About The Big Stretch

strengthen your body, nurture your soul and lift your spirit

A small, intimate yoga centre that opened its doors in 1999, The Big Stretch is a warm, welcoming space that offers hatha yoga classes to all age groups. With candles and music, and a small group of instructors, classes are tailored to the dynamics of the group attending. Instructors focus on each student and his or her needs, challenges or injuries. The Big Stretch also offers corporate yoga, workshops and yoga retreats.

Hatha yoga is a gentle, yet effective yoga practice that enhances your health and well-being. The simple breathing, stretching and muscle relaxation techniques relieve various symptoms of stress, including tension headaches, fatigue, anxiety,
back-pain, depression and insomnia.

In our classes, we slow down from our hectic schedules, allowing the breath to flow through the postures. Create balance by uniting opposites - effort and grace, stability and fluidity, strength and softness. Rather than just exercising, we can begin to connect the breath with body and mind, directing our attention inward.

Mats, blankets, bolsters, blocks, straps, zafus and eye pillows are provided for your support, comfort and convenience. Inspiring music and candles, warm, earthy hardwood floors, large windows and soothing blue walls create a gentle and relaxing atmosphere.

"One of the reasons I like going to The Big Stretch is because of Joanne herself. I've been to other yoga classes that were intimidating or pretentious, and almost made me give up on yoga. But Joanne makes yoga fun, and encourages you to go at your own pace -- I've been going for 10 years now. And The Big Stretch studio is the perfect setting for a yoga class -- you feel relaxed the second you walk in the door." ~ Vawn Himmelsbach

"Thank you for another great yoga class yesterday. Whenever I make the time to come and visit, I'm always rewarded and leave more relaxed, more refreshed and more limber than when I came in." ~ Stefan Lehmann, Victoria, B.C.

"More than just a way to alleviate the symptoms of stress, Joanne is teaching a way to improve work habits and employee satisfaction. She knows the language and the nature of office stress, but most of all she knows how to relax." ~ Ascent Magazine