I used to get a little upset when I didn’t do what the instructor was doing when I attended excerise classes, but now after doing Nia, I realize that, who cares? First of all, my body might not DO what the instructor’s does and pashaw, I might not WANT to do what the instructor is doing. So now, in other classes I am ok being a step off or whatever. And actual STEP classes, no way. I am the type of person who has to LOOK at the stairs as I am walking up or down them (because heaven forbid they MOVE or something while I am walking on them) so I can’t do a step class because I have to look at the step and look at the teacher to see what I am doing so . . . . no, I tried that a few years ago and it didn’t work for me. I live in a house with stairs and I LOOK when I walk up them or down them! With Nia at least you know the ground is there and it is ok if you “do your own thing!”

It is funny how once you relax it just comes naturally. One of the reasons it comes naturally is because the movements in Nia are natural movements for your body. So when you LET your body move, it will. In our society we don’t always move as the body was designed because of . . . .whatever . . . so when you are in a Nia class and you LET your body move . . . . . .ahhhhhhhh! Let it get gooey, and it will be juicy and feel yummy! (Tee hee!) Our bodies have the knowledge if we let them.

Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting. That is super, super, super nice of you. I really appreciate it!

I talked about this very thing to Alexis, who taught the Nia class I went to this morning. I am also the kind of person who would die of embarrassment in any aerobics or dance class that required any sort of coordination. The step aerobics were the worst, and I actually FELL OFF the step a few times. And hurt myself. So I was pretty trepidatious the first time I went to Nia. (two whole weeks ago!) I didn’t feel completely at ease mostly because I was not sure which movements were “this is what we are all doing” and which parts were “do what you want to do.” Now after my 3rd class I think I am definitely “getting it” and more able to figure out how these things break down. And I am AMAZED that I am able to do some of the steps already, which is in part because I feel so much more relaxed than usual. Yay!

After some of my Free Dance sessions people would comment on how they were sweaty (which is often equated to a good workout) and how their heart rate had increased. They were amazed because they were not moving in any particular pattern, each person had moved in their own way.

Thank you for stopping by and commenting. With every reply I see another blog post!

Thanks for the post,
Anita

Even though they were AWESOME, I imagine you were still thinking about them being over there in their little section because that is what mom’s do!

If you are moving and not in pain and you are having fun — you are doing it PERFECTLY! (Which is better than just right!)

Thank you so much for making the trek over!

It is the most important part and I think it is one of the most difficult parts. I think people are so accustomed to being told how to move in an exercise setting that they don’t realize that they need to move as their own body requires. So I think the tendency is to not move. People also want to feel as if they are doing it “right” and, in an exercise setting people are so accustomed to there being a right and wrong way it is difficult for them to let go and just move. The challenge lies in trusting our own bodies. Again . . . . listening to our own body. Wow, I could do a whole blog on that, huh? But really, I believe this is a great challenge for people. Move as the body was designed to be moved. If one of those movements causes pain, then tweak and move differently, but don’t give up, and maybe try later. As the rest of the body gains health and movement other parts start feeling better. Dang . . . . .again, I could just go on and on.

I am going to stop because I can go on and on and in cirlcles and off on tangents. Basically I would like for people to understand that they are welcome to come into a class and move. We are not judging right and wrong (if we see something dangerous or that can cause injury, we of course speak up) there is joy in movement so we want to move.

Oh, and you are funny, because you are my inspiration with all that you do with Nia. I know I have so much to learn and I thank you for all that you are teaching me!

So thanks Terre, for posting this in your blog. It’s the most important part of Nia…the pure joy of movement.

I also love your process of learning a routine. It resonates deeply with me. Thank you!

Jill