More than a Workout: How Marist Pilates Became a Community
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Pilates has been part of Marist University since Fall 2023, with instructor Michelle Pantaleo sharing her passion for the practice throughout the campus community.
Pilates started for students to have an outlet and a community to practice physical activity. A year and a half later, the course has become more than a workout class; it’s a family.
“I love pilates because it is a great community that comes here to uplift each other and the workouts are amazing,” said Olivia Pike ‘27.
On April 23, Pantaleo threw a pilates party to get the pilates community together and honor her dog Moxie, who has recently passed.
Students all around campus came to the gymnasium at McCann Center for a heartfelt celebration with music, picture boards of Moxie with students, cookies, cake and pizza.
Not only did this help students get to know their instructor on a more personal level, but it also helped make the class an unforgettable experience.
“We are here to unwind, distress, workout and eat!” said Pantaleo.
Pike added that although the event was not mandatory, she and other students chose to attend. “The purpose of this event is to definitely celebrate all the hard work us girls have put in this entire semester,” said Pike.
Mia Siano ‘25 said she has spent a lot of time with Pantaleo, going to pilates around three times a week. “I wanted to show her that we are here to support her,” she added.
This pilates course has helped Marist students gain confidence, practice healthy habits and create special friendships.
“I honestly have never done a workout where I feel overall toned in my body and stronger,” said Siano. “It has made me more confident in myself and has helped my physical and mental health.”
Pilates has grown to be a true safe space for Marist students. It has opened a door to enjoyable, welcoming and fun exercises. Students choose to show up and choose to do something that will benefit them.
“It is really special to have an exercise in a group setting because people can be scared to jump into a workout environment,” said Claudia Skretkowicz ‘26.
Pantaleo explained that as a result of the growth within her pilates community, “the classes started to fill and now it is a one-credit course.”
Pantaleo provided that moment of reflection for her students, reminding them how proud she is of their progress.
“The students are so wonderful…I truly adore the pilates community at Marist,” she said.