Alpha Sigma Tau Makes a Safe Space through Pilates at Marist

AST in action during their pilates class. Photo by Emma Cornfeldt '26

The Alpha Sigma Tau (AST) sorority at Marist University has hopped onto the Pilates craze.

The Pilates program hosted by Michelle Pantaleo has bloomed across Marist over the past two years. More and more people are inspired to come together to get some movement in. AST wanted to experience the Pilates fun and decided to dedicate a class just for their sisters to have a special bonding experience while also getting in a good workout. 

“This is a perfect representation of our sisterhood,” said Christina Cirrincione ‘26, president of AST. “Exercising can be difficult, so having our sisters to support one another is not only empowering, but also fun and a great experience to do all together.”

“This is a great way to just destress, work out and get together as an organization,” added Pantaleo. 

Throughout the class, the Tau girls cheered each other on, laughing through the pain and overall working as a team.

“I think doing events with your sorority is so important because it brings you together outside of chapter meetings,” said Isabella Edri ‘26, vice president of organizational development. “It’s a great way to become closer with one another and connect through different activities.”

Even in a plank position, AST girls had a blast. 

“I started hosting private classes a few years ago,” said Pantaleo. “It is a great way to boost an organization and just come together and let off some steam.”

Pantaleo hosts classes weekly in the McCann Center for anyone to join. However, schedules can get busy, and sometimes it can feel intimidating going to a workout class by yourself. 

“If you come to a group class, you may just be here for a workout; however, for the private classes, it is so much more than that,” said Pantaleo. “It is the bonding and getting together to do something fun.”

For AST, they wanted to create that safe space. It can be that much more motivating to hop into a workout in a comfortable environment with your sisters all around to support. 

“It is so important as a sorority to not only do something fun, but to push each other as well,” said Cirrincione. “I know that me and the rest of the AST board are constantly challenging and supporting one another to be the best we can as leaders, and we want to spread that to the rest of the members in the sorority.”

Pilates is not only a great way to move your body, break a sweat and gain some strength, but it is also a way to connect, challenge and bond with a community.

“We are constantly there for one another and empowering each other to reach our goals,” said Cirrincione. “Pilates is a perfect representation of that because it can be hard, but doing it all together is what motivates one another.”