Levels of Teaching
Posted by terrepruitt on May 22, 2010
A lot of workouts have different levels of doing. The second half* of Nia White Belt Principle #7 is (Intensity) Levels of Teaching. So to a participant of Nia that would be levels of doing. The different level in Nia are like most workout classes: level 1, level 2, and level 3.
In a Nia class, participants are always invited to try all the levels, if comfortable. The idea is really to learn the value of each level. Trying the different levels allows the body to learn different things. Also the changes in movements stimulates the brain. Often times your energy level might dictate the actually level of intensity you are participating in during a particular class or kata, but that is up to you. No level is “better” than the other one, the best one is what is good for you and your body. You, as the person that lives in your body everyday, are the only one that can truly decide which level is right for you, which level at any given moment is going to bring you most Joy.
As a Nia teacher, it is my job to show the participants three different levels. It is also my job to encourage you to try each level. It is important to remember that YOUR level 1 might not be the same as MY level 1, the same with levels 2 and 3. It is up to you, as a participant, to find your different levels and play with and play in all three.
When you experience the different levels during your Nia workout you will learn to allow muscles that might be tired to rest and learn to stimulate other muscles. In addition playing with the different levels will enable you to experience Nia routines in a new light and a different way.
So go. In your next Nia class or your first Nia class try all three different levels. Remember that everyBODY’s levels are different!
*The first half of Nia White Belt Principle #7 is the Three Planes of Movement.
Terre Pruitt's Blog 
niachick said
Hi Terre,
Another lovely post!!! I love the levels of intensity. There are some days when, as a teacher, I sense that I need to stay at Level 1 for awhile — perhaps an injury, etc.
I really love how you talk about learning to allow muscles to rest and also how to stimulate other muscles.
In my classes, I invite students to work with Levels 2 and 3. Start at Level 1, move to Level 2 — this is where most any move can be maintained; Level 3 is where you can go to challenge yourself briefly. Level 1 start, Level 2 maintain, Level 3 challenge.
That’s worked as a guide for me. Obviously, different strokes for different folks always.
Thanks again for your words of wisdom!
Jill
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terrepruitt said
Jill –
Nice invitation. I can use that too. Thanks.
Thank you so much for stopping by! I always love seeing you here.
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