COMMON GROUND

Here in Germany, some five million people practise yoga. Yoga strengthens muscles and develops flexibility and stability while also improving concentration and promoting mental and spiritual wellbeing.

Nia offers some very similar benefits. On the one hand, we actually practise specific elements of yoga in our classes e.g. during short segments on the floor – known as ‘floorplay’ in Nia – that focus on different stretches. On the other hand, Nia – like yoga – is a holistic movement practice. This means we place equal emphasis on body, mind and soul, which results in clearer focus and greater concentration in daily life.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS OF NIA

Since Nia movements are stimulated by music, Nia offers you a different approach from yoga. Music and rhythm, dance elements and choreography allow you to experience the joy of dancing and of moving your body in dynamic, flowing ways.

Nia also includes free dance segments during which you can express yourself however you want. We leave the set steps and choreography for a moment and then go back to them; form and freedom alternate.  For many yogis who discover Nia, this additional experience of spontaneous movement is the key reason for including both disciplines in their lives.

A further benefit in Nia – especially for beginners – is that yoga requires a lot of experience before you can do the movements correctly. In Nia you can just dive straight in, and you’ll notice from your very first class how good it makes you feel and how quickly you improve!

WHAT NIA CAN OFFER YOUR YOGA

If you practice yoga regularly then you know how well it trains your flexibility and concentration. Nia is the perfect complement to the intense, static stretching required in Yoga asanas:

Elements taken from jazz and modern dance improve flexibility dynamically, incorporating all joints and muscle groups. It also includes kicks and punches from martial arts, which help you develop power, precision and speed.

You will notice that by including Nia in your routine, you also experience more strength and endurance in your Yoga practice.