First Nia Class

[qos]

Nia has three levels of intensity (1, 2, 3) that the teacher corresponded to walking, jogging and sprinting. The size of the movements starts small and gets bigger. A Nia class done at level 1 is a moderate-intensity workout physically.

The official leves of intensity do not, however, address the mental and emotional buttons that I had pushed:

* Starting something new in a group of experienced people
* Being asked to execute sometimes complex movements simply by observing the teacher
* Directions like "feel the water, feel the wind" making me wince
* Being keenly aware that if I get the footwork right my arms are either hanging limp or flapping wildly and my breathing may or may not be properly coordinated (even though I know that no one gets everything right the first few times through)

Nia is supposed to be fun. I didn't exactly have fun during class, but there were moments when I could imagine myself one day moving with lightness, energy and exuberance of some of the others around me -- and that was an attractive concept. A couple of times I used some of the things Jeremy taught me during ballroom class to focus on taking smaller steps and loosening my hips -- and a couple of times found myself doing it!

When I felt my buttons being pushed, I noted that buttons were being pushed, set those emotions aside, and re-focused my attention on moving rather than thinking. (!!!)

I've realized that there's no way I can give this technique a fair trial without going four or five times to get over my newbie awkwardness. I've decided to attend class for the rest of the month (Tu/Thu) and then see how I feel. If I'm not enjoying it by June 29, I don't have to go back. But if I do enjoy it, this could be a real breakthrough for me.

Comments

[http://users.livejournal.com/_storyteller_/]

Not enjoying it by June 29th?

I think 6 months will give you plenty of time to get the basics down and learn to enjoy yourself.

And no point in editing it to fix it, I am hold you to this little slip.

48 classes should give you plenty of time to "feel the water and feel the wind" in a whole different way.

[druidharper.livejournal.com]

When I started Kung Fu I took a month 'trial' first. All the buttons you mention are quite familiar even though martial arts were not strange to me.

I was rusty though and kung fu itself was new to me. As it turns out, I don't fully learn a movement or series until I've been able to go home and work on it on my own for a bit to set it. I often get tied up with myself in class; I don't follow the instructor as well as some so I tend to do the movement at the car before getting in, once again when I get home before bed, and then the next day a time or two where I'm alone and can concentrate.

I suspect if you stick with Nia for a time you'll come to a point where you find it really is fun. :)

Six Months!

[qos.livejournal.com]

Ack!

That was quite a mis-type. . .

I will take your input under advisement.

[qos.livejournal.com]

I find it reassuring that you have those buttons as well.

Toward the end of the hour we did some martial-arts hand movements: high block, cross-block, elbow strike, low block. Not only did they feel far more comfortable to me than the dance moves, I was the only one who consistently did a strong kiap at the end of each sequence. It made me first thing I should leave here and find a tai chi or other martial arts class -- and then No, this is a time for me to be stretching my comfort zones and trying new things.

I suspect if you stick with Nia for a time you'll come to a point where you find it really is fun.

I hope so! Thanks for the encouragement.

[silverhawkdruid.livejournal.com]

Hi Honey,
Understand the newbie feel, and I really hope you get past that nice and quickly. Hugz! It sounds like you have a handle on some of the martial arts bits at least, and it also sounds like what you are learning in dance class is going to help with Nia too.
You really piqued my interest last night, so I watched a number of Nia videos on You Tube to get more of a feel for it, and a poster called Expert Village has a number of the moves explained in detail, if you wanted to get some practice in. I have used You Tube in the past to learn step aerobics, and to learn how to get the most from my mini trampoline, so maybe the Nia vids will help you.
Hugs

[gothic-coop.livejournal.com]

You are remembering your Quantum days. Quantum is full of hard, soft, dance and violence. You have some background knowledge that you will have to suppress or learn how to work it in,.

Not grasping the movements is one thing. Not liking the instruction is another. Maybe you need a different instructor? Sometimes I get tired of Master Evan's instruction. Thank god there was Ms. Brown or I would have left.

[qos.livejournal.com]

I had forgotten all about Quantum! I only ended up going a couple of times, so I doubt that it's having an impact here. But I appreciate the insight. If nothing else, I should consider what "background knowledge" I have that is influencing my experience -- even if the "knowledge" is more personal belief about my own capacities.

There's another Nia class at the studio where I'm taking ballroom. I might give it a try Saturday morning to see what a different teacher is like.

[qos.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the YouTube tip!

There's an official book I can get, but I hadn't thought about looking for free instructional video on the interwebz!