WATERLOO - Don't call it a gym. And don't call it a fitness center. Too intimidating.

And if there's one thing Define Yourself Pilates and Yoga Studio is not, it's intimidating.

The newly opened studio features a cozy atmosphere and class lineup designed with relaxation in mind - with the occasional cardio burst for good measure.

Mandy Taylor, 28, is excited about her new 875-square-foot studio, located at 1040 Alabar Plaza on the lower level beneath Island Paradise Tanning.

"My goal is to offer a completely non-threatening environment," she said.

Construction on the studio began weeks ago, and Taylor and her husband put the finishing touches on the space in early October. They painted, installed the floor and put up soothing decor.

"And we're not even home improvement people," Taylor said, laughing.

A full wall of mirrors gives the illusion of double the space and allows class participants to get a glimpse of their form while exercising.

Taylor will offer a range of classes, including yoga and Pilates for the mind and body, as well as heart-pumping cardio and strength building classes like kick boxing and Butts-N-Guts.

"People, especially women, don't relax enough and take the time for themselves," Taylor said.

There also will be kid-friendly classes, like Playtime and mother/child yoga. At least once a week, Taylor does yoga with her sons, Coby, 4, and Isaac, 2.

Taylor received a bachelor's degree in exercise science from Iowa State University. Pursuing fitness as a career wasn't her original plan, but life takes some funny turns sometimes on the path to self discovery.

"I realized my love for fitness several years ago while working in a bank," Taylor said. "I would consistently get in trouble for talking and laughing too loud and was going out of my mind trying to sit still at a desk all day."

Define Yourself Studio offers the flexibility of no gym membership fees. Instead, fees are on a month-by-month basis, or participants can purchase a punch card good for 10 classes. There also is a drop-in rate for those wanting to try things out.

"I want people to feel comfortable here," Taylor said. "I like that people can go at their own pace and don't have to feel self-conscious. People can be scared if they haven't done something before. This is pretty unintimidating."

Contact Meta Hemenway-Forbes at (319) 291-1483 or meta.hemenway-forbes@wcfcourier.com.

{M3Define Yourself Studio class schedule

Monday - Sunrise yoga, 8:30 a.m.; basic Pilates, 10 a.m.; Pilates/yoga, 6 p.m.; Prenatal/postnatal yoga, 7 p.m.

Tuesday - Boot camp, 5:30 a.m.; Playtime for kids, 10 a.m.; yoga, 4:30 p.m.; sculpting, 5:30 p.m.; kick box and power yoga, 6:30-7:45 p.m.

Wednesday - Power hour, 6 a.m.; sunrise yoga, 8:30 a.m.; basic Pilates, 10 a.m.; Pilates/yoga, 6 p.m.; butts-n-guts, 7 p.m.

Thursday - Boot camp, 5:30 a.m.; mother/child yoga, 10 a.m.; yoga, 4:30 p.m.; sculpting, 5:30 p.m.; kick box and power yoga, 6:30-7:45 p.m.

Friday - Power hour, 6 a.m.