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Posts Tagged ‘Nia Teacher’

Day Twenty-Three Of Your Daily Ten Minute Practice

Posted by terrepruitt on February 23, 2017

Including today, only six day left for the Daily 10 Minute Practice. Are you hanging in there? Are you feeling good about it? I know that, depending on what you are doing, ten minutes might not be enough so perhaps you took advantage of the practice and extended the time on a few occasions. I know I did. But then again, the next day when I thought, “Oh, I should do at least twenty minutes.” Then it seemed more difficult to fit into my schedule. Then I reminded myself that really, the “deal” was for ten minutes . . . then all of a sudden it seemed more do-able. Crazy, huh? Any of you feeling or have any of you felt that way?

Posted in Ten Minute Daily Practice | Tagged: Daily 10 Minute Practice, daily challenge, gentle yoga, meditation, Nia, Nia Teacher, Pilates, SJCity Fit, something to do daily, Working Out, Yoga | 3 Comments »

Day Twenty-One Of Your Daily Ten Minute Practice

Posted by terrepruitt on February 21, 2017

Tuesdays I teach. I am a SJCity Fit Instructor and a Leisure Class Instructor. I have two classes on Tuesdays. Nia and Gentle Yoga. So I get to my Daily 10 Minute Practice after my classes usually.

How about you? When did you do yours?

Day Thirteen Of Your Daily Ten Minute Practice

Posted by terrepruitt on February 13, 2017

Ahh, I usually have Mondays off, but today I am subbing a class. I will be teaching Nia when there is regularly Pilates. I thought I would try Nia at the community center because this is the community center where I once taught gentle yoga and they wanted to know what Nia was. Hopefully those that enjoyed the demo will show up and enjoy an entire hour of Nia. So instead of Pilates at the Almaden Community Center today it will be Nia at 9:15am!

I will do my Daily 10 Minute Practice, after I get home. We are on day thirteen. When will you do yours?

I haven’t marked off today, yet. I will when I get it done. 🙂

Posted in Ten Minute Daily Practice | Tagged: Daily 10 Minute Practice, daily challenge, Day Thirteen, Nia, Nia class, Nia Dance, Nia Practice, Nia Teacher, San Jose Community Centers, something to do daily | 1 Comment »

Day Twelve Of Your Daily Ten Minute Practice

Posted by terrepruitt on February 12, 2017

Here we are day twelve of the Daily 10 Minute Practice. Here is where you post your comment. I don’t know if I will doing my “practice” before or after I teach Nia. Today (Sunday, February 12, 2017) is my day to teach Nia at the NW YMCA in Cupertino. There are three of us Nia teachers that teach the Sunday class on a rotating basis. It is nice to have a Sunday class, but nice to not have to teach it every Sunday. Perhaps I will see you there.

When are you going to do your 10 minutes?

Posted in Ten Minute Daily Practice | Tagged: Daily 10 Minute Practice, daily challenge, Nia, Nia class, Nia Dance, Nia Practice, Nia Teacher, NW YMCA, something to do daily, YMCA Instructor | 5 Comments »

Day Ten Of Your Daily Ten Minute Practice

Posted by terrepruitt on February 10, 2017

Here it is, day ten of the Daily 10 Minute Practice. On Fridays I teach a Nia Class then often have running around to do. So I will be going my 10 minute practice in the evening, just like most days. What about you? Do you like to get to yours in the morning or the evening?

Posted in Ten Minute Daily Practice | Tagged: Daily 10 Minute Practice, daily challenge, Nia, Nia class, Nia Teacher, something to do daily | 1 Comment »

Can You Spot The Marketing Mistakes?

Posted by terrepruitt on September 26, 2016

Marketing Gurus and People, can you see anything wrong with this e-mail? Can you perhaps give Dan some advice?

I really don’t care for people telling me they can do things, such as this e-mail in which Dan claims his company has helped YYoga generate 1,000 new registrations in 48 hours. Most of the time, just like with this e-mail, it is clear the person trying to get my business has not even taken the time to look at or read my website. If Dan would have taken 60 seconds to read my website, he might have come to the correct conclusion that I am not a fitness center. I do not own a fitness center. He might have noticed that I am a Nia and yoga teacher that primarily works for the City of San Jose and the YMCA. He might have concluded that I do teach at other places when I am hired to do so . . . and I can even do types of personal training be it Nia, Yoga, or something related to working out and exercise. But I am not a fitness center.

