A poi is a ball on a cord. Poi are moved in circular patterns to create a state of “flow” and a sense of rhythm, fluidity, and self-expression.

Poi spinning is a traditional performance art form originating from the indigenous Māori people of New Zealand and holds cultural significance within Māori communities. It was traditionally used as a form of warrior training by Māori warriors to improve coordination, timing, and weapon skills. Poi spinning helped warriors develop agility and hand-eye coordination necessary for combat. Poi spinning was also used by Māori women to maintain flexibility and dexterity in their hands and arms.

The Origins of Poi Spinning

Today, poi spinning has evolved into a diverse and vibrant art form practiced by people around the world. It falls under the niche of “Flow Arts”. Flow artists often perform at events like festivals, gatherings, or even in street performances, showcasing their unique styles and skills.

The Flow Arts

Poi spinning isn’t just about entertainment—it’s also a powerful tool for boosting your brain and body.

Poi spinning enhances brain health by improving coordination, motor skills, and balance. It engages both sides of the brain, sharpening neural connections and keeping your mind agile. For individuals with neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s, poi spinning can support motor function, reduce stress, and improve overall quality of life.

Beyond physical benefits, poi spinning serves as a moving meditation. It’s a fantastic way to reduce anxiety, enhance focus, and experience the calming flow state. Whether you’re a kid, an adult, a beginner, or a senior, poi spinning is an inclusive activity that’s easy to enjoy. It’s also a great way to connect with others, laugh, and have fun!

The Health Benefits of Poi Spinning

Enhance Balance and Body Awareness
Poi spinning challenges you to stay balanced and in control while working with the poi. This helps strengthen your proprioception (your sense of body position) and improves balance, reducing the risk of falls and boosting stability.

Relieve Stress and Support Mental Health
Poi spinning is part of the flow arts, and it’s called that for a reason—it helps you enter a state of flow. This fully immersive state allows you to let go of stress and focus entirely on the present moment. It’s a calming practice that can reduce anxiety and ease mental tension.

Get Creative and Express Yourself
Poi spinning is more than a physical activity—it’s a form of art. You can create your unique style and come up with new moves, which makes it a fantastic outlet for self-expression. Plus, engaging in creative activities is proven to boost mood, self-esteem, and overall psychological well-being.

Cultivate Mindfulness and Meditation
Spinning poi can become a moving meditation. By focusing on your breath, the rhythm of your movements, and the feel of the poi, you can tune into the present moment and let everything else fade away. It’s an excellent way to clear your mind and find emotional balance.

Social connection
Poi spinning brings people together. Whether you join a local group, participate in events, or connect with others online, you’ll find a supportive and passionate community. Sharing your practice and learning from others adds another layer of joy and fulfillment.

Boost Your Fitness
Poi spinning keeps your arms, shoulders, and upper body in constant motion, offering a workout that can range from moderate to intense. It’s a great way to build cardiovascular health, improve muscle tone, enhance flexibility, and increase endurance—all while having fun.

Sharpen Coordination and Motor Skills
Learning to spin poi takes hand-eye coordination, timing, and spatial awareness. Over time, it helps refine your motor skills and improve coordination, making it beneficial for everyday activities.

Meet your wellness coach!

Hi, my name is Tariya. I’m a corporate executive, turned healthcare worker, turned brain health advocate!

• Certified personal trainer

• Certified nutritionist

• Certified health coach

• Certified brain fitness coach

• Certified meditation teacher

• Certified SpinPoi instructor

• Licensed CNA

Welcome to Simply Poi, where I offer coaching sessions for people of all ages and abilities on using poi spinning as a therapeutic tool for brain health and wellness.

Let's work together to boost brain performance, prevent cognitive decline, and cultivate overall wellness through engaging exercises, activities, and practices that'll challenge and nourish your mind.

What is wellness coaching?

A wellness coach specializing in brain fitness is a trained health professional dedicated to helping individuals create and maintain a balanced lifestyle, with a special emphasis on cognitive well-being.

