Deep down, we know we need to eat and exercise properly, especially in a pandemic. A regular habit of Netflix and pizza to distract us won’t keep us happy for long. Research shows that self-denial can actually raise happiness by knocking us out of “hedonic adaptation”—that is, the situation in which we get used to nice things and they stop giving us pleasure. If motivation and inspiration are what you need to turn you toward healthier habits, a combination of self-regulation and fun may provide the key to getting out of the fridge and off the couch. Join Nia black belts and trainers Caroline Kohles and Winalee Zeeb to learn how the Nia Technique can integrate self-regulation and fun into your life. Nia is a lifestyle fitness practice that integrates dance, martial arts and healing arts. Anyone who danced in the living room as a kid—isn’t that all of us?—can do it. And, it is fun. Nia floods your brain with healthy chemicals like dopamine and serotonin. Giggle and laugh your way to health and motivation.
Caroline Kohles
A health and wellness professional for over 25 years, Caroline is co-founder of Nia New York™. Nia is a holistic lifestyle and fitness practice. As a somatic educator and Nia Trainer, she co-facilitates intensive trainings at the white, green, blue, brown and black belt level. She holds certifications in yoga, indoor cycling, personal training, life coaching, and 5 Rhythms—a dynamic movement meditation practice. A former professional dancer with a passion for anatomy and the brain, Caroline is drawn to using movement to help special populations. In her 16 years working at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, Caroline has been instrumental in leading a progressive slate of fitness programming. She created and designed our 100+ group fitness class schedule and health and wellness programs for every population, from tweens/teens to prenatal/postnatal moms and seniors. Her signature work includes developing a range of cancer care programs in partnership first with Mount Sinai Hospital and now Breastlink NYC. She also designed the nationally and internationally recognized Edmond J. Safra Parkinson’s program, now in its twelfth year, in partnership first with The Fresco Institute at NYU Langone Medical Center and now with Northwell Health. In addition, Caroline developed the JCC’s popular “Doctor Is In” program, in conjunction with NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell, as well as many other nutrition and brain health programs. Caroline has been recognized as a teacher, programmer, a wellness mentor for staff, and a constant advocate for JCC members and the Upper West Side community. She was honored with the Award for Staff Excellence for her leadership, dedication, passion, and contribution to the JCC’s Center for Health and Wellness.
Winalee Zeeb
In July of 1991, Winalee was on the verge of quitting her job as an aerobics instructor. The unconscious movement patterning of aerobics had caused her to have two severely damaged knees, exhaustion, burnout, and physical pain. She then attended a Nia workshop, solely because of a sign that read, Body, Mind, Spirit Workout. Immediately, her curiosity drew her to take the workshop. since she had never before seen the word spirit used in the fitness industry. As the Nia Founders Debbie Rosas and Carlos Rosas entered the room, she recalls every cell of her becoming filled with awareness of their radiance. They took the stage and did something unheard of at that time in the fitness industry they invited us to take off our shoes. Those first barefoot seconds of conscious movement had my wounded knees saying, Ahhhhhhh as they experienced healing through movement, reflects Winalee.After that profound healing awakening, Winalee registered for the next Nia White Belt intensive training. She sensed a deep knowing within herself that Nia had much to teach her. She eagerly attended the Blue, Brown, Black, then First and Second Degree Black Belt trainings in succession. In fact, shes never stopped learning more deeply about Nia. In February of 1997, after years of practicing and teaching Nia, the Founders of Nia honored Winalee, bestowing upon her the role of Nia Trainer. A true blessing. Words cannot express the infinite gifts her heart receives from the privilege of leading Nia teacher trainings. Winalee travels internationally teaching Nia, with a passion and love for what she is privileged to share. In addition to training Nia, Winalee sings professionally, is a motivational keynote speaker as well as a yoga teacher. On February 14, 2009, she opened Heartdance Studio a magical space in Lansing, Michigan. The teachings of Nia have brought her the ability to balance all her interests, with renewed passion.
