It all began at the turn of the millenium (2000)…
Something in me began calling for fitness, expression, strength, and joy. This was new. Prior to this, I had made a couple of attempts at jogging and joined a couple of dance classes( for no more than four classes) until I dropped out feeling I just couldn’t do it. I think I tried aerobics once and I certainly didn’t feel excited to go back to that. Exercise just didn’t interest me. I wanted to play and do something that felt natural, not like painful work. The only thing that managed to stick for any length of time (3 years) was yoga. I met an amazing teacher while I was working in London and her teaching was so incredible that my body still benefits from those initial lessons in posture and alignment.
But then, in 1999 and back in Vancouver, I began my own business and found I needed something more vigorous. I also wanted more fun and playfulness, a class where I could learn and enjoy (some of my yoga classes felt way too serious, people didn’t even smile!). I began searching around and found a class called Nia. It seemed to combine everything I wanted to experience in one form. I was intrigued and hopeful. This thing called Nia seemed to be holistic, a quality that I always knew to be critical in creating true health.
Much of my need for a fitness class arose because I was now working alone at home. It was lonely at the beginning and I felt depressed at times without the structure of a job and colleagues. I knew the costs of stress and depression and wasn’t willing to go down that road. I felt a fitness class would provide some weekly structure, offer connections with fellow students, and motivation. Little did I know I was about to change my life.
I pushed myself to get to the first class (had a really late night out and my bed was so comfortable). I had promised myself I’d do it, so I kept my commitment. I arrived a couple of minutes late but joined right in. After no more than a few minutes, I heard my own voice in my head tell me, “if you want to teach something physical, this is it“. I honestly looked up wondering where this voice came from, for it certainly couldn’t have been mine! I didn’t like exercise and now I was supposed to teach something that provided it!?! Yeah right. Not wanting to have a talk with myself in the middle of class, I returned my attention to the music, movement, and the teacher. I was amazed at how some stuff felt so absolutely natural – like I had just slipped into my skin for the first time. It was delicious. Other steps were a little more challenging and so I later asked my teacher to show them to me in slow motion. The overall feeling I had when I walked out of that that class was one of power. I felt ten feet tall. I felt capable of handling whatever came my way. I felt that I could burst through any blocks and go for what I wanted. Nia showed me my strength.
I actually felt empowered enough to go home and make a phone call that would’ve been difficult before I did Nia. Conflict is not my favourite thing, but that day, I decided I needed to express how I felt about a situation with a friend and go for what I wanted. And it worked! I was calm, said my bits, and was heard. Wow. This was powerful stuff.
I completed my initial certification in October 2000 with the Nia founders. Years later, I have my Nia Black Belt and continue teaching and loving it. Just today, I had a bunch of new students come and express their joy. Two of my favourite comments were, “I didn’t know my body was missing something until I did Nia. It needed to move! I love it!” and a gushing student who could barely find the words until she just had to say…”I’m in love.” Yes. Welcome to Nia.
Registration is open for all classes. Check the Nia classes page and sign up at the respective venue in and around downtown Vancouver. Whether you’re simply looking for a fun fitness class or wanting transformation, come give it a go!