I have people call me all the time to tell me they can “get me on page one of a Google search.” I, of course, get excited 😉 and then I ask them, “For what?” and they can never answer me. So, how can I put my faith in them to “get me on page one of a Google search” when they don’t even know what I do? What search would that be the front page for? And would I be at the TOP, the first one, on that front page or down at the bottom? But they can’t even tell me what I do so they have no idea. I know that unless you are Google calling me and I pay top dollar, I am not going to get on the front page for many searches. But I also know that I AM on the first page when you “Google” certain things. I just get very confused and frustrated by these people who waste my time.

If you are not going to do a little bit of research and actually try to sell something the person actually might need and something you can actually provide, then don’t bother. You waste everyone’s time when you don’t know what you are talking about.

In the first e-mail Dan says that he helped a company generate 1,000 new registrations in 48 hours. In the second one he says the company “acquired 1,000 new members in less than 48 hours”. That really doesn’t mean anything either. So what? 1000 new registrants. Did they PAY something? Or was this just a free registry? How many actually signed up and paid for a service that the company offers? Oh yes, out of 1000 people you would think something became of it, but what? What does this e-mail even mean?

Also, he would “love to tell me more”? Well, I would hope so because as I have already begun to say, he hasn’t really told me anything. I mean, in addition to the useless information he provided, he didn’t provide me with a company name, a title, a phone number or anything. Again, in my opinion, not a very good marketing person . . . I guess he feels since HE doesn’t do any research into his prospects they must not do any research into the companies they might consider talking to and working with.

I get this type of sub-par solicitation all the time. It just blows my mind. So, no, I don’t have 15 minutes for a call this week, when clearly you didn’t take 15 minutes to do some research. But you know, perhaps Debbie does. 🙂

What do you Marketing People think?

Posted in Misc | Tagged: City of San Jose Exercise Instructor, marketing gurus, marketing people, Nia Teacher, SJCity Fit Exercise Instructor, sub-par solicitation, YMCA Group Exercise Instructor, yoga teacher, Yyoga | Leave a Comment »

Kids And Dance

Posted by terrepruitt on July 1, 2016

I teach classes at a city community center. We are fortunate enough to have a dance studio at the community center. Even though Nia is non- to very low impact, it is important to dance on dance appropriate flooring. If you are going to a, let’s say a festival and planning on dancing on the pavement for a few hours one afternoon, that is fine, but if you are planning on going to an exercise class one to three times a week, the floor needs to be appropriate. We have a nice floor at the community center. It is in the dance studio which is right off of the front desk. A lot seems to happen in the rooms past the studio. I think the preschool or small children’s’ area is past the dance studio. The dance studio has two doors. It is so cute the number of small children that walk by and stop to look in at us. Some stop to watch. I think children are drawn to dance.

A couple of weeks ago, I looked up to see a small girl looking in at us. Then I saw a hand reach out to grab hers, and she pulled away because she wanted to stay and watch. She was mesmerized. Her eyes were big and she was just standing there completely still watching. Some kids start to move while they watch. All of them get wide-eyed when any of us make eye contact with them, but as soon as we say, “Hi!” or wave, the face breaks into a smile. So many want to join us.

I always want to stop the class to ask them what intrigues them. Is it just dancing in general? Is it that we are usually laughing and having fun? Is that the was are making noises? Could be they are attracted to the whooping or growling? Could be my wild tie-dyed shirts? Or the energy in the room? I don’t know. I often wish I could ask. Especially to that little one who was mesmerized and really did not want to be dragged away.

Sometimes it is really fun because there will be a line of them . . . like a whole class walking by so we get to wave a lot and we get a lot of waves back. Also, last week, we think a group was in line for the water fountain which is right outside the door. That was funny. Because we went, “WHOOO!” then we heard “WHOOO!” from the hall. So then we went, “WHOOWHOO!” and we got a “WHOOWHOO!” back. We were able to include them in our class via vocals for a couple of minutes. It was super funny.

Kids are so drawn to dance. You know, you’ve seen those videos of the little ones just dancing away to a song they hear in the store or in the car. They have not yet learned to be self-conscious of their movement or care what other people are thinking. They just hear the music and they move. It is so wonderful to witness. I wish we would never lose that.

