Nia Fundamentals
Posted by terrepruitt on July 31, 2019
So Nia has a few fundamental ideas, this post is a brief summary of the information that can be found in The Nia Technique book. The book is by Debbie Rosas and Carlos Rosas. It was first published in 2004. This information is on pages 16 through 19.
The Joy of Movement Is the Secret of Fitness. The idea is to not exercise. For many people exercising is not enjoyable. So stop, don’t exercise . . . MOVE. Move in a joyful way, not in a mechanical way that doesn’t bring any pleasure.
Fitness Must Address the
Human Being, Not Just the Body. Exercise that is done just to exercise is not fun and will probably be put aside after a little while. But movement that is fun and engages the mind, emotions, and spirit in addition to the body is something that one might stick with for a long time. Your body will benefit from exercise, but if you like the movement you are doing and if it is created to affect more than just the physical you can get more benefit from it. If you walk away from the activity with a clearer head, a happier and/or satisfied disposition, and a lighter spirit it is something you will want to do. Your health will be better overall.
Movement Must Be Conscious, Not Habitual. Haven’t there been studies that prove thinking about what you are doing, focusing on the movement results in greater gains? Being aware of your movement and the sensations of the body makes for a more fulfilling workout. Just hopping on the treadmill and turning on the TV is less satisfying. You also don’t affect the BMES.
Use Your Body the Way It Was Designed to Be Used. Replace the linear exercise with full range of motion movement. Vary the speed and intensity of movements. Move to improve your FAMSS!
Take the Path of Least Resistance. Move the way your body is. Not to say you cannot improve in areas that you want to improve in, but recognize that everyone cannot be a contortionist or run a mile in three minutes.
The chart is from page 19. I redacted some of it so that you would be encouraged to read it for yourself and have the opportunity to get new/additional information. 🙂
Remember that this was written in 2004 and it is really great to see that this type of information and way of thinking is becoming much more common. Yay!
What is your favorite type of movement?
Terre Pruitt's Blog 
lynnefisher said
Hi there, Terre – I’ve never heard of this, it sounds holistic somehow. My favourite type of movment is dance and then speedwalking with some jogging – always music present though!
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terrepruitt said
If you like to dance you might just like Nia. If you are interested you can see if there is a class near you (www.NiaNow.com)! I don’t know where you are, but there are classes all over the world! There are also some videos on Youtube you could check out. And, if you really were to get into it they have a subscription channel. It is a very fun way to exercise.
Speed walking is intense. Wow! Being outside is a nice way to exercise too.
Thanks!
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