Wellness advocate Nadia Harilela dances her way to physical and mental fitness
For many people, maintaining their daily workouts comes down to maintaining a certain level of physical stamina and mental toughness. It’s hard to stay motivated all the time; It’s hard to keep going back, knowing that an hour on the treadmill or weightlifting is hard work, and the experience isn’t always pleasant. For most people who consistently prioritize exercise, finding the right way to exercise can be key to a successful, sustainable fitness journey.
Studies have found that activities like dancing and exergaming are effective ways for people to engage in physical activity. These results shouldn’t surprise anyone who’s ever danced to their Spotify playlist while making coffee. Fitness programs like these, which blur the lines between hard work and fun, are easier to sustain in the long run.
Wellness advocate and dancer Nadia Harilela knows the benefits of exercise all too well.
Raised in a family of dancers, Harilela began ballet and jazz dance at the age of four and then explored various other dance forms. From an early age she led an active lifestyle and was drawn to other sports that allowed her to express herself through movement. Today, her fitness journey continues to be inspired by the graceful mobility that dance offers.
And beyond practicing physical movements, according to Harilela, dance has also become a therapeutic journey. As a new addition to Lululemon’s team of community ambassadors, Harilela shares how dance has shaped her life and how expression through movement has evolved into a meditative experience.
How did you first come into contact with dancing? What dance form do you do?
When I was four years old, my mother sent me to ballet classes. After I slipped out, I snuck into the jazz class next door and actually never took any of the ballet lessons. It took them a while to realize that I wasn’t part of the jazz program! My family is one of the dancers. For as long as I can remember we have thrown a Christmas show for all family members and guests, with choreographed dances and a family sketch. When I went to secondary school, all my older cousins were dance captains for the annual dance competition, which I ended up taking the post myself.
Sometime in my tweens I started taking hip hop lessons. Today I would not describe myself as an exceptional dancer, professional dancer or anything good. It’s just something that’s always been a part of my life and I enjoy doing it. Taking a few hours out of your day to fully let go and let your body move to music is a form of therapy.
How has dancing influenced and inspired your fitness journey?
I’ve always been athletic. In elementary school, I was the girl who played with the boys during lunch and recess, running back and forth with a soccer ball or tennis ball. I ran track and was on the netball team and I just wouldn’t stop!
Can you describe your fitness routine?
It really depends on the week. I have a friend who I love to dance with and I dedicate one evening a week to taking a class with her in person or online. Otherwise I go for long walks in the morning or midday and take public transport whenever possible to make sure I’m on my feet. If I can go to the gym, I do Pilates or a 5k run. I would say I dedicate five to six days a week to fitness.
How has dancing influenced and inspired your fitness journey?
I find that I’m not “training” for my exercise, I’m doing something that makes me happy and also makes me sweat. But I also love this one rest day – there is no routine as to when that day will be either. It could be any day of the week! All I know is that I need to plan in that one rest day to allow my muscles to recover. I think it’s just as important to give myself a day of rest.
Do you have any experience with injuries? How has that affected the way you train?
When I was 13, I tore ligaments in my right knee from excessive exercise. That was because I was going back and forth between netball practice and rehearsals for an upcoming dance competition (both at my high school). I remember that I had to wear a knee brace during my performances. That’s actually how I got into Pilates. My mom, a fitness enthusiast, suggested I do her Pilates DVDs with her to strengthen the smaller muscles in my knees. Today I still do Pilates diligently to protect my joints and prevent further injuries.
How does Pilates work for you as a dancer?
It’s a great mix of muscle lengthening and added strength. I need both by targeting those small muscle groups to burn out and build them up and to stretch and relax those muscles. Pilates has helped me keep my core strong and build strength.
How do you incorporate meditation or mindfulness into your fitness routine?
I achieve this in two different ways. First, dancing gives me the ability to get completely out of my head. I follow a routine, concentrating on the movements and the music. It doesn’t give my mind room to think of anything else. It’s a form of escapism, but also staying fully present in what you’re doing.
Second, I take long walks or runs when I’m working through something. This time allows me to think through my emotions and clear my mind to understand how to find a solution.
How important is it to you to feel comfortable in your workout clothes?
Feeling good gives you confidence. Feeling confident means you can take on whatever the day throws at you. Comfort is everything! The last thing to worry about is how your clothes look when you’re trying to do an activity. Clothing should always support your routine, not hinder it. Lululemon offers a variety of exercise equipment for every body type without compromising on quality. What I love about Lululemon is that you can put on your workout gear without ever thinking about how you look; You just know you’re comfortable in it – and you’re ready to conquer your day.
See also: How compression gear works and why it improves your performance