About Us

Our History

Born in Marshall, Missouri.

Arc and Oak Pilates | Mat & Reformer Studio was founded by Cristina Porter.

As the owner and instructor behind Arc & Oak Pilates, Cristina believes movement should make you feel stronger, more confident, and more connected to yourself. After discovering Pilates during her own wellness journey, she knew she wanted to create a space where women could come as they are, feel supported, and build strength at their own pace.

With a warm, encouraging approach to teaching, Cristina loves helping each client find confidence in what their body can do—whether they’re brand new to Pilates or have been practicing for years. For her, Arc + Oak is about more than the workout; it’s about creating a community where women feel welcomed, cared for, and proud of showing up for themselves.

Welcome To

Meet the Founder:

Cristina
Porter

The Experience

Move and grow. Experience a mind-body connection with an inviting environment where everyone is welcome to grow stronger, together.

The Studio

Arc & Oak Pilates is located in the heart of Marshall, Missouri. A Mat & Reformer Studio that is available to all Saline County and more.

Work With Us

Get to know us

    • A Personalized, Welcoming Path. Every body moves differently, especially across different generations. We adapt to your session or level-specific class.

    • Functional, Mindful Movement. You will learn the exact fundamentals of alignment, discovering how to create a balanced, safe, and powerful foundation on both the mat and the reformer.

    • An Approachable, Clear Teaching Style. No intimidating fitness jargon—just simple, encouraging guidance so you understand what you're doing and why it matters.

    • Sustainable, Lifelong Progress. We don't chase quick fixes or high-stress burnouts. We focus on building deep roots of strength, restoring lost joint mobility, sharpening your daily balance, and giving you back the freedom to move pain-free.

    • A Community. Arc and Oak is a completely judgment-free, warm space designed for locals. Here, university students, busy professionals, and grandparents are equally celebrated, supported, and welcomed.

    • Elite Pilates in Saline County: State-of-the-art Reformer, Mat, and Hot Reformer Pilates equipment and training right here in Marshall, so no need of travelling to major cities.

    • Diverse, Inclusive Modalities: A lineup built for everyone, including Level-Specific onboarding classes, and supportive Girls-Only sessions.

    • Strength for Every Single Generation: Custom programming from university athletes to masters getting their physical confidence back.

    • Seamless, Modern Booking: Incredibly easy to view schedules, booking, memberships management, or buy gift cards in seconds.

    • The Community Behind: A warm, inviting boutique environment envisioned by local Cristina Porter, where you are known by name and supported at every fitness level.

    • Improved Posture & Alignment

    • A Stronger, More Integrated Core

    • Reduced Pain & Muscular Tension

    • Enhanced Mobility

    • Heightened Mind-Body Awareness

    • Elevated Athletic & Daily Performance

Get Started

  • "Their attention to detail and commitment" to quality truly stood out. We’ve already recommended them to others.

    —Former Customer

  • "Creative, reliable, and genuinely passionate about what they do."

    —Former Customer

  • "A professional team that delivers on their promises."

    —Former Customer

  • "Every detail was thoughtfully executed. We're thrilled with the outcome."

    —Former Customer