Victoria’s Read

There is a movement technique new to this area called NIA (nee-aah).  At first glance it seems odd to many people coming from a traditional North American fitness facility since we are barefoot AND moving.

Barefoot is not new to anyone who has done any sort of mat class like Yoga, Pilates or meditation. Barefoot is also not new to students of certain types of dance. Barefoot is new to people who want to reach their cardiovascular goals in a class but view mat classes as boring and dance classes as too athletic.

Students new to NIA admit that they are reluctant to believe that they will get to a good cardiovascular level if their feet are not protected. They do and are surprised.

The benefits of moving the body while barefoot are vast and can all be explained  through science but to start off simply the best benefit is that it is free.  There is no need to purchase expensive ill fitting shoes that can only be worn in class.

Barefoot is fun. When was the last time you got run around barefoot and play with your friends? NIA students do that every class. With the exception of certain medical conditions, barefoot is better for your body.  When shoeless, the soles of your feet are in direct contact with the floor and the body or the NIA teacher can immediately tell if the stance is uneven, tilting or feet are bearing the body weight equally.  An immediate correction in the stance, even if it is minor, can realign the whole body allowing muscles and bones to work together the way they were intended instead of working twice, once to compensate for mis-alignment then again to do their specific job for the movement.  This newly aligned body can now work at a greater range of motion for a longer duration and often at a better strength level.

All these micro adjustments are going on naturally while the student gets to play to the music, move the body, sweat, laugh, hoop and holler in a safe body friendly way.

Linda Papineau
Certified NIA Teacher. Ohana Wellness Centre