Tech-powered clarity. Instructor-led focus. Community-driven flow.
Step into a place where innovative tech meets mindful movement, each Pilates session tailored to each person, shared in a space that inspires strength and connection.
cœur /kɜ:r/
In traditional Pilates studios, the experience can feel more confusing than empowering. You’ll often see clients looking around the room, unsure of what to do - waiting for someone else to make the first move. If that “someone else” is also guessing, mistakes ripple through the room. Instructors often have to pause the entire class to demonstrate a move, breaking the rhythm and momentum.
Group classes sometimes feel generic, led by cues the instructor is most comfortable teaching - not necessarily what’s best for the group.
And personal training? Often priced out of reach.
On top of that, the environment doesn’t inspire movement - it feels clinical, cold, or like a place you go for rehab, not transformation.
We’ve reimagined Pilates: elevated design, a serene space, and a class format built for flow, not chaos.
The result? A smarter, more inclusive, and empowering Pilates experience - for everyone.
It's more than Pilates. It's a heartwork.
♡
It's more than Pilates. It's a heartwork. ♡
Iva M., Founder
With a Bachelor’s degree in Sport Management and Computer Science, and a Master’s in User-Centered Design, I bring a rare blend of movement science, technology, and human - centered thinking to the fitness space. I’m a certified Pilates instructor with experience teaching clients across all levels—and I’m also a former tech employee and a mom of two.
Before moving to the U.S., I co - founded a thriving online business with a friend. We built it from scratch and eventually sold it for a strong return. That experience taught me what it takes to build trust, scale intentionally, and create lasting impact.
I also come from a family of entrepreneurs, with a business that has thrived for over 30 years. That foundation instilled in me a deep understanding of what it takes to build something meaningful—vision, resilience, and a commitment to service. It’s a mindset I bring into every detail of my work.
On top of all that, I live the life my clients live: juggling work, family, limited time and energy - and often battling back pain from long office hours or the physical demands of parenting. I understand what it feels like to want to move and feel stronger, but not know where to start, or feel unsure about walking into a traditional fitness space.
Why this works?
I’ve experienced both the barriers and breakthroughs that Pilates can bring. My background in tech and UX allows me to design a studio experience that removes the friction - from unclear instruction to intimidating environments - while keeping the human connection front and center.
I’m uniquely positioned to build a space that blends tech, inclusivity, and intentional movement - designed by someone who truly gets what today’s client needs.
Mission
I’m on a mission to make Pilates more accessible - by lowering the barriers to start, offering smart modifications, personal attention, and creating a space that feels safe, supportive, and elevated.
With intelligent movement, intuitive class design, and a strong sense of community, we empower people—especially busy individuals - to build strength, confidence, and connection, no matter where they’re starting from.
Why SLU?
South Lake Union is the ideal home for Cœur Pilates - a modern, tech-forward studio designed for a vibrant, high-performing community. This neighborhood offers a rare convergence of qualities that make it uniquely aligned with our studio’s identity and success:
High density + high wellness IQ = ideal clients.
SLU is full of high-income households and walkable apartment and condo living, making it easy for clients to pop in before work, on a lunch break, or before daycare pickup.
Proximity to Major Employers
The area hosts a dense population of young professionals working at Amazon, Google, Meta, and leading biotech firms. These workers look for efficient, high-quality fitness options that fit seamlessly into their fast-paced lifestyles.
Design-Driven, Innovation-Oriented Community
This is a neighborhood that appreciates forward-thinking design, technology, and user-friendly solutions. Cœur Pilates speaks directly to that mindset—with elegant interiors, screen-guided workouts, and personalized instruction that meets members where they are.
Active Parents Balancing Life & Work
With many young families in the area, parents seek effective, time-conscious fitness solutions near home or work. Our 40-minute sessions and flexible class design provide exactly that.
Aligned Energy & Growth
SLU is energetic, growing, and filled with people actively seeking movement, clarity, and connection. We’re not just a studio—they’ll see us as a lifestyle support system.
Why Cœur ?
Pilates is growing - and fast.
The global Pilates and yoga studios market is projected to reach $417.07 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 10.6%. This reflects rising demand for wellness practices that are sustainable, intelligent, and community-driven.
Boutique fitness is thriving.
Consumers are moving away from big-box gyms and gravitating toward high-touch, high-design fitness experiences. Boutique studios now account for over 40% of the fitness market share, and are especially popular among women aged 25–45 - our primary demographic.
Tech-powered, hybrid fitness is the new norm.
Demand for tech-integrated workouts continues to rise. Studies show that 45% of consumers prefer hybrid or tech-enhanced fitness experiences, whether through on-screen guidance, wearable integrations, or personalized progression.
Local demand is outpacing supply
In South Lake Union, there are currently two Pilates-inspired studios offering Lagree-style formats. Both frequently operate at full capacity with long waitlists, making it difficult for new clients to get in. Additionally, Club Pilates provides reformer fusion classes, though it may not offer the boutique, elevated experience some clients seek. Furthermore, there are two studios in the area that focus on private sessions geared toward rehabilitation.This indicates unmet demand for additional reformer Pilates options in the area—particularly for those seeking a more personalized, beginner-friendly, or non-Lagree approach.
SLU is the right place - right now.
We complement the neighborhood’s lifestyle ecosystem.
Cœur Pilates fits right into SLU’s broader wellness and lifestyle scene, with proximity to local coffee shops, healthy eateries, skin care and massage studios, chiropractic clinics and more.
Great visibility + easy access.
High foot traffic from daily commuters and dog walkers. Accessible via public transit, bike lanes, and walkable from major employers. Strong street presence makes it easy to discover and promotes community feel.
Customer Experience + Studio Design
Class Format & Structure
40-minute group classes: shorter, optimized workouts and classes that are designed to be efficient and effective in a short amount of time
Max 12 reformers per session, promoting personal attention and intimacy
Each reformer has a screen with real-time exercise visuals, freeing the instructor to offer 1-on-1 adjustments without stopping class
Community & Lifestyle
Cœur is a space where modern wellness meets real life. We attract high-performing women, parents, and professionals seeking strength, clarity, and connection - without the intimidation of traditional fitness spaces.
Our 40-minute, tech-guided classes make Pilates efficient, approachable, and habit-forming: perfect for busy lives in South Lake Union.
This is more than movement. It’s lifestyle support for people doing it all.
We're currently seeking a studio space between 1,300-2,000 sq ft to bring this vision to life - welcoming, efficient, and deeply rooted in the rhythm of this community.
