Students Rave about Red Fox Fitness Classes

Yoga Instructor Meghan Priest '22. Photo by Dylan Thompson ‘23

Students are enjoying the Marist College recreational activities taught by professionals, such as boxing and yoga, creating popularity and growth among the programs.

The programs are run by Julie Byron, Assistant Director for Intramural and Club Sports at Marist. While Byron has only been at Marist for three years, these classes have been present for many years prior. 

“The boxing and yoga classes in particular have been popular for students for many years,” said Byron.

The boxing class is taught by former fighter and professional referee Ron Lipton. Lipton has been an instructor at Marist for 20 years, bringing valuable experience to his classes. In 2014, Lipton was inducted into the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame, as well as the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame in 2020. 

“I bring a lifetime of experience. I have been fortunate enough to work with legendary champions and I was paid to be with Muhammad Ali for a good part of his career. I took a lot from these legends and I bring the whole package from that,” said Lipton.

Lipton’s boxing class focuses on balance and timing as well as skill training with a variety of punches. He runs the class as if the participants are real fighters. 

“I started a couple of weeks ago. This is the fourth class I’ve gone to and it’s really fun,” said Ashley Loriggio ‘24. “It’s all for fun and getting in shape like a fighter would.”

The class has had to alter its plans due to COVID-19, but Lipton still focuses on the health and safety of his participants. He adheres to the school’s guidelines and requires masks and social distancing during his class. 

“We have to wear masks during it, which is difficult because it’s hard to breathe in there,” said Lorrigio. 

The yoga classes are also widely popular on campus as they help students to relieve stress during the semester. The classes are taught by Marist students who must be qualified and trained instructors. Meghan Priest ‘22, a yoga instructor in the McCormick Hall Dance Studio, has been teaching since the start of the fall semester. 

“I try to focus on yoga philosophy and values that teach us how to live our lives, but also this class is just a workout,” said Priest. 

“Yoga has helped me become more of a relaxed person mentally and it has helped me become more flexible,” said Kaycee Volmar ‘23. 

The COVID-19 rules are more relaxed in the yoga classes as participants don’t have to wear a mask. However, Priest has had to make changes to the way she teaches her class.

“I try not to do any hand adjustments with people because I don’t want to make anybody uncomfortable,” said Priest.

The Marist recreational activities encourage students to check out a class and get active, especially during stressful times throughout the semester.

“The best place to monitor these classes is by using IMLeagues,” said Byron.