MANKATO — Kelly Meyers remembers when she was the only person in the room.
As the first member of Ember Wellness Studio in 2023, she initially joined to support owner Nicole Panko, but over time she witnessed the studio evolve into a growing wellness hub with waitlists, expanded classes and a larger, more dynamic space.
“It only held around eight, and it was just amazing how quickly she outgrew that,” Meyers said of the studio’s previous location. “It just speaks to why Ember is so different. People want this community. It’s not just the workout. It’s really the community aspect that brings it all together.”
That growth has culminated in a recent expansion and a broader vision for holistic health in the Mankato area.
The studio officially moved into its new location at 611 N. Riverfront Drive after purchasing the building in late June and completing renovations over several months, opening just before Christmas, Panko said. The transition followed a period of steady growth at the previous, smaller studio next door, which had capacity for about six participants per class. The new space now accommodates between 12 and 14 people per session, allowing for increased accessibility and more robust class offerings.
The expansion was not originally planned but unfolded organically. With a background in interior design, Panko recognized the potential of the next door building when it became available. Despite logistical challenges, including an existing lease, she and her husband moved forward with the purchase and completed much of the renovation work themselves.
The new space was designed to maintain the same atmosphere as the original studio while expanding its capabilities. Panko said that some returning clients did not even immediately realize the business had relocated, reflecting an intentional effort to preserve the studio’s familiar environment.
“It’s so fun to see the friendships blossom,” she said. “Everybody’s super welcoming and it’s a judgment-free zone. It doesn’t matter what you’re wearing. You don’t have to have a matching set. Come as you are.”
At the same time, the upgraded facility introduced new features, including additional Pilates reformer machines and permanent barre installations, replacing temporary setups used in the previous location.
The expansion also allowed for an increase in class offerings, particularly in Pilates, which Panko identified as the most in-demand service. The space now holds four stationary reformer machines.
Panko described mat Pilates as a structured practice rooted in traditional techniques developed by Joseph Pilates, emphasizing specific exercises performed regularly. Reformer Pilates, originally designed as an assistive tool, has evolved into a versatile resistance-based workout that can be adapted to different fitness levels through adjustable spring tension, she said.
“He (Pilates) designed them to be beneficial to everyday life,” Panko said. “Like getting out of your car, carrying a laundry basket, getting something off the top shelf, all that stuff would just naturally be easier.”
The studio continues to offer a range of classes, including mat and reformer Pilates, barre, yoga, dance-based fitness and specialized/private sessions.
Member Lelia Leonhardt, said she began attending classes out of curiosity and the opportunity to engage with different instructors and experience diverse approaches has been a game-changer.
Instructor Jasmine Poupore, who teaches barre classes, said the larger space has changed the dynamic of her sessions, allowing for higher energy and increased participation while still feeling personal and intimate. Class sizes have doubled which contributes to a more lively atmosphere.
“It feeds your soul in such a different way,” she said. “Being with a community and doing something that everyone has a set mind on is really awesome, and that can help with so many things other than just your physical body. It’s your mind and your soul.”
Studio membership has grown alongside its physical expansion. Panko said there are approximately 50 active members on subscription plans, in addition to 30 to 40 clients using class packages and others attending on a drop-in basis. Class schedules are currently concentrated in early morning and evening hours, though the studio has the capacity to add more daytime sessions as demand increases.
With seven regular instructors, along with rotating contributors who teach periodically, Panko emphasized the importance of selecting instructors whose training and approach align with Ember’s holistic philosophy.
Allegra Kay, a holistic esthetician who operates her business within the studio, indicated that the shared space fosters both professional collaboration and personal connection. She described Ember as a setting that supports independent work while offering opportunities to learn about health and happiness.
“Wellness is a word that’s used a lot, but this is true wellness when it comes to community,” Kay said.
Beyond fitness classes, Ember Wellness Studio offers a range of services designed to support physical and mental health. These include infrared sauna sessions, dry salt therapy, pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) mat treatments and chromotherapy. Panko described these services as part of a broader approach to wellness that incorporates movement, recovery and environmental factors such as clean products and mindful living.
Panko traced the origins of Ember Wellness Studio to her previous business as a salon owner, where she began incorporating wellness products into retail offerings. Encouraged by a colleague, she developed the concept into a standalone business focused on holistic health. Over time, the studio expanded its services and built a network of instructors and practitioners aligned with its mission.
A resource network known as the Collective connects clients with independent wellness practitioners. Panko described this initiative as an extension of her personal experiences with various healing modalities and a way to provide trusted referrals.
For members like Meyers, the studio’s growth has been closely tied to its sense of community. She observed that while early classes sometimes had only one or two participants, the current environment includes consistent attendance and strong connections.
“Ember is really good at celebrating milestones,” Meyers said. “When we have big milestones like hitting the 100th class, it’s a big deal to everyone in the class. And so it’s really just a fun way to get together with friends, and you leave feeling good. It’s a win, win.”
As the studio continues to expand, Panko identified future goals that include increasing membership, adding more classes and responding to evolving client needs. While the studio’s offerings have grown, she said its core focus remains on creating a welcoming environment that supports overall well-being.
“Getting in touch with our bodies, it really is life changing once you get into that habit,” she said.
From its beginnings as a small, intimate space to its current role as a multi-faceted wellness center, the atmosphere is shaped by its founder, instructors and members alike, who all agree that it may be a new space, but Ember Wellness Studio still has the same soul.