Overview
Serenity Yoga & Pilates Studio in Iowa City offers online and in-person movement therapy focused on pain relief, functional movement, and personalized care. Owner Marcie Evans, with 25 years of experience and credentials including a Master’s in Integrated Physiology and certification as a Yoga Therapist (IAYT), designs individualized programs using yoga, Pilates, and therapeutic techniques. The studio serves a diverse clientele from teens to centenarians, including those with autoimmune diseases, stroke recovery, and sports injuries. Offerings include aerial yoga, anti-gravity yoga, reformer Pilates, small group classes, and online yoga therapy video libraries. Reviews consistently praise the welcoming atmosphere, Marcie’s deep knowledge, and the supportive community that helps clients achieve lasting improvements in strength, flexibility, and pain management. Serenity is especially noted for accommodating those with physical limitations and creating a non-judgmental space for healing.
Yoga Format
Studio Amenities
Studio Business Hours
| Day | Status | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Open | 8:00 am – 6:30 pm |
| Tuesday | Open | 6:00 am – 12:30 pm |
| Wednesday | Open | 8:00 am – 7:30 pm |
| Thursday | Open | 8:00 am – 12:30 pm |
| Friday | Open | 8:00 am – 1:30 pm |
| Saturday | Open | 7:00 am – 9:00 am |
| Sunday | Closed | – |
Studio in Details
Overview
Serenity Yoga & Pilates Studio serves the Iowa City area with a blend of online and in-person movement therapy. Founded by Marcie Evans, the studio emphasizes functional movement, pain relief, and personalized care. Marcie, who holds a Master’s in Integrated Physiology from the University of Iowa and is a Certified Exercise Physiologist, has over 25 years of experience in natural healing and movement modalities. Her own journey with autoimmune disease informs a compassionate, informed approach that resonates with clients who have not found relief elsewhere.
The studio caters to a wide range of clients aged 13 to 100, including stroke survivors, cancer patients, those with autoimmune conditions, and athletes. Many come seeking help for chronic pain, past injuries, or neurological deficiencies. Serenity’s environment is described as welcoming, supportive, and non-judgmental, with a strong sense of community that extends beyond class times.
Services and Programs
Serenity offers a variety of class formats to meet different needs. In-studio options include aerial yoga, anti-gravity yoga, reformer Pilates (Stott Pilates), and small group or private sessions focused on movement therapy. Online programs feature live classes, recorded yoga therapy sessions, and a monthly yoga club with progressing practices. Specialty programs address specific conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome through yoga therapy pilot groups.
The studio’s Pilates and yoga classes are designed to build strength, flexibility, and neural pathways for pain-free movement. Marcie incorporates contemporary Pilates, which adapts easily to individual needs and is influenced by physical therapy. Props such as mats, blocks, straps, and bolsters are available. Booking is handled directly through the studio, with options for drop-ins and memberships.
Approach and Philosophy
Marcie Evans and her team take a holistic, individualized approach to each client. Sessions are tailored to the person’s learning style, health history, and movement goals. The focus is on releasing tension, activating muscles, and retraining movement patterns through a combination of yoga, Pilates, breathwork, and trauma-informed techniques. Clients learn to take charge of their own functional movement and develop practices that invigorate rather than cause further pain.
Marcie’s credentials include Yoga Therapist (IAYT), Level 2 Neuro Studio Pilates Practitioner, Level 1 Sundara Yoga Therapy Trauma Informed Yoga Therapist, Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT), Certified Breast Cancer Exercise Specialist, and Level 2 Antigravity Yoga Instructor. This depth of knowledge allows her to customize routines for complex conditions. Testimonials highlight significant improvements in chronic pain, balance, strength, and overall well-being, with many clients describing the studio as life-changing.