Day 30 of 52 Nia dance
I wish there were some way to measure change over time, but since I didn’t note any specifics before I started this challenge, I can’t give concrete information, just anecdotal, about what seems to be different physically and mentally for me.
Here’s how I think I’m different after 30 days of dancing every day.
- Increased upper body strength. I notice this because it feels much easier to carry kayaks from storage to car rooftop to water and back.
- More strength and mobility in my ankle joints, apparent in the way I’m able to move easily on tiptoes for some of the dance routines. It’s also easier for me to keep my heel high when doing anything involving the bow stance (which looks like a lunge, for any non-Nia folks).
- Increased lung capacity. On morning walks in our hilly neighborhood, I never get winded.
- Less anxious. This may just be a function of age, as fewer things rile me up here in the seventh decade of living. But I also feel like dancing permits a pretty great release of all kinds of energy. I always leave dance happy and that mood often lingers through the day.
- Gained weight. I’ve added on three pounds in the past 30 days. I’m not sure why. The only thing I’ve noticed that’s different in my eating habits is that I’m craving sweets more than usual. I have medium self control around food, but this month candy has been calling my name. Is it because I’m being more physical? Is it because of the changing seasons? Don’t know. Because of the reduced anxiety, I’m not too worried about it. I have strategies for managing my weight.
Looking forward to another three weeks of dancing to complete my challenge. Today I danced with Nia on Demand to Bring It with Holly Nastasi. I particularly enjoyed the full range of front, side and back kicks in the middle of the routine.
Susan Palmer's Exquisite Now 