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Surefire Fitness
5 ★★★★★ 85 Google reviews · Tai chi studio in Ames, Iowa
Relaxed, family gym, offering barbell work, group classes and ninja training.
Plan your first class
- Tai Chi for Arthritis & fall prevention gentle, joint-friendly classes — often based on the Arthritis Foundation / Dr. Paul Lam program — that may help with balance and stiffness; check the studio's schedule
- Great for seniors welcoming to older adults, with slow, low-impact movement for balance, mobility and fall prevention
- Beginners welcome all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or flexible to start
- Private lessons one-on-one lessons available — a focused way to learn the form at your own pace; ask about availability and rates
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule surefire-fitness.com — see the live class schedule and book
- Phone (515) 451-5995
Hours
| Monday | 5–7 AM, 9–10 AM, 12–1 PM, 4:30–6:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 5–7 AM, 9–11 AM, 12–1 PM, 4:30–6:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 5–7 AM, 9–11 AM, 12–1 PM, 4:30–7:30 PM |
| Thursday | 5–7 AM, 9–11 AM, 12–1 PM, 4:30–6:30 PM |
| Friday | 5–7 AM, 9–10 AM, 12–1 PM, 4:30–6:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30–10:30 AM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I've never done a "group fitness" program before and was a little hesitant about the group format, as I've always trained on my own or with one other person.”
“I've been attending a 60+ group fitness class with Feli, owner of Surefire Fitness and a once a week private class since the pandemic.”
What students say
“Surefire workouts are always fun and challenging yet accommodate any fitness level from beginner to advanced athletes.”
“I love the structure of the workouts; there are days (Tues/Thurs) that are focused on strength, and days (M/W/F) that are more cardio-based but also incorporate strength into it.”
“You will find a great community of people here, so it provides that very important social emotional piece as well!”
From the reviews
I would recommend Surefire to anyone who wants to have a training program that will keep them coming back and get results. I did the six week partner challenge at Surefire.
I have been going to Surefire for four years and I love it. I sometimes wonder what took me so long to join. Now, I go every day and am bummed if I miss a day. It is a very fun environment and community. The workouts are challenging but can be modified for any fitness level.
I was not someone who enjoyed working out, and I was definitely NOT someone interested in doing competitive, all-out classes like CrossFit. The “adult PE” perspective of Surefire got me to go, and the community and the instructors got me hooked.
I've been attending a 60+ group fitness class with Feli, owner of Surefire Fitness and a once a week private class since the pandemic. Feli is a PhD in biology and former professor and she leads Surefire with superior knowledge, skill and friendliness.
New to tai chi? Start at Surefire Fitness
Surefire Fitness comes up as a beginner-friendly studio, going by its listing and students' reviews. If you've never tried tai chi, that's exactly who a good beginners class is for. A few things worth knowing before your first session. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — the movements are slow and gentle, you set your own pace, and many can be done seated if standing is hard. Second, there's nothing to buy and nothing to keep up with — wear comfortable clothes and flat, flexible shoes, and simply follow along. Third, all ages and abilities really are welcome — ask whether there's a dedicated beginners or all-levels class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most studios are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first tai chi class at Surefire Fitness
Nervous about walking into a tai chi class for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good instructors expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a gentle warm-up, then learning a few slow movements of the form, step by step — no pressure to get it perfect, and you can rest or sit whenever you need to. What to wear: loose, comfortable clothing you can move in, and flat, flexible shoes (some studios practice in socks or bare feet). What to bring: water, and that's about it — there's no equipment to buy. Arrive a few minutes early to say hello to the instructor and mention it's your first class. It comes together faster than you'd think — most people feel far more at ease by their second or third visit.
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