History

"Carlos Rosas and Debbie Rosas provided a wonderful gift to the fitness industry with the creation of Nia in 1983. Long before anyone knew what fusion meant, they were combining yoga, martial arts and dance to create a workout that is joyful, soulful and meaningful. It is a unique form of exercise that has to be experienced to be appreciated."
Kathie Davis, Executive Director, IDEA Health and Fitness Association, California

In 1983, Debbie and Carlos Rosas - aerobics instructors from Marin County, California - kicked off their shoes and set-off a fitness revolution. This simple gesture led to the creation of the Nia Technique, a personal growth, body-mind-spirit fitness program and the first fusion fitness program in the world.

Debbie and Carlos created Nia because they wanted to address the needs of the whole person in their fitness program. To accomplish this they were inspired by, and drew from, the world of the martial arts, the dance arts, and the healing arts. Fusing the best of the best, they were able to deliver a program that provides the results of traditional workouts, but in a more enjoyable way. Nia combines carefully selected movements and concepts from Tai Chi, Tae Kwan Do, Aikido, Jazz Dance, Duncan Dance, Modern Dance, The Alexander Technique, The Feldenkrais Method™, and Yoga.

Nia's philosophy of "No pain; all gain" works with the natural wisdom and intelligence of the body, mind, spirit and emotions and supports the Pleasure Principle: If it feels good keep doing it, if it hurts, stop!

Nia is a unique approach to exercise based on the science of the Body's Way where benefits are derived from moving the body in accord with its specific design. Fitness the Nia way creates results that are functional and lasting.