Whilst on a summer holiday a few years ago I slipped on a tiled floor and injured my coccyx. It was causing me great discomfort and pain, the area had become inflamed and I was suffering from tension headaches.
I was working in a local office at the time and was finding that the extra pressure of being sat down all day was making matters worse. Having had several traditional treatments which only gave relief for a day or so at best I was beginning to get concerned at how I was ever going to become well again.
Then by chance I met with a Fitness Wales Examiner and when we got chatting I shared my feelings of unhappiness at work and my pain and they told me about The Nia Technique. Having an interest in Health and Dance I was keen to learn more, especially as the recent trips to the gym had resulted in more pain.
I attended a local Nia class that week and found the experience truly electric. Throughout most of the one hour routine I had goosebumps running through my body and I knew I was taking part in something special.
With a mixture of freeform and tightly choreographed movements a group of 12 people of all ages, shapes, sizes and gender danced to musical styles ranging from African tribal beats to pop music.
We were told to use comfort as a guide and only move in ways that were suitable for us. There was no sense of self image or competition in this class - just pure joy!
The next day I felt great and wanted to learn more. I found out about the White Belt Intensive Training and that there was to be the first ever UK training session happening a month later. I used all my savings and managed to get enough money to pay for it and haven't look back since.
After the training I realised that I wanted to become a Teacher and help others in my situation. I left my job and started my own business. I have now healed my coccyx. It has realigned completed, I have no pain or headaches anymore and I have become much fitter than I have ever been. I have developed spiritually and this has led me on to become a Qualified Second Degree Reiki Practitioner.
What is The Nia Technique?
A Fitness and Self Healing Program which combines elements from 9 Dance, Martial and Healing Arts forms. In 1983 Debbie and Carlos Rosas broke away from mainstream fitness to create the revolutionary, still unparalleled barefoot aerobic workout. The Nia Technique has seven workout cycles which help make it a truly unique experience:
Set the focus and intent - what we place our attention on - this can be physical, emotional or spiritual Step in - creating the conscious space to workout, leaving the days stresses behind us and truly being in the moment Warm up - preparation of the heart, lungs and 13 joints Get Moving - energising these moves to reach a peak, allowing your own style to come through Cool Down - allows us to calm, harmonise and re-centre, checking in to our body sensations for feedback Floorplay - using play to stretch and open the joints more fully, using body weight to strengthen and tone the body Step Out - transition into the next activity, leaving the space and focusing the intention for the rest of the dayWho is it for?
All ages, agilities and abilities as it uses comfort as a guide. You don't need any experience of any kind to take part and yet you will find it is easy to follow.
How will it benefit me?
It will give you greater strength, flexibility, mobility, agility and stability. The Nia Technique empowers you to achieve physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health and well-being. You will also find it can:
- help you lose weight
- reduce cholesterol and high blood pressure
- increase creativity
- release stress
- balance your energy
- help you reduce pain
- improve circulation, digestion and concentration
How can I take part?
Classes are being held in Cardiff and across South East Wales. It costs about £5 per class or you can have Personal Training. Visit our web-site for more details and full teacher and class listing at www.niacardiff.co.uk or you can call me, Sam Hyde, direct on 07963 367077.
© Sam Hyde - 2005
Sam Hyde is a Nia Teacher based in the Cardiff area.
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your comments
Kiera Jennings, Carmarthenshire
I have been itching to try Nia for some time having previously enjoyed Five Rhythms but finding that I need something at a different pace, I have heard of the classes in Cardiff and although it is over an hours drive away I think I will make the effort once to give it a go, after all surely it is better to move in some form that you enjoy whatever that maybe, than not to move at all.
Nirhan Moodeley from Johannesburg South Africa
I would like more information on Nia.
Anonymous, SA
Unfortunately, after doing a month of classes, a NIA marathon for charity, and a few classes as part of a healing modality course, I have found it to be disappointingly like glorified aerobics. I do however put it down to lack of experience/chi/spirit from the instructors, because I'm not going to give up finding a class I can get on with.
Rhonda Poulsen, Copenhagen Denmark
I have tryed NIA 3 times at FitnessDK at Nygaardsvej in Copenhagen, and it's the best training I have ever tried!! I feel like I have found my own "silly-dance" that I have done for a long time...
