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Modifying Your Movement Practice When Life Feels Overwhelming
Let’s face it, life is unpredictable. Work/school deadlines, family commitments, or emotional ups and downs can make it hard to stick to a consistent workout routine. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to “go all in” to benefit from movement. Making a few adjustments during stressful or busy times can still provide the…
Read MorePersonal Statement on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People
When I was a child, I remember a small photo of a Black child with the words “Christian Children’s Fund” underneath it on the refrigerator. I had no idea who this child was, but I knew that my mom sent money and in exchange she received letters in the mail from them. Although a single…
Read MoreUnlock Mental Health Benefits with Dance & Strength Training
When people talk about fitness, it’s often in the context of physical health. But the truth is, physical activity is just as essential for mental well-being. Dance and strength training are two forms of exercise with unique mental health benefits that go beyond the physical, offering powerful ways to support a healthy, balanced mind. Here’s…
Read MoreOvercoming Fitness Anxiety and Finding Your Rhythm
Starting a new fitness class can be exciting, but let’s be real—it can also feel intimidating. Many people worry about what to expect, how they’ll perform, or even how others might perceive them. But the truth is, everyone feels a little nervous at first. The good news? There are simple steps you can take to…
Read MoreThe Benefits of Combining Muscle Conditioning with Cardio Dance Exercise
When it comes to exercise, many of us gravitate towards the activities that bring us the most joy. For a lot of people, cardio dance exercises hit that sweet spot—combining the rhythm and fun of dancing with the heart-pumping benefits of cardio. That’s certainly been my jam for as long as I can remember! But…
Read MoreEmbracing Authenticity: My Journey Beyond the Nia Technique
For 17 years, the Nia Technique was my sanctuary—a place where I found solace, strength, and a profound connection to my body and spirit. Nia offered a holistic approach to fitness and wellness that I didn’t know I needed but that resonated deeply with me. I immersed myself in its rhythms and philosophies, finding a…
Read MoreMoving on…
After 17 years of teaching Nia, and over 20 years of being involved with the practice, I am choosing to step away. There are many reasons for this, most of which have to do with the misalignment of the leadership with the practice principles and philosophies. This was not an easy decision to make, but…
Read MoreHow to Move Mindfully
What is Mindful Movement? Moving mindfully means paying attention and staying in the present moment. When we bring mindfulness to our movement, we are letting go of distractions and are aware of our bodies. If I’m being mindful when I move I am in my now body and listening to the messages that it is…
Read More3 reasons to stop loving your body: Body acceptance
Yes, you heard me right. I said stop loving your body. And start looking at an alternative: body acceptance. Now don’t get me wrong. When I first discovered body positivity a few years back, I felt like I had come home. The fact that someone, anyone, was promoting the idea that I should not have…
Read MoreEmbrace your jiggly bits
For one week in May of 2020, I was privileged to be able to take a virtual crash course in human dissection with Gil Hedley. Today I reviewed my notes that chronicled Gil’s dissection of Margaret* as many of us watched from all over the world. I was viscerally moved as I recapitulated the…
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