Posted in Nia | Tagged: city community centers, dance floor, dance studio, low impact aerobics, Nia class, Nia Teacher, non-impact exercise, San Jose City Community Centers | 4 Comments »

Health Benefits Of Cardamom

Posted by terrepruitt on June 20, 2016

You may have read my post about Chai Tea. A Nia Teacher friend gave me a yummy recipe for chai tea. I had futzed with it because I wanted it a bit spicier — what? Me? I know. But it is not HOT spice, just more flavorful. Well, I was excited until I saw the price of cardamom. And, as is my habit, I posted about how outrageous it was. As is my friends’ way . . .one of them helped me out. First of all she GAVE me some Cardamom, then she reminded me of where I live. I live in one of the most diverse areas in the country – well, I think I do. But whether that is true or not we have all types of different markets around. There are Asian Markets, Hispanic Markets, Indian Markets, Spice Markets, Vegetable Markets, Fabric Markets . . . you name it, I bet there is one within 5 miles of me. Well, Spice Markets have way more affordable spices then grocery stores. I got a bag of cardamom and I have been using it in my tea.

I was curious as to what benefits cardamom might have. And also what else I can use it in besides tea. Here are the results of my “research”.

First of all wiki states: “It is the world’s third-most expensive spice, surpassed in price per weight only by vanilla and saffron.” Well, that explains the high price at the store. I did not know that!

Cardamom has been used in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine for thousands of years to treat many ailments.

According to several websites (Sunwarrior, Organic Facts, Food Facts, and The Health Site), cardamom is good for digestion. Some compared it to ginger, in that it can aid in digestion. It can help relieve things like nausea, bloating, gas, heartburn, acidity, loss of appetite, and constipation.

It helps eliminate toxins from the body.

It helps with bad breath. And mouth ulcers and throat infections.

It is a diuretic, which could be one way it helps eliminate toxins.

It can act as an anti-depressant.

It can also help prevent colds and flus.

Studies on animals are showing it might help protect against some cancers.

Studies on humans have shown it helps lower blood pressure.

It controls cholesterol according to a study in India done on mice.

Can possibly prevent or aid in the prevention of blood clots, by improving circulation.

It is an antioxidant, an anti inflammatory, and an aphrodisiac.

It’s essential oil can be used in aromatherapy.

Research has been done at the King Saud University concluding that cardamom can be used to control muscle spasms on animals.

Cardamom can help with some respiratory issues such as asthma and bronchitis.

It can help with sore throats and hiccups.

It is said to cure impotency and a bevy of penis problems. I occurred to me with better circulation, these types of problems could possibly be helped. And then if these types of problems are improved upon it could definitely relieve some depression. 🙂

In a tablespoon of cardamom there is 80 percent of the recommended value of manganese, which is really important for healthy skin.

Cardamom is a good source of potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron.

Well, I didn’t quiet get to the part on how to use it other than in tea. But perhaps you can help. Do you use cardamom? How do you use it?

Posted in Misc | Tagged: anti inflamaatory, anti-depressant, antioxidant, aphrodisiac, aromatherapy, Ayurveda, benefits of cardamom, cardamom, chai tea, Chinese medicine, expensive spice, Nia, Nia Teacher, saffron, Spice Markets, spicy tea | 4 Comments »

In The Looking Glass

Posted by terrepruitt on June 13, 2016

In Nia we teach facing a mirror with our backs to the students. The mirrors help me stay connected to the class. I can look in the mirror and make eye-contact with someone. I can peruse the room and see what is going on. It is different from the way it used to be when I took Jazzercise so many moons ago. The teacher faced us and would do mirror actions. When the class went left the teacher would actually go to his right. When we went right the teacher went to his left. When we moved forward the teacher also moved forward coming toward the class. When the class moved back the teacher would go back. The teacher facing the class allowed for face-to-face connection. The other day I was teaching a class and I was doing the “mirroring” and as I was pausing in the movement, I realized why I didn’t like “mirroring” as much as teaching with my back to them. I couldn’t share my sensation. I could not teach what I was sensing.

I think part of what makes Nia so joyful and fun is that the teacher is having fun. We are taught to be in our bodies and dance. We learn routines, but if while teaching the music motivates us to do something off from the choreography, that is fine. We get to play. We get to sense what is happening in our bodies and share it with the class. Then the class gets motivated to dance what is in their bodies . . . their individual body.

