NiaSpace

11/19/10

Best & Most Fun Exercise EVER !

by caterpillar to butterfly at Citysearch

NIA changed my life ! I was plagued by fibromyalgia and stiff as a board ... until I began NIA . That was over a decade ago. The NIASPACE studio across from St. Ed's has a superb wooden floor where we dance barefoot ... and at any level you wish : from light to intense. The owners Donna & Gerry Starnes are a friendly, welcoming couple whose work is a labor of love. The students are ages 18 to 80 ( yes ! ) and all shapes. They are a happy group with great sense of humor. NIA itself combines more than 5 different types of movement ( aikido, yoga, Duncan dance, and Feldekrais, tai chai, & more ). I knew nothing when I began , but the FUN kept me returning for more. Probably the most unusual part is "free dance" , which looks like grown-ups having fun on a playground ( I think beginners often fight this a bit scary , dancing around like you're a kid again ). This is NOT exercise ... this is PLEASURE ! And yet it keeps me in shape and in good spirits for the rest of my day. At my age of 64 , it's also a way to get my cramped bones "unstuck" in the morning. GO ! This is a space of "good vibes" !

11/05/07

Very relaxed, welcoming environment , Donna is great

by red_sk at Citysearch

I went to the Ecstatic Dance class and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm a bit fat and uncoordinated so I was very happy to find that this class was at your own pace and movement. It is a relaxed class with no pressure. Donna is very friendly and genuinely cares.

• Pros: welcoming, easy, relaxed atmosphere, clean location,

03/30/07

Wonderful workout

by itsabeautifulday at Citysearch

I had no clue what "Nia" was. But I was desperate to find an exercise class that I would stick with. I tried a Nia class and couldn't believe what a fantastic and fun workout it was -- a combination of dance, yoga, and martial arts. The music varies from funky to world music to ethereal. And you get to choose the level of intensity that's right for you. I don't really think of Nia as an exercise class but as my fun time, my therapist , my time for me. I've been to lots of different exercise classes, and NiaSpace's Nia class is the best and most joyful workout I've ever had. As a "regular" in Nia classes, I lost ten pounds over three months, gained muscle tone, and feel great! If you enjoy listening and moving to music, you gotta try Nia.

• Pros: Great workout, great music, nice folks, South Austin jewel
• Cons: Zip

03/29/07

Best Place to Start or End Your Day!

by earthwomyn27 at Citysearch

I never knew "fitness" could be so much fun! The music, the people and the space is great! The diversity of classes is nice. Some days I want a slow dance like Tai Chi and other days I want a real workout like Nia - it's great that they have something for everyone.

• Pros: No competition, friendly teachers and staff.
• Cons: Allowing time for traffic on South Congress