The Energy Movement Center Offers Group & Individualized Instruction in Qigong & Tai Chi, Zen Yoga & Five Element Meridian Stretching

Start your journey to physical, energetic, and spiritual wellness.

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Darby Melnik has worked as a certified personal trainer, group exercise instructor and wellness coach for over 30 years, helping hundreds of people navigate their perceived physical limitations through strengthening the smaller deeper muscles to help support the larger muscles.

You can now access these life changing teachings online!

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The Energy Movement Center Supports Your Body and Mind

  • I have been going to Darby for a few years and taking classes as well. This is a place I feel at home. Darby genuinely cares about me, and all her students. She is a mentor for me in body, mind, diet and just life. I really care about her too. Her opinions about how to manage pain and weight, etc. have been invaluable to me. You would be so lucky to have her as a friend as well as a trainer and teacher. The Peekskill community considers her a jewel. And by the way yes she has helped me be stronger, more educated about my body and spirit, and really instinctively knows what you need. Sorry Darby if I embarrass you with all my gushiness but I am being honest! Sometimes I take a break but she never lets me get too lazy!

    Emily K.

  • ★★★★★ This is a fitness center that helped me to address my goals through yoga, nutritional recommendations, and other techniques. I have arthritis in my hip and knee and I learned many ways to become more flexible, diminish pain and to increase my overall level of endurance. Check Energy Movement Center out, it’s much more than just another gym!

    Annette D.

  • I had been taking classes at Energy Movement Center sporadically. Recently, however, I have been able to increase the number of classes I take each week… I am amazed at the improvement in my stamina, strength, and overall health. I really love the small class sizes, the personal involvement of the instructors, and the community atmosphere. All these helped to help me (overweight, uncoordinated, and sedentary) to get over the hump and start seriously exercising.

    Melinda C. 

  • Due to advanced arthritis, I was looking for a physical activity which was gentle, yet effective and mindful. Through Darby’s expertise, commitment and individualized attention, Qigong has improved my mobility, flexibility and balance. I continue to make progress and enjoy Qigong.

    Ann Abrahamson

  • I have known Darby and Alan for a few years now. They effectively teach Go No Sen Tai Chi and Qigong. They are friendly, detail-oriented, extremely competent and have excellent rapport with people of all ages. I have Parkinson’s and I appreciate them working with me.

    Steve M.

  • I love working out with Darby! She really understands how the body functions and uses a combination of Qijong, yoga, stretch to strength for a total body and mind workout.

    Deb Milone

  • I have increased my core strength and endurance. As a result my energy level has increased. I love the energy and camaraderie of the classes. The instructors are very knowledgeable.

    Sharon P.

  • I discovered EMC in February and it changed my life. When I first started I was overweight and out of shape and could barely make it through class but I was hooked. The instructors each have their own style but they are all engaging, encouraging and passionate. 10 months later I have lost 40 lbs and feel better than I have in years. (EMC) will transport you and transform you.

    Laurie C.

  • Hi Darby! I wanted to tell you that I think your class is great and I think it is really helping me! I already feel much better!! Thanks so much for your wonderful instruction and encouragement.

    Wendy Garber

  • THANK YOU DARBY! Got the results from my blood work today. My total cholesterol was 192, hdl was 64 ldl 112. Been 2 months since I took any medication to control cholesterol. It’s working!

    John

  • Hi Darby,Just finished my intervals on old Montauk highway. I’m able to fit into clothes that I had given up on. I can’t thank you enough.

    Maureen

  • I’ve been at EMC for 7 years. I love the movement, challenge, the group dynamic all set to fantastic music and led by wonderful teachers. I’d miss ALL if I didn’t come and that motivates me to get out the door and to class in the morning. A great way to begin my day.

    Sheliah R.

  • Ever since my first ballet class at age 5, movement activities have been a constant in my life. When I discovered EMC 64 years later, I recognized the real thing. Darby has expanded the types of classes to include not only yoga but Pilates, Cardio/Sculpt … Each teacher treats you with a personal touch and is entirely professional. EMC is the best!

    Kay Barthelmes

  • Thanks Darby, I wanted to tell you how great I feel about the changes I made in my diet since taking your seminar. We eat almost no processed food anymore. I feel good, my nails are growing like crazy (since I pretty much quit dairy, except for the 1/2 & 1/2 in my coffee, go figure!) The scale is gone, my clothing fits great, no belly, and on the vain side, I’ve gotten many compliments! Thanks

    Peg

  • Hi Darby, you’ve certainly listened to enough whining from me about my various ailments, so how about this: after our last session on Thursday, my knee has been absolutely pain free. The results were immediate. I knew as soon as I walked down your stairs (I was also high as a kite from the endorphin rush, but that’s another matter, lol). Anyway, wow, amazing! I’ve been using the roller every day.

    Sturgess

  • I started training with Darby in order to increase my balance, flexibility, and strength. An interesting side effect of this training was an incredible drop in my cholesterol. Ten months after this work with Darby my cholesterol, which was very high, dropped down to normal. It went down slowly as I worked out – from 265 to 240 to 203. I was unable to take cholesterol meds (such as Lipitor) because I had muscle aches and other side effects. I never believed that I would get my cholesterol down by other means. I am extremely grateful to Darby for supporting my endeavor

    Helene

  • After several major surgeries followed by physical therapy, diet programs and exercise classes, I have finally found something that works for me in reaching my goals of losing weight and regaining strength and flexibility. [This] has provided me with not only one-on-one training, but encouragement, praise, and a genuine interest in my achievements regardless of my age and physical condition. One of the most rewarding experiences in my life has been joining.

    Marilyn Miranda, Age 80

  • My personal training sessions are always a positive experience both physically and psychologically. Even on days when I am tired or am not feeling well, I leave feeling energized and much better. I do not consider the personal training a luxury, I feel for me it is a necessity. The nutritional advice has also proved to be beneficial. My goal when I began with you was to lose weight, strengthen my core and improve my fitness level, all in an effort to avoid back surgery. Although I am still a work in progress, I consider my goals have been achieved.

    Tina Rickett

  • I just joined EMC two months ago and am sorry I didn’t know about it sooner. It’s a wonderful place that offers holistically oriented small, intimate classes led by seasoned as well as personable staff where individualized attention is the norm rather than the exception. The entire place reflects a sense of community and a commitment to excellence.

    Joyce Z. Meyers

  • Hey Darby! Just wanted to let you know that today I am going to the hospital to have the baby! I just wanted to say THANK YOU! You have truly made a difference in the way I feel both physically and mentally. I have had a great experience with this pregnancy (minus the nausea, but there is no avoiding that!) and I am so pleased with the way I have felt throughout. Even at this point I feel amazing, which most people can’t say. I do not feel 9 months pregnant! So, thank you for helping me get in the best shape ever after having Aiden and continuing right through this pregnancy. I can’t wait to get back into it!

    Andrea

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