What is Nia?
"Nia is a sensory-based movement practice that leads to health, wellness and fitness. It empowers people of all shapes and sizes by connecting the body, mind, emotions and spirit. Classes are taken barefoot to soul-stirring music in more than 45 countries. Trainings are designed for those seeking personal enrichment and professional development. Every experience can be adapted to individual needs and abilities. Step into your own joyful journey with Nia, and positively shape the way you feel, look, think and live", (Nia, 2011).
Nia is a combination of dance, martial arts, and yoga joining in dynamic movement that enlivens the body and awakens the spirit. Finding pleasurable movement is the key! There are presently four DVD's available for you private home practice. Global Unity is a two hour program with one hour of practice and one hour breaking down the movements and is designed for beginners. The music is uplifting and soulful. Website: http://www.nianow.com/home
YOGA for the mind and BODY
Photo courtesy of Frederico Stevanin
http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=149
Sarah Powers:
Yoga teacher since 1987, combining the practices of Yoga and Buddhism into a Yin and Yang style yoga. The Yin style is quiet and still. Holding the positions for longer periods allows the body and the joints to open. It is quiet, feminine, and receptive. Yang style is active, moving, heating the body. Sarah Powers has authored a book entitled Insight Yoga, a audio cd Yin Yoga, and two practice DVD's Yin Yoga with Sarah Powers and Yin and Vinyasa Yoga (n.d.).
Website: http://www.sarahpowers.com/index.html
Namaste YOGA:
"Namaste is an innovative series combining stunning photography and original music with authentic Hatha yoga practice. Shot in high definition in exquisite settings, each of the episodes teaches a unique flow sequence that will tone your body, calm your mind and inspire you to begin or continue your yoga practice. Look good and feel great - Namaste is a sensual yoga practice for everyone" (Omni Movie Productions, 2010).
Namaste is the brainchild of Kate Potter who lives and works in Vancouver, Canada. The practice series was originally aired on the Discovery Health Channel. Each practice is thirty minutes long with savasana at the end. Kate directs movement into ease with each position building on the previous. Great attention is paid to resting with the breath between movements. These practices are gentle and are suited to most levels with minor modifications.
Namaste DVD's: http://www.namaste.tv/
Kate Potter's Website: http://www.katepotteryoga.ca/namastetv.html
Shiva Rea
Shiva Rea is a vital and dynamic yogini whose work concentrates on prana, or the life force. She has several DVD's available with a wide variety of practices. Yoga Shakti offers a programable practice that can be varied to suit different levels. One of Shiva's newest DVD's, Yogini, is filmed beautifully and brings out the goddess in each woman. However, the practice can be intense and is better suited to intermediate to advanced levels.
Shiva Rea's Website: http://shivarea.com/
Belly DANCE
Photo courtesy of africa
http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=1803
Belly dance is an ancient art and is fabulous for the body. Emotions tend to show in our body by a tightening in the core. Belly dancing loosens the core, increasing mobility, and mobilizing stuck energy. It will also tone all of the muscles in your body!