Nia: Dance training for body and mind
Nia is the abbreviation for "Neuromuscular Integrative Action" - that sounds terrible, but means nothing else than to reconcile muscles and nerves, body and mind. For this purpose, eastern and western forms of exercise and body therapies are combined: aerobics, taekwondo, tai chi - the new fitness trend has a bit of everything. Nia was developed in America by aerobics trainers Debbie and Carlos Rosas. They were too unilaterally always the same step sequences in aerobics. They wanted a fitness program that also expresses feelings and moods. For example, if you want you can just scream like martial arts. This helps many to reduce stress and aggression. Nia should make strong and confident, but at the same time easy. And accordingly, the movements are sometimes round and flowing, then again rhythmic and powerful. The music is a mix of African drums, pop songs and relaxing music. "You do not have to put pressure on this sport at all - on the contrary: you can do much more with composure," says Ann Christiansen, Nia coach from Hamburg. Everyone does the simple, dance-like choreography as much as they like. The full-body workout is so gentle despite the power that sports shoes are superfluous.
