By Lily Munnik
What started as a shared love for movement and an idea inspired by fitness classes outside of Iowa has become one of Cedar Falls’ newest fitness studios.
That’s the journey of sisters Imonee and Arianna Qualls, who recently opened ALIGN at 2215 College Street, transforming a familiar space on College Hill into a high-energy fitness spot that combines reformer Pilates, Lagree and mat Pilates in a fun atmosphere rather than the rigor of a traditional workout class.
“Our goal is to create an experience that feels less like a workout and more like a fun night out,” said Arianna.
The sisters, who are nine years apart, have spent the last two years bringing their vision to life. Imonee, 31, grew up in Cedar Falls before relocating to Houston, Texas, while Arianna, 23, has remained in the community where they were raised.
For Imonee, opening the studio feels like a full-circle moment.
“I used to go to Balance Hot Yoga that was in this building, and now it’s ours,” Imonee said. “I never would have thought that I was going to do this.”
While owning a business together may not have been a childhood dream, the sisters admit their paths have often mirrored each other’s.
“With my sister being nine years older than me, I kind of copy everything that she does,” Arianna said. “She inspires me a lot.”
After watching Imonee build a career in the beauty industry, Arianna attended cosmetology school in Atlanta, then returned to Cedar Falls, where she now works full-time as a nail technician.
“I could have seen it coming,” said Arianna. “I kind of do everything she does, but it was surprising at the same time.”
Inspired by Houston, re-imagined for Cedar Falls
The idea for ALIGN was born after the sisters discovered fitness studios while spending time together in Houston.
“I had mentioned the idea to her because I knew Cedar Falls didn’t have anything like it, and I figured it would do really well here,” said Imonee.
At first, Arianna wasn’t familiar with reformer-based fitness classes, but after trying them alongside her sister, she quickly became a fan.
“There was this place in Houston that was a coffee shop and Pilates studio, and we thought that was super cool,” said Arianna. “That would be great, especially in an area like College Hill.”
Finding the right location in Cedar Falls happened almost unexpectedly.
“Everything kind of just worked itself out because once she came and saw the building, she loved it,” said Arianna.
The first property they looked at became the future home of ALIGN.
“Everything was perfectly set up, and when we toured the space, it felt even better,” said Arianna.
More than traditional Pilates
While Pilates is at the core of ALIGN’s offering, the sisters emphasize that the experience differs from what many people expect.
“It’s not like a classic Pilates class,” said Imonee, noting that many participants who have taken reformer classes elsewhere describe ALIGN’s format as completely different.
The studio combines principles of Pilates with Lagree training, a strength-focused method designed to challenge muscles through slow, controlled movement. Classes often push participants toward the second stage of muscle fatigue, creating a low-impact but highly effective workout.
ALIGN currently offers five class formats ranging from beginner-friendly sessions to advanced workouts. The intro class is designed to teach foundational movements and machine basics. Full50 classes are full-body, low-impact, high-intensity workouts. Upper50 and Lower50 classes focus on targeted strength training while keeping the core engaged. A Sculpt class is mat-based and blends Pilates and strength training. A Hot Sculpt class takes place in a heated room to increase flexibility, circulation and intensity.
All classes are taught in a dark, club-style environment featuring immersive lighting and high-energy music.
“We want every member to feel supported, confident and capable,” the sisters said. “Whether someone is brand new or advanced, there’s a place for them here.”
Fitness rooted in personal experience
Fitness has long been a part of the sisters’ lives. As athletes growing up, they developed a passion for movement that eventually evolved into strength training.
For Imonee, however, Pilates became a way to reconnect with herself.
During each of her pregnancies, painful ovarian cysts forced her to stop working out. Following the birth of her third child, she found herself struggling with basic movements.
“I had trouble lifting my legs, and even walking up the stairs felt impossible,” she said.
In early 2023, she discovered mat Pilates as a way to rebuild her core and pelvic floor strength. She then enrolled in her first reformer class, where she immediately fell in love.
The experience helped shape her idea for ALIGN.
Building a community through fitness
Although ALIGN officially opened its doors on June 15, the studio had already begun building momentum through private mock classes.
The responses exceeded the sisters’ expectations.
An open house held on June 14 attracted more than 200 attendees — double the number anticipated.
“Our RSVP list cut off at 100 people,” said Arianna. “We definitely weren’t expecting over 200.”
The sisters have also established partnerships with 15 local businesses and featured several local vendors during the grand opening event.
“What I really love is that all of the partnerships that we’re doing are also diverse, and we put an emphasis on women-owned businesses,” said Arianna.
For both owners, the community’s enthusiasm has been one of the most rewarding aspects of the journey.
“It’s been my favorite thing to see and hear how excited other people are,” said Arianna. “People are very thankful we brought this to Cedar Falls.”
For Imonee, the positive feedback has validated years of planning.
“We’ve been working on it for so long, and there’s a lot that has to be done behind the scenes,” she said. “The reactions so far just reassure me that this is what we’re supposed to be doing.”
Representation matters
As young women of color opening a fitness studio in the Cedar Valley, the sisters say inclusivity was never an afterthought but part of its foundation.
“We make an effort to make sure that we are including everyone, and that’s not just skin color but all shapes and sizes as well,” said Imonee.
She noted that many fitness environments can feel intimidating, especially for beginners or people who don’t see themselves represented.
“Sometimes they’re not the most welcoming,” Imonee said. “We felt it was important for Cedar Falls and for my kids to have an example of representation and why it matters.”
That commitment is visible throughout the studio’s branding and marketing materials, which prominently feature diverse individuals, including women of color.
“We make it a big deal to have diversity in all of our marketing because we want every single person to feel welcome,” said Arianna.
As ALIGN begins its first summer in business, the sisters hope the studio becomes more than a place to exercise. They envision it as a community gathering space where people can challenge themselves and build confidence.
“I think the community we’ve already built has been great,” said Imonee. “When people leave the workout room, they’re so happy about it. We’re doing something positive, and that’s been filling my cup because what more can you honestly ask for?”