Monday, February 6, 2012


Today's Classes


Gentle / Big Stretch Yoga
10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Instructor: Joanne Lowe




Gentle Stretch Yoga
05:45 PM - 07:00 PM
Instructor: Joanne Lowe




Big Stretch Yoga
07:15 PM - 08:30 PM
Instructor: Joanne Lowe




Retreats & Workshops


Candlelight Restorative Yoga in February - SOLD OUT!!!
Feb 1 to Feb 22, 2012




Earth Hour Yoga Class Fundraiser for WWF
Mar 31, 2012




Candlelight Restorative Yoga in April
Apr 4 to Apr 25, 2012




News


2012 Yogathon for Schizophrenia
[posted:2012-01-27]




New Deluxe Mini Bolsters for sale
[posted:2012-01-14]




Beautiful Eye Pillows
[posted:2012-01-14]




Recent Features


Triangle Pose - Trikonasana
Yoga Tip of the Month
[posted:2012-01-14]




Practicing Peace - yoga class etiquette
Yoga Tip of the Month
[posted:2012-01-14]




Helen Younder is our Yogini of the Month
Yogis/Yoginis of the Month
[posted:2011-10-07]




Classes

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.

All hatha yoga classes include pranayama (yogic breath), asana (physical postures), mudras (hand gestures) and savasana (final relaxation). Classes are instructed in a flowing style with breathing and mindfulness incorporating an eclectic mix of hatha asana with influences from various teaching philosophies. Mats, blankets, blocks, bolsters, zafus and eye pillows are provided for your comfort, support and convenience.

New or returning to yoga? The actual physical poses or "asanas" are only one element of a yoga practice. Pranayama or breath work, guided relaxation and the occasional laugh are all part of the greater picture of healing body, mind and spirit.

At The Big Stretch, everyone is encouraged to go at his or her own pace. Even on your best day, you may feel like taking it easy. We encourage you to listen to your body and respect the messages it is giving you. Each person is different, and we can provide variations and modifications to help you relax your body and satisfy any healing requirements.

Not very flexible? Don't worry, it will come. You don't need to be flexible to begin a yoga practice, just like you don't need to be a black belt to begin karate classes. Success in yoga is not measured by your flexibility, but by the ability to draw your mind inwards and feel what is happening inside your body.

For your first time, wear loose, comfortable clothing and arrive 15 minutes early to fill out a small form.

  • All classes are ongoing drop-in style unless pre-registration is indicated.
  • Classes are pregnancy-friendly, as all of our instructors are certified in pre- and post-natal yoga.
  • You may join any pre-registered class already in progress if there is space. Please call ahead. Fees will be pro-rated




Class Fees
Pay as you go or save money by purchasing one of our convenient pre-paid class packages. Prices include HST.

First class $10
1 Class $17
5 classes $75
10 classes $140
20 classes $255
Big Stretch Big Deal
50 classes $580


Expiry: 5, and 10 pre-paid classes expire one year from date of purchase.
20 and 50 pre-paid classes expire two years from date of purchase.

Seniors & Students - 10% off (Students must be in full-time attendance at a high school or post-secondary institution. Seniors 65+)

THE BIG STRETCH ACCEPTS CASH OR CHEQUES ONLY.

Office Hours: Reception hours are in keeping with the class schedule. We are open 15 minutes before each class. Please arrive early to settle your account or to register if it is your first visit.











Class Descriptions

Gentle Stretch Yoga
Deepen the breath, stretch, relax and refresh, in this simple Hatha class. Ideal for beginners, those who are easing back into shape, recovering from illness or injury or just want to take it easy. May also include restorative postures using props to support the practice.




Big Stretch Yoga
The Centre's signature class is suitable for many. This Hatha class Integrates the breath with an extensive variety of postures to increase strength and flexiblity, bringing balance, while calming the mind. Variations of poses will be presented to meet students' individual needs.




Early Bird Yoga - 12 weeks beginning February 1st
Celebrate the beginning of a new day in the quiet and stillness of the morning.

The Centre's signature class is suitable for many. This Hatha class integrates the breath with an extensive variety of postures to increase strength and flexibility, bringing balance, while calming the mind.

Our 12 week series of yoga classes begins Wednesday, February 1st and is $180. Please register in advance to reserve your space. The class may be joined in session if there is space available. Fees will be pro-rated - call ahead to confirm if there is space.




Gentle / Big Stretch Yoga
While this Hatha class is instructed in a gentle manner with simple postures (see description for Gentle Stretch Yoga), the instructor offers variations of postures and suggestions for the more advanced student who may want to drop-in at their convenience.




Candlelight Restorative Yoga - Feb. and April (please pre-register)
Gentle, supported postures help to restore movement and flexibility to your body. Assisted by the use of props such as the wall, a bolster or folded blankets, poses are held for longer periods of time, allowing you to let go of long-held tensions that manifest both physically and mentally. This deeply relaxing and soothing class is suitable for beginners, people experiencing stress or anxiety and people who are recovering from illness or injury. It is also recommended to anyone, including advanced practitioners seeking a gentle, meditative class.

Pre-registration required. Missed classes are not transferable or refundable. Wednesday nights, 6 - 7:30 pm. 4 week series begins February 1st (until February 22nd) - $85 per session and the April series, runs from April 4th to 25th. Instructor: Joanne Lowe

NOTE: FEBRUARY SESSION IS SOLD OUT








"Congratulations Joanne. You have done an outstanding job and it's been great to have you here for our employees." ~ Lee Zardo, Janssen Ortho





"Yoga is an integral part of my life keeping me centred, calm, and appreciative of the simple things in life. Healing poses stretch the mind and body, not to mention my posture has improved greatly along with my flexibility, which in turn has helped some medical issues. I'm blessed having Joanne in my life as she shares her gift with me and others." ~ Helen Younder





"The fabulous Big Stretch Yoga Centre... blessed, sweet relaxation." ~ Sweetspot.ca