Introducing the Nia Technique to Brighton & Hove

Have you ever heard of Nia?

Nia is the dance & fusion fitness class that everyone is asking about. Relatively new to Brighton & Hove, Nia has been popular in parts of the USA for almost 30 years. As one of the original fusion fitness forms (created long before Les Mills Body Balance or Zumba were envisioned), Nia took the fitness industry by storm by proposing that a student could gain the health benefits of a cardio workout, strength training, healing bodywork and stretch all in one hour-long class … while having loads of fun!

Nia stands for Neuromuscular Integrated Action - tough to pronounce but easy to do. Allow me to translate: it means movement that re-integrates the body and mind. Besides martial arts, dance and yoga, Nia movement is also informed by the Alexander Technique and the work of Moshe Feldenchrais. Practically speaking, that means you will leave Nia feeling BETTER in your body, more RELAXED, more ALIGNED in your posture, and 90% of the time you will not feel SORE the next day.

Nia comes recommended by chiropractors as a prevention method that can increase joint mobility, improve the health of the spine, and reduce back pain when practiced regularly. One unique thing about Nia is that all classes are tailorable to your level. While professional athletes can get a great workout in a Nia class, Nia is also safe and suitable for over 60s and people who experience chronic physical pain.

People often ask me: “But what if I can’t dance??” I like to say that Nia can help you “tap in to your inner dancer”… the one that comes out when you’re alone in your flat and turn on the radio to your favorite song. Nia classes are designed to be safe, comfortable and give students full permission to express themselves. Joy and play are two fundamental aspects of a Nia class. So it’s not about doing the steps right or looking good. Rather it’s all about how you feel.

Want to find out more? You can visit LeeAnn Mallorie’s website www.thebodyswayuk.com or the international Nia website www.nianow.com
Or just pop in to a class and have a go. Nia is like chocolate… you have to taste it!