Fitness-The Magic of Nia Movement

Nia is an aerobic dance exercise done to music. It combines vigorous athletic actions with graceful movements. As with Karate, the practitioner of Nia progresses from one level to another through a series of colored belts, but one does not compete against others to graduate. Nia belts are awarded for length of participation and experience with the art. Whereas certain fitness enthusiasts might dismiss Nia for not being as structured as other sports, it does provide an exceptional mental, emotional and physical challenge. One of the first things anyone will notice about Nia is that it is practiced in bare feet. I was initially resistant to this idea because I found it hard to believe that exercising barefoot could be good for me. As a child, I had seen so many people helped through the use of orthotics and comfort shoes, because of my family's shoe business. I myself subscribed to wearing orthotics to address some of my own structural imbalances. Venturing out into the exercise world without the armor of my workout shoes felt awkward. So right off the bat Nia was pushing my boundaries.

Another challenging thing about Nia is that the movements are specifically chosen to promote conscious awareness and focus. Most group workout classes I attended in the past were repetitive and often boring. I found myself tuning out the instructor and getting lost in my own thoughts, completely disconnected from my body and its sensations. Nia is very different from these structured group classes with their repetitive and mechanical movements.

The first time I did the freedance portion of the Nia workout, I felt awkward, self conscious and uncreative. I realized that to just let go and dance, I had to become comfortable with my body and in my body-something I had not experienced even through exercising regularly for years here.

Nia has a way of connecting you at the most fundamental level. In just a short time the freedance became my favorite part of the class. It connected me to my inner child and the joy of movement itself. My body began to reshape and the muscles in my feet developed so that I no longer needed orthotics. Periodic pains from past injuries disappeared and I felt stronger and more comfortable than ever.

Nia also helped me expand mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Prior to Nia, I was comfortable in the house in which I had lived for almost ten years, and intended to stay for the rest of my life. Nia expanded my imagination and vision. Before I knew it, I was setting out to find a larger dwelling, where I could create my own Nia dance room.

Nia also inspired my artistic creativity. I began crafting my own faux finishes and painting pictures on the walls of my house, creating a gallery of awareness. My mind was tuning into gratitude and happiness, and spiritually I felt more fulfilled than ever. It was as if I had awakened from a long sleep. I now see my world as expansive and abundant-all because of the simple yet profound practice of Nia.

Nia teaches many lessons and ultimately involves coming to a point of loving acceptance of one's whole self. Physical fitness may hold the key for you as it did for me. This gentle yet powerful activity enlightened every aspect of my being and brought me closer to my family, God and myself. Do something to get closer to your body every day so that it befriends you and provides you with boundless energy to fulfill your greatest dreams.

Vol 25 Issue 2 Page 48