Health - Jenn Hicks

Back pain? Try squatting!

By Jenn Hicks | December 4, 2012 |

If you are like many people, you may be thinking, “Wait a minute. Squatting is for young people. I can’t squat… my knees hurt… I’m too old.. I’m too stiff… my back is sore.” I’m here to tell you that you CAN squat, and that Nia classes offer countless gentle and encouraging opportunities to…

It’s not rude to show your arm pits

By Jenn Hicks | November 20, 2012 |

The lymphatic system does not have a central pump like the heart, so lymph circulation is dependent on other factors including stretching, muscle contraction and deep breathing, .

A toast to my authenticity

By Jenn Hicks | October 24, 2012 |

Over the past few days, I’ve had some experiences that have given me the opportunity to reflect on how and why I do what I do. I decided awhile back that I wouldn’t hide myself in my work. That I would use my personality and my experiences to enliven my work and make meaningful connections.…

Don’t Stress Out: LOOOVVVEEE Your Workouts!

By Jenn Hicks | October 14, 2012 |

We all know that stress isn’t good for us. And we know that one of the most common recommendations to combat stress is to exercise. But what if the environment that you exercise in actually causes stress? When I was a member of my local gym, I can remember feeling quite stressed. The complicated…

Feeling Lonely

By Jenn Hicks | September 2, 2012 |

Today I am feeling lonely. And yet I am not alone. I’ve been around people all day. Funny how that is. At first, I was tempted to label what I’m feeling as “depression”. Cause, hey, a girl with Bipolar Disorder does indeed get depressed. But then, I thought, “Hey Jennifer, let’s really, really think…

What is Fascia and How to Keep it Fit with Nia

By Jenn Hicks | July 22, 2012 |

“the more I’ve learned about fascia, the more I’m convinced that Nia is an ideal way to keep the fascia stretched, fit and to avoid connective tissue injuries…”

Simply Irresistible!

By Jenn Hicks | July 15, 2012 |

When I watch this video by the amazing Mopo, I feel FABULOUS! I hope you will too! If you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Mopo, let me tell you a bit about him. He is an amazing soul who makes it his mission to photograph women so that they can appreciate their beauty. Because…

FREE Nia at Pride 2012

By Jenn Hicks | July 1, 2012 |

Happy Canada Day! Happy Pride Toronto! Today we celebrate. Today we dance! For the 4th year running, I have the pleasure, along with my beautiful Nia colleagues Kirstie Smallman, Lainie Magidsohn & Martha Randall, to dance on stage at Pride Toronto. We’re teaching a FREE Nia class – meet us at 2pm…

Dance to the Music: Flash Mob!

By Jenn Hicks | June 21, 2012 |

Yesterday in Nathan Phillips Square, dancers from the Joy of Dance (including moi) surprised those attending a Brain Injury Society of Toronto awareness event. Yup, we did a big ‘ole flash mob. Lemme tell ya’ it was steaming hot under the mid-day sun, but a ton of fun! (this video captures about half of our…

You might enjoy Nia if you are…

By Jenn Hicks | February 25, 2012 |

Last summer, the lovely Jamie Ridler (of Jamie Ridler Studios) facilitated a focus group to help me better understand my Nia students, their needs and their experiences. I learned a lot! I’m understanding more and more about who can benefit from Nia and why that might be the case. It turns out that Nia enthusiasts…