Stretch

Yoga is in short supply in East London, it seems (why?! Don’t we hair-​addled hipsters need a little yoga check sometimes?! YES. We do.) I’m always on the hunt for a bright airy studio with a welcoming vibe to de-​stress and yoga up. It’s not very easy, I’m telling ya.
Never to fear, Stretch has loosened its limber limbs into a quaint street level studio on Columbia Road. It’s very non-​judgy, which is paramount. Hardwood floors. Windows on both ends. It’s grassroots feeling, the investment goes into the yoga here, dears.
I’ve recently joined ClassPass (£79/​month) which has encouraged me to check out new options for fitness with their unlimited monthly pass. I popped over to Stretch on a recent rainy Wednesday morning for a Dynamic Yoga session with *Carl.
*You’ll walk directly into the studio upon entering. (so, shhhhhhh!)
*Very small toilet at back of studio if changing room is needed, I suggest coming ready to go.
*Mats provided (spray and wipe post use to be a good yogi citizen)
The woman at the front was a bit (very frosty) and despite being new to the studio I was not acknowledged or welcomed or asked if I needed anything. This is always a bit strange, but it’s all very straightforward so not to worry. I do not need someone faking cheer to me, but a calm and collected presence to greet you and welcome you in is definitely valued. This is my only point of feedback for the studio.
The mats are laid out, you’ll select one (it can get a bit tight but they don’t overjam it) — then your class will begin. The Dynamic Yoga was a lovely 1 hour diversion from the chaos of real life. Carl is very skilled and a great balance of strong and calming, challenging, yet zen. Very nice. I will definitely attend again. It is suitable for beginners, modifications given.
Ideal would be a Sunday morning class followed by the Flower Market — total bliss trip your life out, East Londoners.
They have relatively inexpensive packages (and a new face intro offer for 10 days unlimited for £25 at both the Ada Street location and Columbia Road)…so definitely check it out if you are looking for a yoga home or just a place to drop in every once in awhile and gain some stability, literally and figuratively:
*About Carl: Strong, precise flows. Carl is the founder of Stretch and the main boss man, with 7 years of passionate and encouraging teaching experience, set to the best possible music. A big fan of strong, sweaty, flowing, alignment-​based sequencing, accompanied by some deep, bass-​heavy electronica…