STRETCH Studio of Houston — Local services in Houston

What is peace and tranquility? What does that mean in the middle of a hustling, bustling city like Houston? I visited Stretch Studio back in June for the 1st time almost as soon as they opened. I went for a Saturday morning yoga class with 7 other people, delighting in the calm, serene atmosphere of the studio. The sounds of Montrose Boulevard faded away once I stepped through the front door, where I was greeted by Krista, one of the sister-owners. She was very warm and conversational during the check-in process, after which she shepherded me to personal lockers and then the yoga studio. The teacher, Kathy was a fantastic instructor to have for a morning class. She initiated with an intention for us to focus on the purpose of our being in a Saturday morning yoga session: were we looking for peace, were we looking for improving our practice, were we there because of someone else. This centered my mind prior to the yoga class. Kathy slowly guided us through all the various positions, with special attention paid to holding good form, de-stressing our muscles, and breathing for better control & focus. I finished class feeling like my muscles were warmed up and my mind calm. As I departed class, the other sister-owner Kobra passed out lavender-soaked hand towels to each attendee. This helped cool down my face as well as deliver a relaxing essential oil aroma as I retrieved my belongings and started on my day.

After a few months of sticking to yoga, I decided I’d try Stretch Studio’s pilates class. This class was considerably smaller, with only 3 other people in the weekday class. The instructor Lexi was an energetic sprite who was very accommodating to my complete bumbling through my first class. She asked me a few questions about my capabilities so she would know my limits. Then she gave me a run-down of the Wood Reformer Pilates Machine I’d be using during class. Once the class began, Lexi kept an eye on me. I eyed the experienced attendees so I could match their form for the different exercises. Lexi would only to course-correct when my form was particularly egregious. But she should tell I was figuring it out on my own, pairing her verbal descriptions with visual of looking around and then feeling the muscle group engaged with each exercise. I felt supported the entire time and the extra attention was really helpful. Despite the fact that Stretch Studio sits in the middle of the busy terrain of Montrose, I have found a corner of the earth where I can do yoga or pilates with confidence that I’ll be...

I finally found it - the perfect stretch in Houston. I had been looking for a really good full-body stretch class. Tried restorative yoga at two or three yoga studios, tried one of those storefront stretch places. Nothing was quite right. Then I found Stretch. I am so thrilled.

At first I was concerned about the drive. I live in West Houston. But I avoid scheduling classes during rush hour traffic, and the drive is really no big deal. It takes me no more than 15 minutes to get there, and it is worth every minute.

If you are looking for a really great and relaxing stretch class, this is it. Kobra gently guides you through a series (always a different series) of deep stretches. And while many are technically yoga poses (frog, pidgeon and cobra, to name a few) -- and the class is called a Yoga class -- it's not so much about posing as it is about getting a really good stretch. Classes are kept very small, the atmosphere is beautiful, and Kobra (and her sister, Krista, who co-own the studio) are extremely welcoming and nurturing.

I have taken five stretch classes there now and have noticed that my lower back, which is chronically stiff, is looser. I feel better.

The studio also features pilates and indoor cycling, in clean, well-equipped rooms, both of which I intend to try.

If you are looking for a new gym home, read the other reviews and try Stretch. There's a new client special - one of each of the three classes (yoga, pilates and cycling) for $45....

As a new person to Montrose, from the UK firstly i wanted to say what a great welcome i got from Krista and Kobra. As well as being extremely knowledgeable about what they are doing at Stretch they are really warm and welcoming and were able to explain everything to me clearly. I have had private Pilates lessons with both Krista and Korba and they both pushed me just enough to get the most from sessions. I have had to change many of my appointments due to having to return at short notice to the UK and they have been really understanding. Looking forward to resuming my private lessons and starting group classes. Also the surroundings at Stretch are amazing, it has a real serenity and calmness about it, just like walking into a spa. Thank you Stretch,...