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.

"Joanne, congratulations on achieving this wonderful milestone! You are fabulous and your wonderful spirit and energy creates your special yoga studio and fills it with love, compassion and healing energy. My best to you and may the next 15 + years be as wonderful. Hugs and namaste." ~ Dianne P.

"Thanks so much Joanne for the lovely New Year's Day session. It was so relaxing and set me up for the year." ~ Kara

"After attending many studios, The Big Stretch is one of my favourites. It is a very open, spacious and soothing space. It is not super-trendy, it is not in it for the money, it is here for you. I don't get to The Big Stretch as often as I like, but over the past five years I have enjoyed every class I attend. Joanne has a beautiful, gentle style that offers you several levels of challenge for each pose. Joanne is also very flexible and generous with the time allowed to use multi-class passes which is very much appreciated." ~ Sue Lynn Chong