On the treadmill, are you tired of walking in circles? Are you tired of the constant hammering of aerobics? If the phrase “enjoyable workout” sounds like an oxymoron to you, it’s time to try NIA. The acronym NIA (pronounced NEE-ah) refers to neuromuscular integrative action, and it’s one of the newest mind-body fitness fads.
According to fans, NIA enhances both physical and emotional well-being by combining the fluidity and focus of Tai Chi and yoga, the elegance and spontaneity of modern dance, and the intensity and explosiveness of martial arts.
What Does A Nia Workout Entail?
The first step is to remove your shoes. The instructor then conducts the class in deep-breathing exercises as calm music plays, allowing students to relax while concentrating on the connection between their bare feet and the land.
Students begin to sway, shimmy, and spin as the beat picks up. Some people clap while others rock and roll. Some people burst into spontaneous singing as the freestyle dance continues. Kicks and punches in the style of Tae Kwon Do relieve stress while increasing heart rate.
Uplifting Effects of Nia Dance
Several excellent treatments programmed for patients with Parkinson’s disease and other chronic diseases have incorporated Nia exercise techniques. Exercising may be especially beneficial for those with neurologic disorders, according to a growing body of studies, with benefits in movement, balance, and even cognition. Mind-body techniques like tai chi, for example, have been shown to improve movement and reduce stress levels in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD).
Our Parkinson’s Dance classes are subsidized to only $5 per class, with caregivers having a free entry. I encourage you all to try it out if it is something that sounds suited to your needs.
Benefits for Senior Dance
Keeping mentally sharp
According to a study published in the Journal of Cognitive Enhancement, dancing on a regular basis can assist healthy older persons to retain or improving their cognition. The brain benefits from multisensory stimulation, social contact, and learning movement sequences.
Improving strength, flexibility and agility
According to a study published in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, dancing is a multidimensional physical activity that helps older persons enhance their aerobic power, lower body muscle endurance, balance, agility, and gait.
Dancing away the blues
According to a Therapeutic Recreation Journal study, aerobic dance, ballroom dancing, social dancing, tango, and dance movement therapy were beneficial in boosting mood and lowering depression in older persons living in retirement communities or alone in their homes.
Ease Chronic Pain
According to a study published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, dance-based treatment for fibromyalgia patients resulted in a significant reduction in pain. According to Geriatric Nursing, older persons with arthritis experienced less knee and hip discomfort and were able to walk faster after participating in regular 45-minute dancing therapy lessons.
Book Now
Try something new and add a thrill to your regular dance routine with Nia Dance! Expand your current experiences with the unique technique of Nia at Dance NZ. Are you a new Dance NZ member? Click here to get access to a special offer of 3 classes for only $15!
Do you have a query? CONTACT Dance NZ here to reach out with your question and we’ll get back to you right away.
Kind regards, Belinda.
Brown Belt in the Nia Technique. A Certified Parkinson Dance Teacher.
Dance NZ Classes Every Week: Physical and Online HYBRID-Style Nia Dance Sessions
Participate in your favourite in-person and HYBRID-style sessions and join as a free Dance NZ member here.
• Nia Dance Move to Heal: Participate in this session here. Time and dates: 11:15 a.m, Tuesdays mornings. Official sessions venue: Waikato Sports Fishing Club (designated location place: 499 Grantham Street in Hamilton).
• Classic Nia: Participate in this session here. Time and dates: 5:30 p.m, Tuesdays evenings. Official session venue: Waikato Sports Fishing Club (designated venue place: Grantham Street in Hamilton).
• Gentle Nia: Participate in this session here. Time and dates: 9:30 a.m, Wednesday mornings. Official session venue: Raglan Town Hall (designated location place: 41 Bow Street, Raglan).
• Classic Nia: Participate in this session here. Time and dates: 9:30 a.m, Friday mornings. Official session venue: Saint John’s Hall (designated location place: Hamilton, 20 Wellington Street).
• Nia for Parkinson’s Freedom Dance: Participate in this session here. Time and dates: 12:00 p.m, Friday afternoons. Official session venue: Saint John’s Hall (designated location place: 20 Wellington Street, Hamilton).
You can find on the Dance NZ site here booking and information about online HYBRID-style sessions and in-person classes with your instructor, Belinda Goodwin.
Dive further into everything about the Nia Technique at nianow.com.