When I was paused in that stretch I wanted to tell them what I was sensing and have them explore their bodies sensation, but I couldn’t. I had to pause and adjust my mind and my words because we were not bending the same way. So, yes, I could say, “side” leaving out which side, but it felt less authentic because we were not experiencing the same side. Silly, I know, but it was a thought that popped into my head as I was teaching. Sometimes there are no mirrors available in the classrooms I am assigned to teach in, so I have to teach facing the class and that is fine, but I really like having mirrors.

Also, I notice that when I am facing the students even when I used left or right or even use a landmark in the room . . . there are some that pause for a second in confusion. They are looking at me and seeing me do the opposite from what I am asking them to do and you can just see the internal struggle in the face. This is especially the case when instructing twists. Twists are already a little challenge for the brain so when the arm goes up and around and the leg goes up and around, crossing over the mid-line of the body, the brain really likes to see it as the body is to do it. The mirrored way really has people all twisted.

While we don’t have really complicated steps in Nia, it seems like the students learn them faster when they can see exactly how it is to be done. They don’t have that extra brain work to do of adjusting for left and right. They see my left foot going over to the right side and they get it. It takes a lot to see the right foot going towards them and over to the left while I am telling them to take their left foot front and over to the right.

It is nice to dance without the mirrors sometimes, as I wrote about in my post Mirrorless Inward Reflection. For some it helps them be less concerned about how they look while they are dancing. It can allow people to be more introspective. It can enable people to connect to their own Conscious Personal trainer. It is a good thing and definitely something I / we can do when we do not have access to mirrors, I just happened upon an insight recently and thought I could share.

Do you like to take classes with mirrors? Do you find it easier to follow when the teacher has his/her back to you?

Posted in Nia | Tagged: Conscious Personal Trainer, Jazzercise, mirroring, Nia, Nia choreography, Nia class, Nia students, Nia Teacher, stretch class | Leave a Comment »

The Routine Really is AMAZING

Posted by terrepruitt on May 11, 2016

You may have seen me announce that I was producing another Nia class with a guest teacher. “Producing” just means that I communicate with the teacher, secure a venue, and promote it as much as I can. The guest teacher does the routine or playshop work and presents the material. I have had this guest teacher come teach a couple of times before. Jason Alan Griffin is a first degree Nia Black Belt and he travels the country with his dog River, and he teaches Nia. In March of 2015, he was going to be in our area so I invited him to present his FreeDance Playshop. Then since he was going to be here on Friday, I asked him to do his based-on-Nia-routine Frankie Say Nia. So we had a Nia class on Friday, then the playshop and a class on Saturday. He happened to be passing through our area in August so I invited him back to do Frankie Say Nia again because it was so fun the first time. This time around he was traveling with a few routines and the one I thought would be the best for the Nia community here was “Amazing”. It is appropriately named. A small group of us danced Amazing with Jason on Friday, May 06, 2016.

Amazing came about through Jason’s desire to share all the wonderful Nia energy he experiences during his trips. He said he was bringing his work and sharing it, but sensed a lot of creativity out there and he wanted to embrace it. So he invited Nia communities to contribute songs from their areas. Then as he visited each area and each Nia community the choreography was revealed. It was either revealed by the community already having done it or by a collaboration.

Now he is spending several months on the road bringing this routine to many Nia communities around the country. He has a few other routines that are on the menu Orchestra, Woodstock Experience, and Floorplay . . . all sound super fun by their descriptions.

The focus of Amazing is on connections and directions. We moved in all directions and were encouraged to sense the connection. As with many things in Nia the connection could be one of or all of the BMES. So we could have been connecting with the Body, the Mind, our Emotions, or Spirit. We were invited to connect with people in the room, in the Nia community, and any where. The intent was to explore something new and return home renewed. And again, as with many things in Nia, that could relate to the BMES. As an example we would extend our arm and try a new movement for our hand, then return our hand back to our center or our “home” and sense if there was a change or some new or different kind of sensation.

It was super fun. A question occurred to me today as I was thinking about writing this post, “Do I just think it is fun because I am not a student often and so any chance to dance Nia is fun?” Then I pictured the e-mails I received telling me it was fun. I remembered the comments after class. It was fun. We have fun when Jason teaches us. So, even though he is planning on taking a year off from traveling, I am hoping that a quick jaunt down the coast to us won’t be considered “traveling” and he will come back next year to teach us again. I really want to try that Orchestra class.

Below are some pictures from the class. I do hope one day you’ll come dance with me!