RHYTHM ANH RELAXATION SINGE 1983
The California-founded fitness program Nia, which combines yoga, dance
and martial arts, has become popular worldwide
By Serena Markstrom
Oregon Daily Emerald
Ceiling fans push the smell of
sweat around a fourth-level studio
in downtown Portland’s Pythian
building. Below the fans, members
of a primarily female class place
their “tails” on the floor.
About 50 students move around
the hardwood floor on bare feet.
The music is soft keyboard sounds
with chimes easing in and out of
the melody. Some follow Debbie
Rosas’ movements, and others
move as they feel fit.
This is a Nia class taught by
Rosas, one of its two founders. Nia
is a mix of dance, martial arts and
yoga. It aims to activate the mind,
body and spirit for a holistic work
out. The principles of Nia, short
for Neuromuscular Integrative Ac
tion, have become fitness buzz
words, but the Portland-based Nia
has been growing since 1983 and
now has about 20,000 students
worldwide.
Rosas tells this class, “There is a
soft wall behind you; keep moving
till you connect,” and most of the
class members slowly follow,
stretching their backs toward an
imaginary wall.
There is an overwhelming sense
of calm and comfort in the room,
enhanced by large indoor plants
near tall windows. Class members
often close their eyes and focus
deeply on what they are doing and
what their bodies tell them to do
next. Some lie still on the floor,
taking part in the moment by lis
tening.
{ { When it comes to the
body, there's always
something to explore.
That's what's so exciting
Debbie Rosas
Nia co-founder
One male participant lies on his
back and rotates his legs as though
riding an imaginary bicycle while
the rest of the class leans into
Rosas’ next suggestion.
On any given Saturday morning,
the mood in this room and music
will be different. One of Nia’s
mantras is variety. In Swahili, the
word Nia means “with purpose.”
Whether the movement is a high
Turn to Nia, page 7B
Courtesy photos
(Above) Debbie Rosas and Carlos Rosas, the founders of Nia. (Left) Debbie Rosas leads a Nia class.
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