stepwise now balance studio opens

Molly Olivia Roffman (above) wants to meet you. But, more important, you will want to meet her. That’s because she’s on a mission to help people continue to live independently by helping to prevent falls.

Molly has seen, first-hand, the devastating consequences of falls in her work as a physical therapist. And, while one in four Americans aged 65 and older falls each year, the striking fact is that most falls are actually preventable. Says Molly, falls are usually a result of multiple lifestyle and physical factors: from bad footwear, vision and hearing issues, rushing around and stress to dehydration, and lack of flexibility and strength.

Recognizing the need for an ongoing community program that provides classes for different levels of needs, and having taught balance fitness at various locations in Westchester, Molly decided to establish a permanent home in Briarcliff Manor for her StepWise Now balance program.

All of Molly’s classes are intended to improve balance fitness and enable people to maintain, and even regain, their independence. The program can be transformative, with benefits from the classes including: improved stamina, strength, balance reactions, posture, flexibility, confidence, cognitive focus and mood.

Molly encourages anyone over 50 to come and start working on their balance skills – before they decline.

The StepWise Now one-hour classes include Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention; Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance; Line-Up (line dancing); Zumba Gold with a balance focus; and Chair Yoga. All classes are appropriately modified from their traditional form.

Molly will even send you home with a 10-minute “kitchen sink workout” to practice on your own.

Classes are on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays between 8am-4pm. The schedule will be expanded this year. The studio is located at 325 South Highland Ave. (Route 9) on the Ossining/Briarcliff border. For more info: Molly@stepwisenow.com or 914-292-0602; www.stepwisenow.com

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