Overview
Vella Yoga, in Uptown Marion, Iowa, is a welcoming studio founded by Stephanie Neighbor Kubik, a seasoned instructor with multiple yoga teacher trainings, Pilates certification, and health coaching credentials. The studio offers a wide variety of classes for all levels, including beginner series, gentle yoga, functional fitness, restorative yoga with sound massage, strength and stretch, sunrise and Sunday selah yoga, and meditation series. Drop-ins are always welcome without prior booking, and flexible punch cards accommodate irregular schedules. The atmosphere is inclusive and affirming, with instructors providing modifications to suit every body and ability. Virtual class options are available, and the studio emphasizes community, mindfulness, and personal growth. Reviews highlight the supportive environment, accommodating teachers, and the studio’s role as a local wellness hub. Vella Yoga aims to help visitors feel strong, centered, and connected—on and off the mat.
Yoga Format
Yoga Styles
Studio Amenities
Studio Business Hours
| Day | Status | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Closed | – |
| Tuesday | Open | 10:00 am – 8:00 pm |
| Wednesday | Open | 7:30 am – 7:00 pm |
| Thursday | Open | 10:00 am – 11:00 am |
| Friday | Closed | – |
| Saturday | Open | 8:00 am – 10:30 am |
| Sunday | Open | 10:00 am – 6:30 pm |
Studio in Details
Overview
Vella Yoga is a community-centered studio located in Uptown Marion, Iowa, founded by Stephanie Neighbor Kubik. The studio’s name means “beautiful” in Italian, reflecting its mission to help every visitor feel centered, strong, and radiant. Stephanie brings extensive training to her teaching, including two 200-hour yoga teacher trainings, a 300-hour master teacher training in yoga therapy, mat Pilates certification, and a health coaching credential. She works alongside a team of dedicated instructors, each bringing a unique, heart-centered approach. The studio welcomes men and women of all ages and abilities, emphasizing that yoga is for every body.
Classes & Approach
Vella offers a broad range of classes designed for diverse needs and skill levels. Drop-in attendance is welcome—no advance booking required, though class passes and punch cards are available for flexibility. Offerings include a Beginner Yoga Series that builds foundational alignment over three weeks, Gentle Yoga with slow movement and longer holds, Functional Fitness blending yoga, Pilates, strength training, and somatic movement (especially for women over 40), and Restorative Yoga with Sound Massage combining supported postures with individualized sound bowl work. Other classes include Strength & Stretch, Sunrise Yoga on Saturdays, Sunday Selah Yoga for gentle week-opening practice, and Monday Movement, which rotates between Pilates, barre, and yoga. A SEED Meditation series introduces accessible mindfulness techniques. All classes provide modifications to suit every level, from newcomers to experienced practitioners.
Visitor Experience
The studio cultivates a warm, inclusive atmosphere where visitors feel immediately at ease. Reviewers consistently praise the supportive instruction and willingness to offer accommodations—whether through pose modifications, virtual attendance options during the pandemic, or simply a welcoming demeanor. The punch card system appeals to those with irregular schedules, allowing them to attend when available without a commitment. Students note the studio’s role as a “respite” and “home away from home,” with instructors like Ellie bringing motivational quotes and relatable stories. The space is described as affirming for all body types and experience levels, making it a pillar of wellness in the Marion community. Vella’s emphasis on community, self-discovery, and mindful movement ensures that every visit leaves participants feeling grounded, recharged, and genuinely supported.