Instructors depend instead on visualization, says Debbie Rosas. For example, you may be asked to wave your arms back and forth as if you are stroking the tips of tall grass. Vocalization is also part of the experience. Women's Health Issues found that NIA relieved anxiety more effectively than aerobics. As with aerobics, more women tend to participate.
Routines vary from class to class.
While conceived as a total body workout, sessions may focus on stretching and strengthening a particular group of muscles. The ambient music changes too, ranging from ecclesiastical choral arrangements to technofunk. The overriding NIA principle is pleasure. You get to play,'' says Warnecke, who appreciates the latitude to tailor her movements according to her skill, mood, and sense of rhythm. Even without jumping around, the NIA technique burns calories.