Joy in Motion
NIA holistic movement practise
If you’re looking for a fun way to get fit, de-stress and connect, Nia could be just the thing for you.
Nia, an abbreviation for Neuro-muscular Integrative Action, is a barefoot holistic movement practice anchored in body-centered awareness.
It draws on the chemistry of nine movement forms: Tai Chi, Tae Kwon Do, Aikido, Jazz, Modern Dance, Duncan Dance, Yoga, the Alexander Technique, and the work of Moshe Feldenkrais®. This unique blend allows the body to move in fun and free ways that bring health and vitality to both the body, mind, and emotions.
Some of the many benefits are cardiovascular health, alleviation of stress and anxiety, hormonal stability, and an increase in well-being, leaving you feeling energized, alive, mentally clear, and emotionally balanced.
It empowers people and bodies of all shapes and sizes by connecting, conditioning, and nourishing the body, mind, emotions, and spirit. Classes are taken barefoot to soul-stirring music.
I’ve been to a few of Pingel‘s NIA classes & I can really recommend them. For me NIA is a mixture of guided movement & free movement, working with a part of the body to bring more fluidity & strength to the muscles of the body. It helps with coordination & is a gentle & strong workout. Pingel has great music & brings a real aliveness & vitality to her guidance of the class. It’s an overall fun experience, GO YOU’LL LOVE IT!!
It empowers people of all ages, body types and fitness abilities by connecting the body, mind, emotions and spirit.
Music, Movement, Magic
In NIA, playful cardio movement, free dance, and mindful movement interweave on a swinging mix of musical styles. Moments of expressive Free dance alternate with simple steps and movements that are constructed in such a way that they follow the body’s way, and train the nervous system, the cardiovascular system as well as strength, mobility, and movement-creativity.
To make the classes safe, accessible, and pleasurable for every body, participants are encouraged to choose their own level of intensity in movement and conditioning.
Lesson structure
Each lesson consists of a warming up, sustained low impact cardio, strength training, stretching, and a cool down. The movements are danced to a mix of diverse music ranging from world music, House, Jazz, Pop, Hip Hop, Indie, Latin, New Age, and classical music.
Regularly taking an NIA lesson will bring health and vitality to every part in both the body, mind, and emotions. It empowers you by connecting to pleasure and feeling home in your body.
Before I started my NIA classes with Pingel, I didn’t know what to expect. My friend had talked about this ‘new dance fitness, but I’m not the kind of person who goes to a gym. But when my friend asked if I wanted to join her, I surprisingly agreed. Well, NIA completely met my high expectations. I gained a great amount of knowledge about my body. This was the only type of class I wanted to participate in and it became a huge meditative moment for me. I think it was the combination of dance/meditation/mindfulness with taking control of your body and definitely the way Pingel taught it. Even when she moved to another space further downtown, I didn’t miss her classes. Both my friend and I were disappointed when she announced her move to Spain. Pingel is a great NIA teacher, so if you get the chance, try it. You will love it and be hooked forever.
