Phoenix Fitness Clubs in Hamilton, Dundas and Ancaster

The Nia Technique is a personal Practice that is both a Fitness and Lifestyle program that is safe and holistic. It addresses the needs of your body, mind, spirit and emotions.

Rich in diversity, Nia is energetically textured with the brilliance of Eastern and Western movements. Nia is unlike anything you have ever experienced. It fits all bodies, works for all ages, and can be adjusted to fit the needs of an athlete, a dancer, a teenager, a teacher, an executive, an actor and advanced and beginning students of movement.
Created by Debbie Rosas and Carlos Rosas (shown at left), Nia is a barefoot technique and is a blending of modern and jazz dance, aerobics, martial arts, yoga and body integration therapy based on the Alexander technique and the teachings of Moshe Feldenkrais.

What does Nia mean?

Originally, Nia stood for Non-Impact Aerobics. The letters ‘NIA’ have come to stand for Neuromuscular Integrative Action, in other words, the interaction between our bodies and our minds.

How does Nia work?

Nia honors the organic movements of the body to strengthen, stretch, open, align, balance, invigorate and heal. Accessible and innovative choreography engages the mind, stimulating music evokes the emotions, and instructor-guided focuses and visualizations access the soul. Engaging both the outer and inner self invites freer and fuller movement and results in a well-rounded and satisfying movement experience.

Who can do Nia?

The foundation of Nia is the pleasure principle-all gain, no pain. Nia choreography is designed to be adaptable by students according to their own intuition and self-referral. From athletes to dancers to those who are just starting out, students of all levels and backgrounds will be challenged and energized.

Who teaches Nia?

Nia teachers undergo an intensive certification process led by professional Nia trainers. Training sessions include instruction in anatomy, music theory and a wide range of movement techniques. Nia instructors are required to renew their certification annually and must be CPR certified.

Where is Nia taught?

Since it's beginning in California in 1983, Nia has spread throughout the U.S., Mexico, Canada, New Zealand and Europe -- there are now hundreds of Nia instructors throughout the U.S. and classes are now taught in over 30 countries worldwide. The Nia technique is taught in traditional health clubs, university degree programs, and dance and martial arts studios. Specialized Nia classes are also offered in hospitals, prisons, drug/alcohol and cardiac rehabilitation centers.