Nia is like chocolate

Nia is like chocolate. How do you describe the taste of chocolate? You can't, you just have to taste it. Just like chocolate, you have to experience Nia to savor its magical flavor.

Nia is a sensory aware, non-impact, cardiovascular practice that is based on the Joy of Movement and the science of the Body's Way. User friendly for everyone; no prior experience is needed. The old "no pain, no gain" is thrown out and replaced with the Joy of Movement, allowing the student to experience the sensation of joy within the body.

Using imagery and sensing how the body feels, Nia provides a fun creative way of becoming healthy. Imagine catching raindrops in the palm of your hand. Dance your spine as if it were a beautiful blue ribbon, your rib cage an accordion playing a tune, or move with the attitude of a cat. You will hear phrases like this in Nia classes. Most people just don't know how fun Nia is. You can get fit and experience the Joy of Movement with Nia classes led by Coeur d'Alene's licensed Brown Belt Nia Teacher, Anne Dussell.

Nia is a collaboration of Dance Arts (Jazz, Duncan Dance, Modern Dance), Martial Arts (Tai Chi, Aikido, Tae Kwan Do), Healing Arts (Yoga, Feldenkrais, Alexander Technique), music and the magic of Nia , producing a lyrical, dance-like powerful cardio workout that is fun and energizing.

"I can't think of anything better for my 68 year old body. I always come out of here exhilarated, not just from endorphins but from working from the inside out," Sue Wolford, Nia student, said.

Presented in easy choreographic patterns of steps and stances plus the freedom found in FreeDance, Nia offers a fun, creative pathway to health and well being, regardless of age or physical condition.

Dancing barefoot, co-creators Carlos Rosas and Debbie Rosas Stewart, have combined a cardio workout with conscience movement and awareness.

This holistic way of getting fit and staying healthy encourages self-awareness, as well as improving flexibility, agility, mobility, stability and strength. It promotes weight loss, strengthens muscles, reduces stress, improves circulation, strengthens immunity and improves concentration.

"It's so much fun, you don't even know you are exercising," Denise Meved, Nia student, said.

An article published in Psychology Today (July 2010) emphasizes the importance of body awareness while moving. Pain clinics and integrative medicine centers are now using slow natural movements combined with sensory awareness of the body as a way of relieving pain.

Many Nia students have experienced faster healing after major joint replacement, because Nia teaches how to move in functional ways that respects the design of the body. Students with arthritis report that their symptoms are greatly reduced or relieved altogether. Fibromyalgia

students also report increased energy and range of motion.

Reap the benefits of cardio conditioning, stress relief, joint mobility, increased strength and energy, while having fun with a group of smiling, laughing students.

For more information about Nia and class schedule, contact Anne Dussell at (208) 691-8109.