Eating disorders and exercise addiction can be debilitating. Jenn Hicks has been teaching Nia for about 16 years, but before that, she was diagnosed with anorexia and exercise addiction. She was severely depressed. Food and exercise were the most important things in her life. Healing from an eating disorder is a process, often a very long one. As Jenn has walked her own path toward healing, she’s become a beacon, helping others find their path as well. Sharing stories together on this episode has been healing for me. I hope it is for you as well.

What is Nia?

Nia is a sensory-based movement practice that draws from martial arts, dance arts and healing arts. It empowers people of all shapes and sizes by connecting the body, mind, emotions and spirit. Classes are taken barefoot to soul-stirring music in more than 45 countries.

Meet Jenn Hicks

Jenn Hicks is a Nia fitness instructor who also runs a private practice in Speech-Language Pathology, specializing in acquired brain injury. Nia is a holistic movement and wellness practice addressing each aspect of one’s life, including body, mind, and spirit. Jenn has been teaching Nia through a body/fat positivity and Health At Every Size lens ever since recovering from her eating disorder and exercise addiction. She was recently named NOW Magazine’s Best Virtual Fitness Instructor for 2020. 

Do You Relate? Need Help?

If you feel you may have an eating disorder, please reach out to a medical professional. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your own condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the PlayGrounding website.

If you are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. If you’re having suicidal thoughts, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area at any time (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline). If you are located outside the United States, call your local emergency line immediately.