Group reformer Pilates class at Serenity studio in Iowa City

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.

See Class Times Meet Marcie

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 session at Serenity studio, Iowa City

Reformer Pilates

Spring-resistance reformer training that builds deep core strength, stability, and flexibility through controlled, low-impact movement.

Small-group Pilates class at Serenity studio, Iowa City

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 reformer Pilates instruction at Serenity studio, Iowa City

Private Pilates Instruction

One-on-one sessions tailored to your body and goals, ideal for beginners, focused rehab, or deepening your practice.

Pilates therapy and rehabilitation session with Marcie Evans at Serenity, Iowa City

Pilates Therapy & Rehab

Rehabilitative Pilates for post-surgery recovery, injury rehab, prenatal needs, and chronic conditions, progressing at your pace.

Students practicing tabletop position on their mats during the Intro to Pilates: Mat series at Serenity Yoga & Pilates Studio

Intro to Pilates: Mat

A 6-week beginner series with Tricia: no machines, just your body and a mat, building deep core strength from the first class. Learn about our Mat Pilates classes

See the Full Class Schedule Book a Private Session

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.

Book Your $35 Orientation

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, scaled to you

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.

Small groups

Genuinely small groups

You get real attention and hands-on cues in every session, never lost in a crowded, fast-paced room.

Certified Yoga Therapist

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 Story

A 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 Orientation

What Our Iowa City Students Say

5.0
Based on 43 reviews
review us on
K E.
2 weeks ago
Having Scoliosis makes finding the right corrective exercise program challenging. Marcie Evans is fantastic at modifying exercises so I can strengthen the weaker parts of my body while becoming less dependent on the stronger parts. Right now, I’m using the Pilates reformer to increase my mobility, improve my posture, and build my body awareness. Every session is carefully adapted with a strong focus on proper alignment and proper movement. What I appreciate most is the attention to detail. I’m happy to work with Marcie, who guides me through my workouts.
Jafar Q.
2 weeks ago
I’ve been taking classes with Marcie for over a year, and she is a phenomenal instructor! The space is welcoming and great for people of all ages and skill levels. I’ve gained so much core strength and flexibility thanks to Marcie’s classes. Highly recommend!
Lori B.
3 weeks ago
Marcie is an experienced, skilled instructor who tailors our pilates classes to advance our strength and functioning while giving careful attention to our individual needs. Twice per week sessions have made all the difference in my goal to stay independent.
Leann G.
4 weeks ago
I highly recommend Serenity's Reformer Pilates classes. Marcie considers individual needs and enables everyone to feel successful. I'm happy to have found this studio!
Ruthanne H.
4 weeks ago
Marcie is an excellent teacher! She is able to adjust exercises for different physical needs or suggest alternate ones for different injuries. The energy in the studio is positive and friendly!
Stacy C.
4 weeks ago
Marcie is an excellent instructor. She meets you where you are at and provides ways for you to improve. She creates a supportive and encouraging environment
Nicole V.
4 weeks ago
This is such a lovely space, in a great location (eastside Iowa City). Marcie offers a terrific range of options that meet a variety of client goals, no matter where you're starting from, and her guest instructors are knowledgeable and welcoming. A+!
Sylvia L.
4 weeks ago
I came to Serenity when I first retired from a job where I had spent a lot of time sitting. I wanted to be able to garden, fly fish and play dog games after retirement. Not only has Serenity helped me to obtain those goals, but I love the classes. I look forward to the classes every week and my knees and hips are better than they were 8 yrs. ago.
Kristin B.
3 months ago
As a yoga teacher and movement coach with more than 20 years of teaching experience, I have a pretty high standard when it comes to classes, instructors, and studio culture. I was excited to find a true aerial class while visiting the area, and it absolutely met, and exceeded, my expectations. The instructor created an environment that felt both challenging and incredibly safe. I was encouraged to try new things, push my edges, and have fun, while always feeling supported and well-guided. The balance of skill-building, clear instruction, and playfulness was excellent. What stood out even more was the sense of community. From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed. The owner greeted me by name, checked in throughout the evening, and made me feel like I belonged, even as a first-time visitor. The other students were warm and welcoming, and by the end of class we were laughing and joking together as a group. The small class size (a maximum of five hammocks) allows for plenty of individualized attention, which made the experience feel both personal and supportive. I left feeling accomplished, energized, and already wishing I lived closer so I could come back regularly. If you're looking for an aerial class that is professionally taught, welcoming, challenging, and genuinely fun, I highly recommend it.
Mendi S.
8 months ago
If you are looking for intentional, functional, movement to build strength and mobility Serenity is the place. Marcie's knowledge and attention to detail has helped me reduce my pain and keeps me strong and moving.
PILATES FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

New to Pilates, or new to Serenity? Here is what most people want to know before their first session.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Driving in from Coralville? See our yoga & Pilates classes near Coralville page.

Start with an Orientation Try Online & On-Demand

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