Many people face challenges that can affect their health and overall quality of life. Wellness coaching offers a personalized and holistic approach to tackle these challenges, helping you set and achieve health goals, manage stress, and maintain a heathy work-life balance. Coaches guide you in developing sustainable habits, such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and quality sleep, all crucial for maintaining both physical and mental resilience.

Moreover, wellness coaching is a valuable resource for enhancing your coping mechanisms, communication skills, and emotional intelligence.

Here’s how a wellness coach can support you:

• Let go of physical and emotional weight

• Discover nutrition that works for YOUR body

• Retrain your mind to stop making excuses

• Enhance brain performance and prevent early cognitive decline

• Improve the quality of your rest and sleep

• Ignite the motivation you need to reach your goals

• Restructure your schedule to include yourself

• Become a pro at managing stress

• Improve your fitness

By focusing on these areas, a wellness coach helps you achieve a well-rounded, healthier lifestyle that supports both your cognitive and overall well-being.

Why should I pay for coaching when I can look stuff up online for free?

Books, courses and videos are great for creating awareness, but awareness isn’t always enough for transformation to occur. A book, for example, cannot hold you accountable for your actions and often assumes a ‘one size fits all’ approach.

Wellness coaching can help with this! You don’t just get life-changing information. Your coach will provide you with all the knowledge, guidance, resources and inspiration you need to identify and achieve your wellness goals.

My Coaching Style

In my coaching approach, I focus on guiding and supporting you to recognize and overcome any self-limiting beliefs or behaviors that might be holding you back. I’m passionate about helping people of all ages and abilities achieve their best health, both mentally and physically.

While many wellness plans emphasize calorie counting, intense exercise, or trendy diets like keto or paleo, I take a different route. Rather than setting strict rules and focusing on numbers, I believe in making small, manageable changes that fit seamlessly into your life.

My approach is all about gradual improvements rather than drastic measures. I don’t promote extreme diets or intense training because they’re often hard to maintain and may not be the best for your long-term health. Instead, I use a science-based, holistic approach that’s tailored specifically to you.

By making small adjustments to your habits and routines, many of my clients achieve more than they initially imagined. We work together to set and reach your goals in a way that fits your unique situation.

If your goal is to become a bikini model or an ultra-marathon runner, my coaching style might not be the best fit. However, if you’re looking to boost cognitive function and improve overall wellness, I’m here to help you enhance your quality of life in a balanced and sustainable way.

Group Coaching

Group coaching creates a supportive community environment where participants can share their challenges, successes, and experiences with each other. This sense of camaraderie and mutual support can be motivating and encouraging for participants.

In a group setting, participants can learn from the experiences and perspectives shared by others in the group. This can provide additional insights, ideas, and strategies that may not have been considered in a one-on-one coaching session.

Group coaching usually follows a set schedule and curriculum, which may be less flexible in terms of timing and content compared to private coaching. If you are looking for a more personalized experience, then private coaching may be a better fit for you.

Private 1:1 Coaching

Private coaching offers a personalized experience where the coach focuses solely on your specific needs, goals, and challenges. You get tailored feedback and strategies designed specifically for you.

Sessions are flexible and can be adjusted to fit your schedule and evolving needs. This one-on-one approach allows you to dive deep into personal issues and receive support that’s tailored to your unique situation. Conversations are private, so you can discuss sensitive topics openly without anyone else around. You progress at your own pace, with the coaching process adapting to your comfort level.

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, and appreciate learning from others’ experiences while working towards similar goals, then group coaching may be a better fit.

Corporate Wellness Consulting

Corporate wellness consulting offers tailored solutions to boost employee health and well-being, aiming to enhance morale, engagement, and productivity. The focus is on creating a healthier and more motivated workforce, which can lead to higher job satisfaction, reduced absenteeism, and better overall performance.

When a company invests in the well-being of its staff, it sends a clear message of care and appreciation. This can lead to increased loyalty and a positive company culture, which is crucial in retaining top talent and driving long-term success.

Let's talk!

Shoot me an email or a DM on social media to learn more about how I can help you on your wellness journey.