You could call it fusion fitness. It's part dance, part martial arts and part yoga.

And if you ask David Gaskin, it's the escape from the treadmill he was searching for.

"I joined the gym a year and a half ago and hired a trainer, who put me on the treadmill and weights and I hated ... just hated it," said Gaskin.

Gaskin said he talked to his trainer about his frustration. The trainer recommended Nia.

Link: The Nia Technique: Find A Class Near You

KNTV-TV in San Jose recently reported that students say it beats the monotony of traditional exercise. The music is always changing, along with the movements.

There's even a chance to dance to the beat of your inner drummer -- but don't confuse free expression with a free ride. Nia is a full-body workout.

"A lot of people see us flowing around and think this is just silly dance, but there is so much to Nia, it's a total cardiovascular workout," said instructor Monica Welty.

Cheryl Wilson credits Nia for her new figure.

"I've gone from size 12 pant to a size 8 and I've lost 20 pounds," she said.

KNTV reported other benefits of the Nia workout include: improved flexibility, muscle strength and tone.

The motto is: "No pain, all gain."

Welty reminds students to listen to their bodies and don't feel compelled to do exactly what she's doing if its uncomfortable.