New fitness craze heals the mind, body and spirit
"The ladies who come to our classes are absolutely loving it."
WHITE RIVER – There is a new fitness craze that combines nine different styles of dancing to create one free-flowing routine that is both fun, easy to learn and tremendously advantageous.
Welcome to Nia – a sensory-based practice that focuses on an individual’s well-being through mind, body and soul. Dance styles include jazz, modern and Duncan dance styles, tai chi, tae kwon do and aikido martial arts components; and the healing arts of the Feldenkrais Method, Alexander Technique and yoga.
Nia classes started in the Lowveld in 2011, but have picked up in popularity this year, with more people, especially women, looking for a workout that also doubles as a stress reliever. According to instructor, Wendy du Plessis, the combination of dance, healing and martial arts makes this a unique artform.
“Classes are 45 minutes long, with over 100 different techniques and dancing patterns that can be taught. The dancing aspect is a great way for anyone, no matter what shape or size, to get involved,” Wendy says.
Music plays an integral part of this routine as it compliments each move and routine. Slower beats are used to warm up while faster melodies pump up the heart rate for an intense cardio and martial-arts session. Wendy mentions that Nia also has a string of health benefits such as improved concentration and circulation as well as keeping one’s body in shape.
“The ladies who come to our classes are absolutely loving it.”
This holistic practice originated in Portland in the United States in the 1980s and teaches people how to work out without pain or injuries and experience the joy and benefits of keeping fit.
According to the official website, Nia addresses five main sensations: flexibility, strength, mobility, agility and stability, and focuses on conditioning the body and the nervous system.
Nia was also designed as a means to get closer to the earth and to feel the energy of the dancing exercises and is performed with socks or even barefoot.
At the end of the session some women feel the exhaustion and have to sip on their water bottles. They do this all smiling and cheerful as one can notice the effect that the dancing has on their emotional well-being too.
Classes are held each Monday in White River at Sheffield Estate at 19:00 and Wednesday at 36 Murray Street in Mbombela.
Enquiries: Wendy du Plessis on
084-782-3571.
