Movement must be CONSCIOUS not habitual.

We have all been to the gym and know what it like to life a weight for 12 repetitions, and then do it again two more times.  How often do you start to daydream and forget how many you have done?  That is habitual movement.  Doing the movement without really focusing on the physical sensations your body is feeling.  In Nia, we move functionally and with purpose.  We practice without shoes, so that we are aware of how we are moving. The 7000 nerve endings on the foot intensifies the physical and psychological feeling of being grounded.  Turn off auto-pilot and move with purpose.  You are not a robot.