Linda Solaiman, Durham
I was introduced to the Nia technique at the mind-body and spirit festival in Manchester and was really impressed. I would love to try it but unfortunately I can't find any classes in my area.
Ingrid Sluis, West Sussex
Nia has been great for me. A few years ago, I was looking for a combination of relaxation and light exercise class and Nia is definitely the answer and so much more. It helps a lot for me with reducing stress after a busy day at work, exercise and emotionally helps to release as well. Although my class is on a Saturday morning at 8, I would not want to miss it anymore.
Dorit Noble, London Nia teacher
Hi Jill, Maria, Sam ... London calling... Since finding the Nia technique two years ago in South Africa, my life and body have transformed. My first Nia class was a very powerful "coming home" to my body, reconnecting with the joyful stream of movement and music. When I came back to London where I live looking for classes and discovered to my dismay that there were none (except one in South London) I went to Cardiff and trained with Helen Terry. In order to develop the growth of Nia in London I now host training locally and since starting up my classes a year and a half ago, the Nia seeds in London are growing many shoots. The London teachers have been invited to the Mind Body Spirit festival in May 2007. If you're local, come and join in!
Nancy Wilkinson from Tacoma, Washington State
I am soon to be a yoga teacher at my high school. I came across the Nia technique and plan to buy the book. But how could I get training? Do you know the number and/ or address for a school in Portland, or one in Seattle, WA? Thank you ever so much!
dee nielson
do you have a dvd or video with step with yoga incorporated. thanks
Nanor Tashdjian - Cardiff
Last night I had the chance to take part in Nia lessons with the teacher Sam. Sam is such a lovely and smiling teacher, with positive mind, spirits and makes you welcome in the group even if you are new or nervous!
After a tiring, mental or dull weather day Nia is fantastic to get that spiritual heat in your whole body!!
I am generally cold with the UK weather, unless it is 25 degrees, as I am originally from Cyprus! Nia has now given me the hope to survive in the cold winter days & nights! I already feel great!!
Thank you Sam!!
Sam Hyde - Nia Teacher from Cardiff-UK
Please call me directly if you want more info about Nia, Classes or information on how to become a Nia Teacher. Call me on 07963 367077.
Lynda Clay, Chelmsford, Essex
Brilliant - are there any classes in Essex? If not, perhaps someone should start some.
Kate Whelan, Shropshire
I have recently heard about this technique and am desperate to have a go. Are there any classes in North Shropshire and how would I go about training to teach Nia? Please help.
Esme A from Horsham
Would like to know if there are any classes being conducted in the Horsham/Crawley area.
Jill Raine in Tattenhall, Cheshire
I agree with everything which has been written already. For me it's the pure joy of moving in ways that I would not have thought possible. My body is becoming more free and I get such a buzz from doing a class. I'm also finding that I am toning up and increasing my fitness levels without even trying!
Maria Contreras, Oxford, UK
A year and a half ago I was made redundant for the 3rd time and was feeling rather hopeless. That same day I heard that there would be the first ever Nia training in the UK. I'd never done a class in my life and went for it!
I shared the week's intensive experience with Sam and I can truly say that my life has been changed.
I was also moved by hear story of her injury. Our teacher Helen Terry said that you can heal any part of your body that you want by talking to it lovingly and asking it what it would like you to do for it today. In this way you connect to your body and guess what - it heals!
I am now teaching classes and workshops both nationwide and worldwide. I have developed so much confidence and self beleif. It takes a lot of courage to stand up in front of an expectant class!
But when the music comes on and we start to move to the same rhythm - there is electicity. And then you forget everything else, let go and feel truly free.
I warmly invite you to try it!
Much love, Maria
Diana Wynne, Blackwood
I can wholeheartedly agree with Sam. My daughter introduced me to Nia last year. I am 48 and have done very little exercise since school. The minute I walked into Fiona's class I felt relaxed because this is not a 'competition' class. Everyone works at their own level and some weeks you can do more than other weeks. At no time do I feel under pressure - quite the opposite. I can attend Nia with a thumping head or aches and pains and feel rejuvenated at the end. I try to tell all my friends about it because it is a great way to get fit with great music and soft lighting but the best part is you can be yourself!
Kali Rose from Portland Oregon USA
The best thing about Nia is that no matter where you live in the world, you can find a Nia class. You can go on vacation just by going to class! It is so fun and I have healed so much - from joint pain to better posture. It's great!
