This is the fourth in a series on the Six Fundamentals of Nia. Whatever way you choose to help yourself get and stay fit, these fundamentals will support you in gaining the most from your workouts.
Today I’m focusing on Number Four: Use Your Body the Way It Was Designed to Be Used.
The Body’s Way represents the ideal of proper physical function, which is generally not attainable because rarely is anyone structurally perfect. It means using the body with ease, efficiency, balance, blending of yin and yang energies… perfect flow. While this is a great goal to work towards, it is unlikely any of us will attain this level of perfection.
Given that, in Nia we emphasize moving in accordance with Your Body’s Way, which is the current design and function of your own body. You might choose to work towards merging Your Body’s Way with The Body’s Way, and becoming closer to the “ideal” over time. However, we believe it is important to start where you are in this moment and not expect your body to be capable of something that it is not ready for.
In Nia, we help people find health by working from the inside out in a variety of ways, rather than working with a limited number of muscle groups in limited ways, as some programs do. Nia contains elements of nine different movement forms: Tai Chi for slow, conscious movement; Duncan Dance for uplifting, childlike playfulness; Jazz Improvisation, which tends to be artful, fun and showy; Yoga, where people tune into breath and the alignment of bones; Modern Dance where people create and express shapes in space; The work of Moshe Feldenkrais where people develop greater awareness of sensation; Alexander Technique for learning to lead from the top; Aikido to develop harmonious spherical motion; Tae Kwon Do where we learn precision.
Working with a combination of different movement forms encourages making changes that improve alignment, posture and functioning with growing self-empowered awareness – and choice. Taking an integral approach works on a number of levels that goes far beyond the physical form to create holistic health and well-being.
The Body’s Way of moving or encouraging one’s individual body knowledge and voice, combined with the science and broad spectrum of movements in the Nia Technique classes and courses, provides a wellness toolbox that connects the body, mind, emotion and spirit in daily life. It can be so much more than a workout, if that’s what you seek. With regular practice it can be a lifestyle choice that enhances the quality of your life, both on and off the dance floor.
Ready to show us your moves?
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