[westernsoutherngirl]

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?

[MablesGirl]

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

[westernsoutherngirl]

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.

[Fat Pants]

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.

[junebug41]

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

[westernsoutherngirl]

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!

[blueridgegirl]

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.