Estate Living Digital Publication Issue 6 June 2015 | Page 11

Originating in America, the workout actually
dates as far back as the mid-1980s when Nia
co-founder, Debbie Rosas, and her partner,
Carlos, decided their traditional aerobic classes
needed a little ‘upgrading’. They explored many
disciplines and Nia draws from the fusion of 9
movement forms.
“This is a lifestyle, not just a movement practice.”
says Nicci. Over 500 people have taken the Nia
training in South Africa, and there are currently
45 teachers giving Nia classes across the
country. Classes, which typically last an hour, are
designed for all ages and fitness levels, and are
done barefoot. Nicci has students ranging from
twenty-plus to ladies over the age of 70 and she
even runs classes for children. If you are open to
trying something new and energising, this may
just be the one for you.
Contact
OurNiaSpace Studio
10 Anson Street, Observatory, Cape Town
Tel: Nicci Gates 082 462 4844
Email: [e-mail]
www.niasouthafrica.co.za

Happy Hooping
Michelle Obama is known to have hula hooped
her way to fitness and adults across South
Africa can now have way more fun at this sport,
impressing friends with mesmerising moves and
colourful hoops that light up thanks to the team
at Fire and Ice. As well as providing fire dancing
hula hoop performances for festivals, events
and functions like weddings and birthdays, the
Cape Town-based company started its hula
hooping classes more than two years ago as a
cool and enjoyable fitness routine. “Hooping
is hip and happening and in today’s fitnessfocussed society it is really fun to do, but, at the

same time, it is great exercise and an excellent
way to tone your body,” says Francois from Fire
and Ice.
“Hooping has been around for years, and
there is even a Hula Hoop Institute and one
hula hoop retreats in places like Bali. The
trend has experienced somewhat of a revival,
mainly thanks to the local fire dancing ‘flow’
communities as well as performances at
festivals and events, which has given it lots
of exposure,” explains Francois. Classes are
for men, women and children of all ages and
take place in different areas across the city.
Although people seem to be shy at first and
ideally would prefer to try out the hoop in the
privacy of their own home, once you have a go
and practice hooping, you quickly realise how
enjoyable and non-competitive the exercise is.
Happy hula hooping!
Contact
Tel: Francois 082 352 1191
Email:[e-mail]
www.fire-ice.co.za
Simply like the Estate Living Facebook
page and join our mailing list to
stand a chance to win one of FOUR
fabulous prizes:
*Dinner for two at Conscious 108, Greenside,
JHB, to the value of R250
*A month of free Nia dance classes in Cape Town
*Energy Boost Juice Box from the Skinny Juice
Co, nationwide delivery.
*Home delivered dinners for two for a week
coutesy of Simply Fresh Foods will be for five
days and delivery is only available in Pretoria,
Centurion and Midrand.
Competition closes on 20.07.2015. winners
will be randomly selected and announced in
the next issue. T&C apply.
Congratulations to Kenneth van der Walt,
last months winner, a case of Lazanou organic
wine is on the way to you.

13

TRAIN @

workouts, like Zumba, for example, with Nia,
you are free and encouraged to do absolutely as
you feel, in a non-judgmental, non-contact and
non-instructing space.”