GENERAL

What is Nia?

Combining dance, martial arts and mindfulness, Nia tones your body while transforming your mind. More than just a workout, Nia is a holistic fitness practice addressing each aspect of your life - body, mind and soul.

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Where does Nia come from?

Nia was created on the West Coast of the United States in the midst of the big aerobics boom at the end of the 1970s and beginning of 1980s. Debbie Rosas, founder and owner of the Bodysquad fitness studio and her then husband, Carlos Aya Rosas, challenged the "no pain, no gain"-mentality by taking their shoes off and learning to choose pleasure. They came to the conclusion that exercise should and could be both fun and effective.

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What does Nia stand for?

Originally Nia was short for  euro-muscular Integrative Action  ja Non-Impact Aerobics. In Swahili, Nia happens to mean "purpose". Nia is above all conscious, purposeful movement.

For how long has Nia been in Finland?

Nia was brought to Finland by Laura Hellsten in 2003.

 

ABOUT CLASSES
 

Where can I do Nia in Finland?

You find all teachers, classes and events in Finland on the Niafinlandin-website.
 

Who can do Nia?
Nia is for every body - regardless of age, size, gender or fitness levelse. Nia works well as a complimentary movement form to most everything, but also as an independent exercise and practice. In case you are looking for an easy-going, fun way to get fit(ter) and feel good and love moving to music, Nia may be for you too.

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Can I do Nia I am pregnant/have just given birth/I have an artifical joint/I am in pain or have a chronic disease?

Yes, you probably can. Nia supports you to move accordingly to your resources and abilities any given time. You will know by trying! Let your instructor know about possible special needs or limitations.

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What happens in a Nia class?

A Nia class (55-75 min.) always contains a warm up, a cardiovascular get moving part, a cooldown and most often floorplay (movement on the floor; stretching and/or relaxing). At the beginning of each class, the teacher sets a varied focus that you can bring your attention (back) to during your practice. You move individually. The teacher moves with the group throughout class.

 

What music is used in Nia?

Basically the teacher can bring any kind of music to class. The choreographies are originally built around playlists or albums published by NiaSounds. They contain electro, world music, EDM, rock, pop, techno, blues... you name it.

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I want to do Nia, but can't make it to class. What do I do?
Take an online class! Or, sign up for Nia-TV. With the help of that, you can dance anywhere, anytime. The platform offers a 30-day free trial period.

 

ABOUT TEACHING AND CONTINUED EDUCATION
 

Who can teach Nia?

All Nia Teachers are licensed teachers. In order to teach Nia, you have to complete at least the Nia White Belt-training.

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What is the Nia White Belt?
Nia White Belt is a week-long somatic education experience. It is the first of five basic belt levels in Nia. The training is open for every body, and you are welcome also without any Nia experience. The training is a wellness week  for you, and there is no obligation for you to ever teach Nia, should you participate.

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Why does Nia talk about belt levels?

The amount of knowledge - anatomical, scientific, philosophical - that Nia is based on is massive. In order to make it easier to approach, it has been divided into belt levels with individual themes. Nia White Belt (The Art of Sensation - body), Nia Blue Belt (The Art of Communication - relationships and communication), Nia Green Belt (The Art of Teaching - technique), Nia Brown Belt (The Art of Perception - energy) ja Nia Black Belt (The Art of Creativity -creativity). There are no belt tests as such, but you do advance from belt to belt in a specific order.

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You didn't find an answer to your question?
Please be in touch!