Meet Marie Mckay
Nia Black Belt Instructor, RYT 200 Yoga, & Reiki Practitioner: Inspiring joyful movement, presence, and holistic well-being through body-awareness.
Movement has always been my medicine, and in 1999 while living in Boulder, CO, a holistic fitness class called Nia changed my life. This transformative experience taught me the significant difference between exercise and embodied movement, the interconnectedness between the body, mind, and spirit. This new perspective of moving and living with deeper intention, awareness and joy ignited a powerful ripple effect into every area of my life. I began to study and integrate Nia, yoga, meditation, and energy healing practices into my personal and professional life.
For the past 20+ years I have blended knowledge from my degree in Educational Psychology with my passions for personal growth and development, holistic movement, and mindful living to create inspiring classes, workshops, and retreats. I teach at dance studios, health clubs, retreat centers, corporations, and hospitals. I have a practical, playful, and spiritual teaching style and my classes are known to be educational, transformational, energetic, interactive, and fun!
I live in Minneapolis with my husband and our adorable dog, Blu. I cherish moments of inspired dance, the comfort of flowy pants, the honest and funny musings of author Ann Lamott, and the serene beauty of ocean views.
What is Nia?
Nia is a holistic fitness practice that blends movement, mindfulness, connection, and joy to provide a whole-body/whole-being experience.
At the core of Nia is the celebration of movement diversity, essential for holistic well-being. As a trailblazing fusion fitness form, Nia gracefully weaves together elements from nine distinct movement forms across dance, martial arts, and healing arts. Each form carries a unique “energetic signature” that activates body, mind, emotions, and spirit in different ways. Combined with the Nia 52 moves, these movement forms create a potent, transformative journey of self-discovery, conditioning, and healing.
Nia is non-impact, practiced barefoot, and adaptable to individual needs and abilities.