the big stretch YOGA centre 3.09

Strengthen your body, nurture your soul and lift your spirit.

A small, intimate yoga centre that opened its doors in Leaside in 1999, The Big Stretch is a warm, welcoming space that offers hatha yoga classes to all age groups. With 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, tropical plants, and soothing blue walls create a gentle and relaxing atmosphere.

About Joanne Lowe, Director of Stretch: Specializing in seamlessly flowing sequences of asana, Joanne Lowe is a certified yoga instructor with more than 20 years experience in the practice and study of various forms and teaching philosophies of yoga. With an infectious love of asana practice, Joanne's warm, non-judgmental approach, gentle touch and soothing voice will guide you through a creative, ever-changing, well-balanced series of postures. She encourages participants to move slowly, deepen their breath and practice with self-awareness and self-acceptance.