Pilates & Reformer Training in Iowa City
Low-impact, expert-led Pilates for every body, from first-timers to athletes. Reformer-based training scaled to you, in our woman-owned Iowa City studio.
Start with an Orientation View Pilates Classes
PILATES AT SERENITY
Pilates that meets your body where it is
Our Pilates is therapeutic first. Whether you are rebuilding core strength, recovering from injury or surgery, or easing back into movement, every exercise is scaled to your body on the reformer. You do not need to be fit, flexible, or experienced to begin, just ready to start where you are.
Stronger core
Deep core stability and control, from the inside out.
Better posture
Improved alignment and balance for everyday movement.
More mobility
Greater flexibility and easier, pain-free motion.
Safe recovery
Low-impact rehab guided after surgery or injury.
WHAT WE OFFER
Our Pilates Classes & Programs
Every session is small-group or private and built around how your body actually moves. New students are always welcome.
Reformer Pilates
Spring-resistance reformer training that builds deep core strength, stability, and flexibility through controlled, low-impact movement.
Small-Group Pilates
Small classes kept low in size so you get real attention and hands-on cues, with every exercise scaled from beginner to advanced.
Private Pilates Instruction
One-on-one sessions tailored to your body and goals, ideal for beginners, focused rehab, or deepening your practice.
Pilates Therapy & Rehab
Rehabilitative Pilates for post-surgery recovery, injury rehab, prenatal needs, and chronic conditions, progressing at your pace.
New to Pilates? Start with a $35 orientation.
Your first visit is a relaxed, one-on-one new-student orientation for $35, so we can learn your goals and any limitations before you ever step onto the reformer. All equipment provided. Beginners always welcome.
See a Class in Action
Not sure what to expect on the reformer? Take a look inside a real class at our Iowa City studio, the pace, the space, and the kind of guidance you will get from your very first session.
WHY SERENITY
Pilates with a therapist’s eye
Therapeutic, not one-size-fits-all
Every session is built around your body and your history. We work with your injuries and conditions, not around them.
Genuinely small groups
You get real attention and hands-on cues in every session, never lost in a crowded, fast-paced room.
25 years of mind-body expertise
Marcie has taught Pilates and mind-body fitness since 1999, with a depth of training few studios can match.
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Marcie’s Story
Marcie has been teaching mind-body fitness and wellness since 1999, after coming through a 25-year battle with autoimmune disease. Her specialty is helping clients build new strength, flexibility, and neural pathways that lead to pain-free movement, and making sure that movement carries into daily life, sports, work, and the activities they love.
Her students range from age 13 to 100 and include stroke and cancer survivors, autoimmune patients, and amateur and professional athletes. As the only Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT) in Iowa City, Marcie brings a depth of training few studios can match.
Marcie Evans, MA, ACSM EP-C, C-IAYT, E-RYT, BCES · Certified Yoga Therapist
Read Marcie's Full StoryA STUDENT’S STORY
Real recovery, in their own words
When Pat needed hip-replacement surgery, Pilates became a key part of getting back to the movement he loves. Hear how reformer work at Serenity helped him target exactly the muscles that needed it.
Start with an OrientationWhat Our Iowa City Students Say
PILATES FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
New to Pilates, or new to Serenity? Here is what most people want to know before their first session.
I have never done Pilates, or I am not fit. Can I really start here?
Yes, and most of our students start exactly there. The reformer is one of the most beginner-friendly ways to build strength, because every exercise is scaled to your body and supported by the machine. Beginners are always welcome, and no one is watching or judging where you are starting from.
What is reformer Pilates?
The reformer is a spring-resistance machine that supports your body while you move, building core strength, stability, and flexibility with very little impact on your joints. We add or reduce resistance to match exactly what your body needs that day.
Is Pilates good for injury recovery or post-surgery rehab?
Yes. Pilates therapy is one of our specialties, supporting post-surgery recovery, injury rehab, prenatal needs, and chronic conditions. Every session is guided by Marcie Evans, who has spent 25 years helping clients rebuild pain-free movement.
What is the difference between your Pilates classes?
Small-Group Pilates gives you a low-capacity class with hands-on attention, Private Pilates is one-on-one and fully tailored, and Pilates Therapy is rehabilitative and condition-specific. New students often start with a private session or the $35 orientation so we can match you to the right class.
How do I get started as a new student?
Start with a $35 new-student orientation, a relaxed one-on-one session where we learn your goals and any limitations and introduce you to the reformer. All equipment is provided, and you can book your orientation online anytime.
What should I wear to my first class?
Wear comfortable, fitted clothing you can move in, and bring grippy socks if you have them. We have a pair available if you do not. Appointments are required, so booking ahead makes sure there is a spot ready for you.
LET’S GET STARTED
Ready to build strength that lasts?
Whether you are brand new to Pilates, coming back after an injury, or ready to go deeper, there is a spot on the reformer with your name on it. Start with a $35 new-student orientation at our Iowa City studio, serving Coralville, North Liberty, Solon, and West Branch.
Explore more at Serenity: Yoga · Barre · Student Stories