Nia (fitness)

From 1972 to 1983 Debbie Rosas operated an exercise business in the San Francisco Bay Area known as the Bod Squad.[4] In 1983 a series of sports related injuries prompted her to research and develop an alternative method of aerobic exercise and strength training aiming for safe, non-impact, bodymind based movement. This led to the establishment of the Nia Technique.[5] Nia Technique headquarters moved to Portland, Oregon in 1991 and is currently overseen by Debbie Rosas, CEO. Many credit Debbie with the creation of the mind-body fitness category of exercise.

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From very early on in her life Debbie had a strong sense of intuition and compassion. As she grew up she developed a talent for sensory awareness. Debbie acquired many illnesses in her childhood. From her time at school, she realized she had multiple learning disabilities. She pushed through and overcame these challenges. She channels what she learned from these experiences into her teachings of Nia. After completing high school, she went on to community college to study art. At the same time she decided to take a job as a medical illustrator. Throughout that year, Debbie went to her job and got to perform medical dissections very often. Later on in life she got married to Carlos Rosas. She started working out and fell in love with physical fitness. Debbie met her husband Carlos because she wanted to get more into aerobics. He was a tennis pro, but wanted to make the shift into more aerobic exercises. Debbie wanted to form a team of fitness enthusiasts and he was a perfect addition to he team. She gathered more experts and shortly after, she started the "Bod Squad"; an intense high impact physical experience. It was a huge success; people always filling up her classes and growing more popular. As time went on. she realized she needed to take a different approach. Debbie had a revelation; she didn't know how to move. She started changing her teaching while still with "Bod Squad". Her partners didn't agree with how she was teaching and she was losing students. She left, and didn't know where she was headed.[7] Later on, she realized she wanted to take a different approach and started Nia. Her goal was to pioneer a more holistic approach to fitness, to connect people with the earth while doing smart, healthy movement.

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The term Nia stands for ‘neuromuscular integrative action’ and ‘non-impact aerobics’. In Swahili, Nia can translate to meaning 'with purpose'.[9] One objective of Nia is to give purpose to a movement or movements that feel good to you. It is much more personalized than typical workout classes. You are encouraged to express yourself with your movement, rather than following an instructor the whole time.[9] Nia aims to comprise aspects of tai chi with dance and yoga movements with music to accompany it."What is Nia? : The Center for Nia & Yoga". nia-yoga.com. Retrieved 2022-02-15.</ref> It's basis is 52 movements that work on the three main areas of the body: base, core, and upper extremities. There are three intensity levels, so all levels of fitness can enjoy. Altogether, Nia uses nine "movement forms" to create the experience. The nine forms include: Jazz dance, Modern dance, Duncan dance, Tai Chi, TaeKwon Do, Aikido, Yoga, Feldenkrais Method, and the Alexander Technique.[10]

[11]The first type of movement that is conducted in Nia is Jazz dance. Jazz is a type of dance that follows and flows to jazz music and the beats. It originates from African American culture, forming in the early 20th century.[12] Another movement is Modern dance. It focuses on using the whole body for the movements to convey symbolic ideas. It's a new take on theatre/concert dance.[13] Third is Duncan Dance; a type of movement based on the body's natural structure. It includes things like walking, running, kneeling, reclining, skipping, leaping. It also takes inspiration from some European dances like the waltz, polka, and mazurka.[14] Fourth is Tai Chi, originating in ancient China, now used as a type of relaxation technique and form of exercise. The goal of Tai Chi is to really focus on the movements you are performing, and to do so in a steady controlled manner. It also emphasizes the use of slow breathing to really calm the mind and body. TaeKwon Do is a type of Korean traditional martial arts. While part of TaeKwon Do is fighting skills, it also focuses on discipline. By training your body and mind it can enhance your mind and life quality. To perform TaeKwon Do you must have your mind be at peace to focus on the strategic movement's of the hands and feet.[15] Aikido is a mix of self defense and martial arts. It includes movements like twisting and throwing for the goal of using your opponents strength against them. A huge portion of Aikido is having a calm mind and have complete control of your body.[16] Yoga originated from India. It promotes overall wellbeing by using meditation, movements, and breathing techniques. Yoga requires lots of concentration, as you can hold some poses for minutes at a time. Yoga can help develop flexibility, peace, endurance, and strength.[17] The Feldenkrais method is a lesser known strategy for increasing your range of motion, flexibility, and coordination.[18] Lastly, the Alexander Technique pushes to correct many common problems with people's posture. it aims to relieve chronic stiffness, tension and stress. Working to actively fix negative habitual patters[19] It is about teaching basic concepts of how to sit, lay down, and move better for a greater quality of life.[20]

An average class usually lasts for about an hour, and with the three different levels of intensity to choose from and all classes being low intensity anyone can join.[9] Class is completed in bare feet to give participants a stronger connection between them and the earth. To get everyone into the "Nia state of mind", every class starts with the instructor leading in some breathing exercises to light music.[9] After that you will be warmed up to be ready for the main part of the session. The idea for this segment of the class is to let go of all your pent up emotions through participating in the movements. As the music tempo increases, you're encouraged by your instructor to interact with your thoughts and emotions.[9]

• The Nia Technique, (Three Rivers Press) 2005

• Nia Company website
• Olga Rukovets (May 2013). "This Way In: Nia for Parkinson's Disease | Neurology Now". Neurology Now. Retrieved 2013-01-07.
• Shayna Samuels (January 2005). "NIA: fitness meets improv | Dance Magazine". Dance Magazine. Retrieved 2012-06-07.
• Gila Leiter (May 19, 2003). "Find Fitness Bliss With NIA". Webmd.com. Retrieved 2012-06-07.