Risk + Punches
52 days of Self-Care to improve the quality of your life + 52 Nia Moves for Health. Fitness. Power. Beauty.
“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”
Anais Nin
Self-Care: RISK
Daily choice/action: Take a risk ~ You have the POWER with to MOVE mountains.
Inspired by: Cheryl Richardson Self-Care Cards
Share: How did you move mountains today?
Nia Move: Punches
Daily practice: There are four basic punches: Outward, Upward, Downward or Across. Practice all of them in “a” or Sumo stance and use your fist as if hitting a punching bag. Begin and end in Ready Position with elbows back and forearms drawn in close to the waist. Powerful punches come from spiraling the forearm bones, which comes from starting with palms up and ending with palms down, as if turning a screwdriver. As you punch push with your feet, stay agile and engage the core of your body. After each punch return to ready position. Use your elbow to power your punch. Keep your lower jaw relaxed and your mouth slightly open.
Practicing Punches is excellent training for moving quickly and rhythmically. This move strengthens your core and arms, and will enhance your sense of personal power.
excerpted from: The Nia Technique by Debbie Rosas & Carlos Aya-Rosas
Share: What enhanced your sense of personal power today?
I spent one entire Nia song focused on punches and blocks today! I heard the Nia teacher where I was taking class invite us to “Make it count.” I accepted the invitation and experimented with noticing which muscles I was using and intentionally squeezing them harder, or in other words more intensely contracting my muscles. The experiment left my arms exhausted AND at the end of class I noticed that my arms felt light and my shoulders operated smoothly.
Conclusion – my experience in class was enhanced and stepping out into my day I felt invigorated.
To My Health and Yours, Julie