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. 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.
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. 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.
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Active relaxation through mindful movement and being in the moment, our classes allow you to tap into your grace, strength and poise. Find the balance between effort and grace, stability and strength. Connect with your authentic self. Classes are instructed in a flowing style with breathing and mindfulness incorporating an eclectic mix of hatha asana with influences from various teaching philosophies.
The Big Stretch's next Big Retreat is currently being planned for you. During this fabulous weekend you will either begin or deepen your practice of yoga with daily asana, pranayama and meditation classes.
Free time to swim in the lake (or build a snowman, depending on the season), enjoy an old-fashioned bonfire, reconnect with nature on a hike or just lay back, relax and enjoy the views will complement this time of learning, healing and rejuvenation.Legendary vegetarian meals will be prepared for you.
Free time to swim in the lake (or build a snowman, depending on the season), enjoy an old-fashioned bonfire, reconnect with nature on a hike or just lay back, relax and enjoy the views will complement this time of learning, healing and rejuvenation.Legendary vegetarian meals will be prepared for you.
The Big Stretch's director, Joanne Lowe, worked at a thriving Toronto advertising agency as an account executive within the corporate financial sector, in charge of coordinating complex and complicated multi-component marketing programs for some of Canada's largest banks. After leaving the ad agency to become a full-time yoga instructor, Joanne returned to her roots in the corporate sector by developing a program called Yoga@Work.
This is the section of the website devoted to news, tips, special offers and to recognize the members of the Big Stretch community. The Plough pose (Halasana in Sanskrit) is a continuation of Shoulderstand. Hala means plough, the shape which this asana or posture resembles. If you are new to yoga or not as flexible you can bend your knees and rest them on or close to your head, or let your feet rest on a chair or bolster behind you.
Our exclusive offer for new students - 30 consecutive days for $70 (includes tax).> 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.>
Reviews (10)
Marlane Allen
Oct 02, 2021
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Maria Milanetti
Jan 17, 2021
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Erin F.
Dec 04, 2019
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I first started to come here when they were located on Bayview Avenue, now that they moved to Broadview I make the trek out there. It's worth the extra travel time. This yoga is relaxing and fit to your stretching ability. Joanne is lovely and accommodating and such a pleasure to be around. In the short time I have been coming here my body feels the benefits!
Libbie Oag
Jul 29, 2019
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Emily Boros-Rausch
Jan 26, 2019
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Irina Fortey
Sep 28, 2017
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Nisha Batra
Jul 10, 2017
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Judy D. Lowe-Wyatt
Sep 21, 2016
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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. :)
Irina Fortey
Mar 15, 2016
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Maria Milanetti
Jan 19, 2016
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Big Stretch is a great space with a fantastic yoga instructor in Joanne. She is so talented and calming, and she connects with her class in a very peaceful and health affirming way. If you haven't tried it you… should seriously consider it. Eleven years ago she convinced me that doing yoga was possible for me, and I haven't looked back!
