The last time I couldn't face another monotonous fitness routine hoping to regain sanity, increase stamina and look good, I took a Nia class from Monica Whipple. That was in 2004 and I haven't looked back.

Nia is the only fitness routine that makes me laugh - every time! Described as "transformational movement … done barefoot to diverse music," Nia promised being more joyful, expressive and alive in my body. I did and I do.

A recent dementia study reported that people who dance three to four times a week showed "76 percent less incidence of dementia than those who danced only once a week or not at all." For this boomer, that's great news. However, the main reasons I dance to Nia routines three times a week are access to energy, flexibility and joy!

Jean Bonifas lives in Corvallis.