So I was looking at the gym class schedule and saw that there is a NIA class this morning. Think I will give it a try! Anybody else do or done this type of class?

I'm not even sure what an NIA class is?

The description says a combo of martial arts, yoga and dance. Here is a definition I found on the web: Nia (previously Non-Impact Aerobics, Neuromuscular Integrative Action) is a physical conditioning program based on a premise that movement is a pathway for self-discovery and personal transformation. Nia is intended to deliver cardiovascular aerobic exercise and whole-body conditioning. There is also a youtube video called the The Nia Way or something like that. Will report back.

Hey definitely let us know how it is. They offer one at my gym and I've thought about taking it, too, but unsure of what exactly it entailed.

I LOVE NIA!!!!

I don't know what part of CO you're in, but there are quite a few studios around Denver that have some decent classes. The quality of the class really depends on your instructor. It's made up of "routines" that integrate earth-type elements. It's basically dance infused with martial arts infused with thai chi infused with yoga with an occasional animal impersonation thrown in... for good measure

Fat Pants - I liked it! I have been running alot and wanted to wait til tomorrow for my next run but wanted to move and this was just right. It is not as intense as say a step class or something (showing my age!) but it was definitely a good all over movement class. Pretty straight forward dance type steps with some yoga type stuff thrown in at the end.

June Bug - I am in Ft Collins - it looks like my gym has these three times a week now so that is cool. The instructor was very good and the people in the class were really nice. Some had a dance background - I could tell by the way they moved. Me - not so much but there were enough others like me that I didn't feel intimidated at all. Just felt good to stretch and move!
Have a great day everybody!

I love NIA! It's basically a combo of modern and jazz dance with elements of yoga, martial arts and expressive movement thrown in. Definitely varies from teacher to teacher - some bring more of a meditation/spiritual practice approach, for some it's more fun, for some more athletic. It's community-building, and I've made lots of friends (or at least friendly acquaintances) from doing NIA regularly. And you go at your own pace - I've taken classes where on one side of me I have a woman in her 70s, and on the other side of me I have a triathelete and they're both doing it, just to their own level at their own pace. I think it helps if you like to dance and like the social setting of a group fitness class. Definitely give it a try! My only caveat - I did NIA for years and didn't really lose weight b/c I wasn't focused on really monitoring my eating, or on really pushing myself in class. I didn't push myself to get and keep my heart rate up, so I could (and did) take classes where I wasn't really maximizing the work out.