abduction, adduction;
flexion, extension; eversion, inversion; dorsal flexion, plantar
flexion, pronation and supination; horizontal flexion, extension;
rotation inward, outward, upward and downward, elevation, depression,
and circumduction.
Nia addresses the body’s five main sensations: flexibility, strength, mobility, agility and stability and focuses on conditioning the body and the nervous system.
How does Nia differ from other "mind-body" programs?
Everything in Nia is perceived, experienced and processed through the body. Nia uses the body to develop Sensory IQ wisdom. The mind is used to imagine, witness, focus and direct attention. The emotions are used to personally engage the individual with activity, thereby creating the coupling effect needed to trigger the mind-body connection. Spirit is used to honor the uniqueness of each individual. Nia uses emotion and sound to condition the body and nervous system. Nia’s teaching style emphasizes internally directed guidance, uses visual and sensory language, user-friendly choreography, that can be adapted to fit personal needs, and includes three stages of learning for all levels of ability.
Nia is taught all over the United States and Canada, as well as in 37 other countries around the world. Nia is offered in a variety of settings. You'll find Nia in: Health Clubs, Yoga Centers, the YWCA, Pilates Studios, Healing and Wellness Centers, Senior Centers, Retreat Programs, Summer Camps, Personal Growth and Transformation Seminars and Conferences, HMO Programs, Corporate Wellness Programs, Sport Vacations, Teen and Inner City Youth Groups, University PE, Theater, Dance & Martial Arts Schools, Spas, Hospitals, Prisons, and Drug/Alcohol & Cardiac Rehabilitation Centers, to name a few!
People of all ages, from all walks of life and with varied interests
participate in Nia. People who love to move and are passionate about
changing their relationship with their body, people who desire a conscious, artistic, fun, expressive and
pleasurable way to get fit, to heal and to personally grow.
How fit do I need to be?
Nia classes welcome all levels of fitness. Susan guides the choreography and you personalize the movements to maximize your experience of comfort and joy. Always consult with your doctor before beginning a new exercise program.Has Nia received industry recognition?
Yes! Nia has been recognized as a pioneering leader in the Fitness, Health and Wellness Industries. Nia is recognized as an ACE and AFAA, Continuing Education Provider. Over the past 25 years, Nia has been presented at Health, Fitness, and Wellness Industry conventions such as: IDEA, IRHSA, Science and Consciousness, National Wellness, Health Magazine-Women’s Wellness Weekend, and Sound Healers Conferences. In 2008 and 2009, Susan Guest has presented Nia at the Nova Scotia Teachers Association for Physical and Health Educators Conference, at the Optimyz Lifestyle Show, Salt Scapes Expo, and the Autopoetic Ideas Festival.