Nia (fitness)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Nia Technique (previously Non-Impact Aerobics, Neuromuscular Integrative Action) is a fitness program that combines body-mind principles with aerobic exercise.
The Nia Technique Inc.
Type: Corporation
Founded: 1983
Founders: Debbie Rosas and Carlos Rosas
Headquarters: Portland, Oregon USA
Industry: Physical Fitness
Website: [1]
Contents |
[edit] Overview
Nia (pronounced “Nee-ah”) was created in 1983 by Debbie Rosas and Carlos Rosas, fitness industry professionals who explored alternative approaches to conventional aerobic exercises in order to make workouts more enjoyable, safe and effective for people of all fitness levels[1]
Debbie and Carlos studied nine techniques within three primary movement forms (Martial Arts, Dance Arts and Healing Arts), and blended key concepts of these practices with music, vocal sounding, and their own philosophies to create Nia.
The nine movement forms influencing Nia are:
| Martial Arts | Dance Arts | Healing Arts |
|---|---|---|
| T'ai Chi | Jazz dance | Feldenkrais method |
| Tae Kwon Do | Modern dance | Alexander Technique |
| Aikido | Duncan Dance | Yoga |
At the foundation of Nia choreography are 52 basic moves, comprised of steps, stances, kicks, core movements and creative hand and arm movements. These are delivered at varying speeds, styles, ranges of motion, and energy dynamics.
[edit] Class format
Hour-long Nia fitness routines are practiced barefoot to music. In addition to the 52 basic moves, Nia classes emphasize “The Body’s Way,” following the human body’s structural design and function, and “The Joy of Movement”, which encourages participants to follow their personal sensations of pleasure rather than effort or pain during the workout. Nia routines are non-impact, expressive and designed to enhance flexibility, agility, mobility, stability, strength and self-healing. Because choreography can be modified to suit participants’ abilities, Nia classes tend to attract a broad range of ages and fitness levels.
Today, Nia is taught by approximately 2,200 licensed teachers to approximately 100,000 students in the United States and in 37 countries worldwide[2]. Classes are held in a variety of locations, including gyms, clubs, fitness centers, health spas and resorts, yoga and Pilates studios, hospitals, schools, corporate fitness programs, children’s programs, and rehabilitation centers.
[edit] Fitness industry connections
Since 1985, the Nia Technique® has been presented at health and fitness industry programs throughout the U.S. and globally, such as IDEA Health and Fitness Associations, Mind-Body and IRHSA Conventions. It also has been featured at wellness and consciousness programs, including the Science and Consciousness Convention, the National Wellness Conference, and Health Magazine's annual Women's Wellness Weekend.
[edit] Training, education and licensing
Nia classes may only be taught by Licensed Nia Teachers who have undergone an intensive professional training program and who maintain active licensing with Nia Technique, Inc. Curriculum includes bio-mechanics of human movement and movement skill, the nine movement forms, and teaching and communication techniques.
[edit] The belt system
Nia training and education is based on a belt system, which follows many traditional martial arts models. Beginning with White Belt, the process moves students through progressive levels of education, skill sets and proficiency. With the exception of Green Belt, which focuses specifically on teaching Nia, all Belt level Trainings are open to students.
The Nia belt progression is: White Belt, Green Belt (for licensed Nia Teachers only), Blue Belt, Brown Belt, Black Belt, First Degree Black Belt
[edit] Nia in popular media
More than 850 articles have been written about Nia in the popular press, including The New York Times, Self, Cosmopolitan, Business Week, Natural Health, More, O, Yogi Times and Elle.
[edit] Nia International Headquarters
Nia Technique’s International Headquarters, led by founders Debbie Rosas and Carlos Rosas and CEO Jeff Stewart are located in Portland, Oregon. The company produces trainings and products, including workout DVDs, CDs, the NiaWear clothing line and related accessories. Also located in Portland is StudioNia, the international training center where classes and Belt Trainings are offered.
[edit] References
- ^ I"Nia The Technique". http://www.nianow.com/thetechnique.php. Retrieved on 2009-05-12.
- ^ Email correspondence, A. James, Nia International Headquarters, 2009-05-11
- Rosas. D., Rosas C., Martin, K. Non-Impact Aerobics: The Nia Technique, Avon Books, 1988.
- Rosas. D., Rosas C., The Nia Technique: The High-Powered Energizing Workout that Gives You a New Body and a New Life, Broadway Books, 2005.
- NIA: fitness meets improv. Dance Magazine, Jan, 2005 by Shayna Samuels
- Find Fitness Bliss With NIA, WebMD
[edit] External links
The Nia Technique official website [2]
Debbie Rosas Biography [3]
Carlos Rosas Biography [4]
Nia South Africa
