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.

"Since my first yoga class, I just knew I had found my perfect, calming studio to practice yoga. Right from the start, when I entered The Big Stretch Yoga Centre, to the final relaxation. It has a very friendly community and has that "Joie De Vivre" atmosphere. The teacher has a soothing, calming voice that takes you to your place away in paradise. I wouldn't dream of practicing yoga anywhere else. There's no other yoga studio that I'd rather stretch, breath and relax in. Om and Namaste." ~ Judy Wyatt

"Congratulations Joanne! Here's to you for gently holding and breathing life every day into your Big Stretch vision, which sustains all of us who practice with you. You are an inspiring yoga teacher, businesswoman, citizen and human being. You'll be humbly embarrassed that I said all of that but it's true! Namaste." ~ Cheryl Sylvester

"Happy 23rd Anniversary! From the studio on Bayview Avenue, to zoom classes in BC, you've helped me recover from back surgery, regain flexibility and strength and learn to value the Exhale! Words can't express my gratitude." ~ Marlane A.