Through Movement we Find Health: Discovering the benefits of Nia!
featuring guest blogger Leslie Chadwick, Nia instructor and Pilates Student
Movement is a fundamental aspect of life. It’s more than just exercise and does not necessarily require effort, though it does require action. Movement affects everything about our health, from circulation, digestion, metabolism and immunity.
When we are babies, we roll over, crawl and bounce, developing muscles in our bodies as we move. Growing up, children run, shake and dance. But as adults, many of us sit for hours a day and don’t necessarily get as much movement as earlier in life.
Since we are already Pilates students, we likely know the importance of movement and our health. We are in tune with our bodies. Our Pilates instructors help us understand that just the slightest tweak of moving differently can dramatically help strengthen our bodies.
It’s also why I believe Pilates students are the perfect audience to learn about a fusion fitness class called Nia. The Nia catch phrase is “through movement we find health,” which deeply connects to me as a Pilates student. I personally feel that my overall health gets better with movement.
What is Nia?
Nia is a movement fitness cardio class. Combining dance, martial arts and mindfulness, Nia tones your body while transforming your mind. Nia classes combine simple moves - really, I promise they are simple! - with dance arts, martial arts and healing arts to get you fit and keep you moving!
Nia was developed in the mid 1980s in Portland, Oregon, by a man and woman who both realized the importance of movement, but wanted to do something more “fun” and easier on their bodies than high-impact aerobics. They pulled from different modalities they enjoyed and created their own movement class.
I like to think of Nia as my chance to let my body move in its own natural way. It’s the most fun I’ve had exercising - other than Pilates, of course!
Importance of Cardio Movement
Cardio movement offered in Nia classes also leads to better health. When we increase our heart heart, we are improving our heart's fitness and its ability to supply oxygen-rich blood to the muscles. Cardio movement also boosts our moods through the release of endorphins, which are feel-good chemicals released by your brain.
After leaving a Nia class, I promise your mood will be brightened, your heart will be happy and your body will feel great!
Movement is Medicine
EveryBODY can use more movement, and movement also helps us heal. I’ve found that Nia lets me unleash my potential to live a healthy and meaningful life. Nia teaches me to tune into the needs of my body, mind, spirit and emotions. More than just a workout, Nia is a holistic fitness practice addressing each aspect of my life - body, mind and soul.
Interested in Trying Nia?
Interested in trying Nia with our very own client, Leslie Chadwick? Join us Sunday, September 15th, 22nd, & 29th at 11am in the CoLABoratory. Sign up for one, two or all three classes! $25 for each or $65 for all three. Email claire@pilatescollectivedenver.com to register today.